What is a microbeam laser?

Microbeam laser (fractional laser) is a new laser technology after the traditional laser, photon and RF technology, which utilizes fractional photothermolysis (focal photothermolysis), therefore, it is also called FP technology or FP device. Through a certain device, laser light of a certain wavelength is applied to the skin surface in the form of a microbeam, thus creating many micro treatment areas, stimulating the proliferation of dermal collagen fibers, and improving the texture and skin tone of the skin. Due to the presence of normal skin around the treatment area, the healing time is greatly reduced, thus achieving safe and effective peeling, which is currently the most suitable peeling method for Asian people. It is now successfully used for skin rejuvenation, facial wrinkle removal, treatment of scar (including post-acne scar) and superficial skin lesions, etc. Currently, the most popular FP devices in China are the image beam laser and fractional laser, which are suitable for different conditions because their tissue penetration levels are not consistent. Microbeam lasers have the efficacy of exfoliative lasers, but eliminate the possible serious complications of exfoliative lasers, such as infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation, etc. Because only a certain percentage of the skin surface is treated in each treatment, some parts of the skin that are not affected by the laser like “bridges” are preserved, thus making the treatment safer, more comfortable, and more risky. The healing time is greatly accelerated, the risk is small, and the downtime is short, so many people call it a “weekend treatment”. The micro-beam laser treatment causes many evenly spaced micro-areas of damage on the skin through tiny laser beams, where normal skin tissue exists around the damage area to avoid energy buildup and to promote healing using the surrounding undamaged tissue. Due to the presence of epidermal exfoliation process, superficial skin photoaging lesions are removed, skin tone is improved and discoloration is removed; while the thermal damage response helps to increase collagen synthesis and dermal remodeling. The presence of normal skin around the treatment area makes the repair process of the epidermis much faster and the recovery time shorter, and also makes the risk of postoperative infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation much lower. The intensity of the treatment and the treatment pattern, i.e. the depth of peeling and the percentage of the treated area, can also be adjusted according to the patient’s condition during the treatment. Since collagen fibers take time to synthesize, results gradually appear after 2-4 weeks of treatment, with a significantly higher satisfaction rate at 6 months post-treatment than at 1 month post-treatment. The skin in the treated area gradually becomes smooth, firm and elastic, pores are reduced, pigmentation disappears or fades, superficial scarring improves, and wrinkles become lighter. The pain during the fractional laser treatment is mild and the whole treatment can be tolerated by the average person. Patients with poor tolerance can apply topical anesthetic cream 1-2 hours in advance. Fractional laser treatment is painful and local anesthesia must be used before treatment. There is a mild burning sensation of sunburn for a few hours after treatment, which can be reduced with cold compresses. The erythema lasts for a few hours or days (2-3 days) after the treatment, and mild swelling lasts for 2-3 days, followed by a slight flaking of the skin that lasts for a few days. Therefore, it can be referred to as a weekend treatment, where the treatment is received on a Thursday or Friday and the person can return to work over a weekend. Since only a certain percentage of the skin area is treated at each session, treatment is a gradual process, with a typical course of 3-5 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Depending on the severity of the condition, more treatments may be required, or the next course of treatment may be followed by a period of time (more than six months) after the course of treatment. Generally skin with high water content feels stronger and more effective when treated, and patients with dry skin need more treatments. Indications for microbeam laser treatment: 1, skin rejuvenation: improve uneven skin tone, large pores, rough skin, etc.; 2, skin tightening and wrinkle removal; 3, improve scarring: especially post-acne scarring; 4, photoaging skin: remove superficial pigmentation, increase skin elasticity and glossiness. Patients’ comments on microbeam laser: painless, effective, fast, convenient, long-lasting and safe.