Mosaic fractional laser: what to know

Fractional laser energy is delivered as a pattern of small treatment columns rather than treating every part of the surface at once. Untreated skin between the columns helps support healing, while the treated zones stimulate repair and collagen change. The clinician chooses wavelength, density and energy according to the concern, area, skin tone and desired downtime.

It may be considered for uneven texture, selected scars, fine lines or colour concerns. A laser can also make post-inflammatory darkening or lightening more noticeable, particularly in some skin tones. The term mosaic describes the delivery pattern; it does not identify one single setting or guarantee a particular result.

Tell the clinician about recent tanning, active infection, cold sores, medicines, abnormal scarring and products that irritate your skin. Follow the plan for sun protection and pausing selected products. After treatment, use the recommended gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. Expect some combination of warmth, redness, swelling, dryness, bronzing or flaking, depending on the settings; do not pick or scrub the treated skin.

Avoid heat and direct sun until the clinician says the barrier has recovered. Progress is judged after healing and may require more than one visit. For scar-focused care, see [Acne Scar Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/acne-scar-laser-treatment/) and [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/).

Contact the treating clinic if redness spreads, pain intensifies, swelling keeps increasing, drainage appears, or the area becomes hot or feverish. Seek prompt review for blistering, severe crusting, significant colour change or a delayed wound. Emergency care is needed for facial swelling with breathing difficulty, faintness, or swelling of the lips or tongue.

Ask which laser wavelength and settings are planned, what concern it is intended to improve, and how your skin tone affects pigment risk. Discuss preparation, expected downtime, aftercare products, sun precautions, treatment spacing and alternatives. Ask how the result will be photographed and when a review should happen. The [Fractional Laser](/technology/fractional-laser/) page explains the technology in broader terms.