Fractional Laser for Scars and Wrinkles
Part of: Lasers & devices
How ablative and non-ablative lasers differ, what fractional laser treats, how many days of recovery and how many sessions, what care darker skin needs, and how to prepare.
Procedures · 2 min read · August 22, 2026
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Yousef Abo Zarad · German board-certified dermatologist · Last reviewed: September 2026
Key takeaways
- Laser makes scars and wrinkles less noticeable, but it can't remove a scar completely.
- Ablative lasers such as CO₂ are stronger and faster, and need 5 to 7 days at home.
- Non-ablative lasers have almost no downtime, but need more sessions.
- Darker skin is more prone to burns and dark marks after laser, so expertise and settings matter more than the device name.
- Results improve gradually over months.
What is fractional laser?
Instead of treating the whole skin surface at once, a fractional laser delivers energy in tiny columns and leaves healthy skin between them, which helps it heal faster. As the skin heals it makes new collagen and elastin, improving scars, texture and lines.
Ablative or non-ablative?
| Ablative laser (e.g. CO₂) | Non-ablative laser | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Removes a layer of the skin surface | Heats the skin without removing the surface |
| Downtime | Stay home 5 to 7 days | Almost none |
| Sessions | Usually fewer | Several |
| Results | Faster and stronger; tighter skin and fewer wrinkles within 2 weeks of healing | Gradual over 2 to 6 months |
| Risks | Higher, including scarring | Lower |
What does it treat?
- Depressed acne scars.
- Wrinkles and fine lines.
- Sun damage and age spots.
- Uneven skin texture.
- Mild laxity; ablative laser is the strongest option for tightening skin.
What results can you expect?
- Laser makes a scar less noticeable but doesn't remove it completely.
- You often need more than one session, especially with non-ablative laser.
- Improvement can take months and may be subtle at first.
- Laser is often combined with other treatments such as fillers or peels for the best results on scars.
Laser and darker skin
Darker skin is more prone to burns and dark marks after laser. That doesn't rule treatment out; it means the device and settings should be chosen by a dermatologist experienced with darker skin, with good skin preparation and strict sun protection.
CO₂ laser or RF microneedling?
For acne scars, a pooled analysis of studies found that fractional CO₂ gives greater improvement, but with more pain, longer redness and a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. RF microneedling has an easier recovery and is safer for darker skin.
So Dr. Yousef chooses between them based on scar type, skin tone and how much time off work a patient can take.
How to prepare for a session
- Don't have laser without a medical consultation first, and avoid places that offer it without an assessment.
- Avoid tanning and sunburn before treatment.
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before scar treatment.
- Your doctor may ask you to pause retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin E and aspirin.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements; some make skin more sensitive to laser.
After the session
- Follow aftercare instructions closely; they prevent complications and improve results.
- Protect treated skin from the sun while it heals, and afterwards with SPF 30 or higher.
Common questions
- Does laser remove a scar for good? No; it makes it less noticeable.
- How much time off do I need? Usually 5 to 7 days with ablative laser, and often none with non-ablative.
- Is it covered by insurance? Usually not, as it's considered cosmetic.
Medical Evidence
Keep reading on this topic
- To weigh laser against radiofrequency, read CO₂ laser or RF microneedling for acne scars.
- For recovery after fractional CO₂ laser, read how long it takes.
- For microneedling and radiofrequency in detail, see the microneedling and RF guide.
- To choose treatment by scar type, see the acne scars treatment map.