Fractionation: past, present, future.

The development of fractional photothermolysis is a milestone in the history of laser technology and cutaneous resurfacing. Based on the concept that skin is treated in a fractional manner, where narrow cylinders of tissue are thermally heated and normal adjacent skin is left unaffected, the fractional devices have shown effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. Since its development, we are becoming more adept at using optimal parameters to induce near carbon dioxide laser benefits with a much more comfortable postoperative period and fewer complications. The future remains bright for fractionated laser devices and with new devices and wavelengths, the applications of this technology continue to grow.