What happens before fractional laser treatment?

The consultation checks whether the planned laser settings suit your concern, skin tone and the area being treated. Your clinician asks about recent tanning, active irritation, cold sores, medicines and previous procedures. They may examine texture, pigmentation, redness or scars and take clinical photographs for comparison. The treatment plan should clarify whether the laser is ablative or non-ablative, how the skin may feel afterwards, and how healing will be supported.

Follow the clinic's instructions about sun exposure and skincare before the appointment. Tell the team about every medicine, supplement and topical product you use, especially products that irritate your skin or affect healing. Arrive with clean skin unless the clinic says otherwise, and arrange practical support if the planned treatment area may be tender or your vision could be affected by protective eyewear. Do not conceal a rash, infection or a history of cold sores; these details can change the timing or preventive plan. Read more about [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/).

Contact the clinic before treatment if you develop a blister, spreading redness, an open sore, fever or a new infection near the treatment area. Also report a recent tan, unexpected medicine change or a cold sore outbreak. These findings may require a revised plan. After any preparation product is applied, seek prompt advice for facial swelling, wheezing, widespread hives or severe eye discomfort.

Ask which laser type is planned, whether numbing cream is needed, how long redness or peeling may last, which products to pause, and what symptoms should trigger a same-day call. If a scar or wound is the concern, ask whether another approach, such as [Skin Graft](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-graft/), is more appropriate.