Fractional Resurfacing

Fractional resurfacing is a laser based treatment designed to improve skin texture, tone, and visible signs of aging. At Cleaver Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer fractional resurfacing in Cumming and Dawsonville Georgia to help patients address concerns like acne scarring, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. This treatment is a great option when you want noticeable improvement and are comfortable with a short recovery period to support deeper skin renewal.

Fractional skin resurfacing is a laser treatment that delivers light energy into the skin to stimulate collagen renewal and skin remodeling. Traditional resurfacing lasers treat the skin in a more uniform way. Fractional resurfacing works differently by creating many tiny, precise columns of treatment while leaving surrounding skin untouched.

These microscopic treatment zones trigger your body’s natural repair response. As skin heals, new collagen helps fill in and smooth the treated areas, which can improve firmness, soften lines, and refine uneven texture. Because surrounding skin is left intact, fractional resurfacing supports effective results with a more controlled healing process.

Fractional resurfacing is commonly used to improve

• Acne scarring and texture irregularities
• Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
• Hyperpigmentation and blotchy tone
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Rough skin texture and dullness
• Early laxity in select patients

At Cleaver Dermatology and Aesthetics, we use the PICO Genesis FX platform by Cutera for fractional resurfacing treatments, allowing settings to be adjusted based on your skin type, concern, and desired level of correction.

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Patients choose fractional resurfacing because it can create meaningful improvement in both texture and tone, especially when skincare alone is not enough. It is a strong option for patients who want to soften acne scarring, refresh sun damaged skin, and improve fine lines in a single treatment plan.

Many patients also appreciate that results build over time. Fractional resurfacing encourages collagen remodeling, so the skin continues to improve in the weeks and months after treatment. For patients in Cumming and Dawsonville looking for a dermatologist guided approach to skin rejuvenation, fractional resurfacing offers a balance of power, customization, and medically supervised care.

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• Smoother skin texture and refined pores for many patients
• Softened appearance of acne scars and uneven texture
• More even tone and reduced discoloration
• Improvement in fine lines and early wrinkles
• Firmer looking skin as collagen rebuilds
• Brighter, healthier looking complexion over time

What happens during treatment

Fractional resurfacing appointments may take more than an hour depending on whether you are treating the full face or focusing on specific areas. A numbing cream is applied to help minimize discomfort. A gel may be applied to support smooth movement of the treatment handpiece.

During treatment, you may feel warmth or mild heat. Significant pain is not typical, and settings can be adjusted to match your skin’s needs and your comfort level.

Downtime and healing

After treatment, it is common to feel sunburn like warmth for several hours, along with mild redness and swelling. Within three to five days, most redness and swelling improves. Many patients experience a bronzing look within a day or two, followed by flaking or peeling. This is a normal part of the renewal process.

Total downtime is often about a week, and sunscreen is essential during healing. Most patients benefit from a series of treatments spaced about one month apart. Improvements continue to develop gradually over three to four months as collagen remodeling progresses.

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• Avoid tanning, self tanner, and significant sun exposure for at least two weeks before treatment
• Use daily broad spectrum sunscreen leading up to your appointment
• Pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for several days before treatment unless your provider advises otherwise
• Avoid waxing, harsh exfoliation, or strong facial treatments in the week before your appointment
• Tell your provider about recent antibiotics, photosensitizing medications, recent peels, and recent laser treatments
• If you have a history of cold sores and treatment is near the mouth, ask about antiviral prevention
• Arrive with clean skin and avoid makeup, lotions, or oils on the treatment area when possible

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• Expect redness, warmth, and mild swelling and use gentle skincare until skin calms
• Avoid heat exposure, hot showers, saunas, and heavy sweating for 24 to 48 hours or as directed
• Do not pick, scrub, or peel flaking skin since this can increase irritation and pigment risk
• Apply broad spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply as directed
• Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning during the healing window
• Resume active skincare only when your provider says it is safe
• Use a moisturizer and barrier supporting products as recommended to support comfortable healing

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What is fractional resurfacing

Fractional resurfacing is a laser treatment that creates tiny controlled treatment zones in the skin to trigger healing and collagen production. This helps improve texture, tone, scarring, and fine lines over time.

What concerns can fractional resurfacing improve

Fractional resurfacing is commonly used for

• Acne scarring
• Sun damage
• Hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven texture and tone

What does treatment feel like

Most patients feel mild heat or warmth during treatment. A numbing cream is used to improve comfort, and settings can be adjusted based on sensitivity and the area treated.

How much downtime should I expect

Most patients have redness and swelling that improves in three to five days. Bronzing, flaking, and peeling are common. Total downtime is often about a week, depending on treatment intensity and your skin.

How many treatments will I need

Many patients benefit from a series spaced about one month apart. The number of sessions depends on your concerns, the area treated, and how your skin responds.

When will I see results

You may notice early improvement as skin heals, but the most meaningful results develop gradually over the next three to four months as collagen remodeling continues.