title: [Fractional photothermolysis].
abstract: Fractional photothermolysis (FP) has been recently introduced as a new concept in dermatologic laser medicine. FP employs an array of small laser beams to create many microscopic areas of thermal necrosis within the skin called microscopic treatment zones (MTZ). Even though FP completely destroys the epidermis and dermis within these MTZ, the 3-dimensional pattern of damage heals quickly and with few side effects. FP is currently used to treat fine wrinkles, photodamaged skin, acne scars, and melasma. Due to its clinical efficacy and limited side effects FP has established itself in the past two years as an alternative treatment modality to the conventional ablative and non ablative laser therapy.
authors.affiliation: Hautklinik der Universität Münster, Von-Esmarch-Strasse 58, 48149 Münster, Deutschland. hlaubach@gmail.com
authors.forename: H-J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Laubach
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Manstein
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D008548:Melanosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D012060:Rejuvenation; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000528:radiation effects*