Fraxel restore or Fraxel repair for facial scar treatment?

I am 30 years old, 15 years ago I had terrible accident hence post-surgery scars on my face. My main aim is to make these scars look smaller. I have already had several treatments.

One doctor suggested Fraxel re: pair treatment. But I think this is fractional not ablative laser so it will take off only around ¼ of the top skin layers. Is it good solution for my problem then? Because I would like to peel off as much as I can from the very first skin layers of my face.

Another doctor suggested Fraxel re:store instead because it will help my scars blend into a normal skin surrounding it. He said it will stimulate deeper tissue of my skin to transform scars more into a direction that they will look like a normal skin. He also said that my biggest scar on the left hand side above lip will even out with the skin level.

I would be grateful for any suggestions re: this possible solution. Full details and photos are located in my review (link below).

Biggest scar above upper lip on the right

5 answers to “Fraxel restore or Fraxel repair for...”

A: Fraxel Restore does nothing

By Carla R. Retief, MD - Nashville Dermatologist

Fraxel restore is a non cutting laser and has been shown to do nothing for scars. Fraxel repair in the right hands at heavy or deeper setting can help scarring. This laser is a cutting or ablative laser and penetrates deeply enough to potentially help scars. Again, it depends on the setting used and the type... more

A: Lasers are best used in the initial healing phase, before 8 weeks have passed, not now

By Joel Schlessinger, MD - Omaha Dermatologist

While lasers can be extremely helpful (including the re:pair or traditional CO2 lasers) during the immediate period after having had a scar, at the time years afterwards they aren't all that helpful unfortunately. What I see with my patients is absolutely incredible if we do CO2 laser within 8 weeks of the... more

A: I'd use Deep FX

By Mary Lupo, MD - New Orleans Dermatologist

First, their is one inaccuracy in your statement. Fraxel Repair IS fractional ablative resurfacing. For this severe, atrophic, hypopigmented and bound-down scarring of such long duration, you might want to consider surgical scar revision. A plastic surgeon would be best for this. I do think that Deep FX, (also... more

A: Surgery best bet for left upper lip scar

By Steven F. Weiner, MD - Fort Walton Facial Plastic Surgeon

I would proceed with surgery for the upper lip area scar. With local excision, and flaps, the area will look much better than what a laser can do. Afterwards, follow with resurfacing, my preference is the Fraxel re:pair. You don't have to do the entire face, just the cosmetic units which... more

A: Fraxel for Scars

By Theodore Katz, MD - Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

I have used Fraxel Re:Store and Re:Pair extensively for facial rejuvenation and resurfacing as well as for various scars. I do not feel that the use of the Fraxel for your particular scars will result in enough improvement to justify the time and expense. See my prior answer to you about direct... more