Fractora

Fractora is a newer device that relies on radiofrequency energy and needling that has gained popularity. The concept of facial aging was based on a top down approach of trying to treat the skin and heat the dermis.

Fractora Overview

Fractora: A Bottom-Up Approach to Skin Rejuvenation

Fractora uses radiofrequency energy and tiny treatment pins to improve skin from within the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. This “bottom-up” approach allows the device to heat the skin beneath the surface while minimizing disruption to the outer layer of the skin.

The treatment works through controlled thermal energy, which creates tiny zones of heat within the skin. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response and encourages new collagen production, helping improve skin texture, firmness, fine lines, scars, and overall skin quality.

Fractora uses bipolar radiofrequency technology, meaning energy is delivered through the treatment pins in a precise and controlled way. Because the treatment creates fractional areas of stimulation while leaving surrounding skin untreated, the skin is able to heal more efficiently while still producing meaningful collagen remodeling.

Depth Of Penetration

Fractora treatments can be customized using different tip depths, pin configurations, and coated or uncoated pins. This allows the provider to adjust the treatment based on the patient’s skin concerns, treatment area, and desired level of improvement.

The 60-pin tip typically treats at a more superficial depth, around 0.6–1 mm, and is often used to stimulate the mid-dermis and improve overall skin texture, tone, and mild irregularities.
The 24-pin tip has a longer pin depth of approximately 3 mm and is used to treat deeper, full-thickness dermal concerns. This option can be helpful for more significant skin texture issues, scarring, and deeper wrinkles.

The 24-pin coated tip can reach deeper tissue while helping protect the surface of the skin. Because the coated pins deliver energy deeper while sparing the epidermis, they are often used for thermal stimulation, tissue contraction, and deeper wrinkle treatment. Since the penetration is deeper, the pin density is lower to allow for controlled treatment and safer healing.
Overall, Fractora’s adjustable depth and tip options allow for a highly customized treatment plan that can target both superficial and deeper skin concerns.

Fractora can help improve:

Skin texture
Skin tone
Acne scarring
Fine lines and wrinkles
Tissue tightening
Overall skin firmness and quality

4 Steps of Healing After Fractora

Controlled Treatment
Fractora creates targeted areas of ablation, coagulation, and dermal heating within the skin.
Natural Healing Response
These controlled micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing process and stimulate new collagen production.
Skin Renewal
The treated area begins to re-epithelialize, meaning new surface skin forms, while the body clears damaged tissue through phagocytosis.
Improved Skin Quality
As healing continues, the dermis becomes thicker, more organized, and healthier-looking, leading to improved texture and tone and reduced discoloration.

Fractora FAQ

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How Long Before I See Results After Fractora?

Most patients begin to see results about 4–6 weeks after Fractora treatment, with continued improvement over time as new collagen develops. Results can continue to improve for up to 1 year.

Is All Fractora the Same?

No. Fractora is a radiofrequency microneedling treatment by InMode, but different tip options can be used depending on the patient’s skin concerns and treatment goals. The 24-pin tip penetrates deeper, around 3 mm, and can be used for deeper tissue stimulation. The 60-pin tip treats more superficially and is often used for texture and surface-level concerns. In some cases, both applicators may be used for a more customized treatment.

How Does Fractora Compare to Other RF Microneedling Devices?

Fractora is different from many other radiofrequency microneedling systems because each needle delivers its own energy. This allows for controlled, targeted treatment throughout the skin. Other RF or microneedling devices may treat more superficially, rely on fewer active energy points, or deliver energy differently.

Is Fractora Painful?

Discomfort depends on the depth and energy level used during treatment. Superficial treatments are often very tolerable with topical numbing, while deeper or higher-energy treatments may require local anesthesia or nerve blocks to keep patients comfortable.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used During Fractora Treatment?

Most Fractora treatments use a combination of topical numbing and local anesthesia. Some patients may also benefit from an oral relaxing medication or pain medication depending on the depth of treatment.

What Downtime Should I Expect After Fractora?

Downtime varies based on the tip used, treatment depth, energy level, and whether coated or uncoated pins are selected. Some coated-tip treatments may have little to no downtime, while deeper uncoated treatments may require about 3–4 days of recovery. Because Fractora does not always fully ablate the skin’s surface like traditional lasers, many patients look presentable sooner.

When Can I Work Out After Fractora?

Most patients can return to working out once the skin has healed. For lighter treatments, this may be as soon as 1–2 days after the procedure, but your provider will give you specific instructions based on your treatment depth.

Can Fractora Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. Depending on the patient’s needs, Fractora may be combined with treatments such as IPL, fractionated CO2 laser, or FaceTite to address multiple concerns, including pigmentation, texture, wrinkles, scars, and skin laxity.

Can Darker Skin Types Use Fractora or RF Microneedling?

Yes. Fractora can be an option for darker skin types, especially when coated needles are used. Coated needles help protect the epidermis, which may reduce the risk of surface-level pigment changes compared to more aggressive resurfacing treatments.

Is Fractora Helpful for Acne Scars?

Yes. Fractora can be helpful for acne scars because it stimulates collagen remodeling and can improve both the texture and depth of scarring. Depending on the depth selected, it may also help reduce sebaceous gland activity, which can be beneficial for patients with active acne.

Do I Need Eye Protection During Fractora?

Because Fractora uses radiofrequency energy rather than laser light, patients do not require laser-specific eye protection. Normal safety precautions are still taken when treating areas near the eyes.

Are There Any Contraindications for Fractora?

Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators should not receive Fractora treatment. Patients with connective tissue disorders, autoimmune conditions, or other medical concerns should be evaluated by a provider to determine whether Fractora is appropriate.

How Does Fractora Compare to Fractionated CO2 Laser?

Fractora penetrates deeper into the skin and is often better for deeper tissue tightening and skin laxity. Fractionated CO2 laser is excellent for more superficial skin concerns, including fine lines, sun damage, and texture. In some cases, both treatments may be used together for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Is Fractora Expensive?

The cost of Fractora depends on the treatment area, depth of penetration, energy level, and number of sessions needed. Because each treatment is customized, pricing is best discussed during a consultation.

Can Fractora Be Used on Acne Scar Patients With Active Acne?

Yes. Fractora can be used for patients with acne scarring and active acne. Depending on the treatment settings, it may help reduce oil production while also improving the appearance of acne scars through collagen stimulation and resurfacing.

How Do I Make an Appointment for Fractora?

To schedule a Fractora consultation, patients can contact the office directly or request an appointment online.

Why Choose Dr. Anil Shah?

Dr. Anil Shah, MD, FACS is considered one of the top facial plastic surgeons in Chicago, specializing in rhinoplasty, facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, and eyelid surgery. Known for his refined approach and advanced understanding of facial anatomy, Dr. Shah is trusted by patients seeking natural, balanced, and elegant results.
Dr. Shah has published more than 50 scientific articles in the field of facial plastic surgery, including three landmark articles on facial anatomy that have helped shape the way modern facial plastic surgery is performed. His work reflects a deep commitment to precision, safety, and innovation.
Throughout his career, Dr. Shah has worked with a wide range of patients, including individuals whose appearance is closely tied to their careers, such as models, actresses, public-facing professionals, and socially prominent patients.
Dr. Shah completed his surgical internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago and his Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery residency through Cook County Hospital/Stroger, Children’s Memorial Hospital/Northwestern, Lutheran General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Michael Reese Medical Center.
He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.