Is CO2 Laser Followed by Fraxel for Acne Scars the Same As CO2 Fractional Laser?

asked 1 year ago by Nadia1310
Latest answer by Robert A. Weiss, MD
Question viewed 478 times
Tags: female, comparison, results, scar

I have had three treatments of fraxel before (guessing it's restore because of the downtime) with minimul results. I went to a new dermatologist who recommended the CO2 laser followed by fraxel. When I asked which type of fraxel it is, she told me it was only fraxel and showed me the name on the machine to make sure (which only said fraxel). The CO2 was a machine that only goes directly on the individual scars leaving a net mark. Is this more efficient for scars? how many sessions would I need?

6 answers to Is CO2 Laser Followed by Fraxel for Acne Scars the Same As CO2 Fractional Laser?

Fraxel confusion

Many patients are confused by the same term "Fraxel" used to describe several devices which have very different downtimes. There are on-line reviews which praise it and others that complain about it. Fraxel has almost become a generic name for fractional laser. The different "Fraxels" and their use are summarized Fraxel RePair - CO2 ablative fractional - harshest Fraxel - redness for 2 weeks or longer Fraxel ReStore - Erbium nonablative... more

Robert A. Weiss, MD
Baltimore Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel restore is not the same as fractionated CO2 treatment(Fraxel repair)

There are many reasons why you may not have received optimal results for acne scarring utilizing the original Fraxel- namely Fraxel restore. 1) perhaps they have the older model which doesn't allow you to go as deep as it only went to 40 while the newer one goes to 70 . 2) as with all laser procedures the experience of the laser surgeon can make a big difference 3) some patients don't notice the improvement since it is occurring over 3 to 5 treatments. In reference to the old Co2... more

Joshua L. Fox, MD
Long Island Dermatologic Surgeon

CO2 laser is effective for acne scars.

CO2 fractional ( I use Active FX and Deep FX together for best result) is very effective for acne scars. The number of treatments and expected outcome will depend on the type (rolling, ice pick or box car) scars that you have and the depth and extent of the scars. Additional small procedures such as subcision (tiny cuts under the scar to elevate it) or fillers improve results with some scars. I also use Fraxel Restore for milder acne scars and on people who do not want... more

Susan Van Dyke, MD
Paradise Valley Dermatologist

www.vandykelaser.com

Fraxel Repair is not the older CO2 laser followed by Fraxel Restore

Fraxel Repair, a fractional delivery of carbon dioxide laser, can not be duplicated by the older non-fractional, entirely alative over the whole surface treated, followed by fractional non-ablative Fraxel Restore. The Fractional ablative Repair has less risk of scarring, and delayed hypopigmentation than the ablative carbon dioxide non-fractional laser. Carbon dioxide non-fractional laser is still done by some physicians for acne scarring with good results, as is dermabrasion, but... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

www.thenyac.com

CO2 Laser Followed by Fraxel is Not the Same as Fractionated CO2

Hi Nafia, CO2 laser followed by Fraxel is not the same as fractionated CO2 laser. There are 3 different Fraxel lasers, all of which may say "Fraxel" on the machine; Fraxel restore, Fraxel Dual, and Fraxel repair (fractionated CO2). It sounds as if your derm is treating individual acne scars with CO2, and then is treating the rest of your skin with Fraxel restore (if they had Fraxel repair, then it would be used on your entire face without the CO2 first). ... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Fraxel Repair IS fractional CO2

It sounds like you are being confused about the brand names and the various technologies. Fraxel is the brand name of fractional laser technology. There is Refine (minimal results), Restore (better especially if done aggressively and safest for darker skin), Dual (even better because of the thullium ablation of irregular pigment), and Repair which is the most aggressive and is CO 2. Patients usually need 3-5 Dual sessions to give the results close to one Repair. Patients with severe... more

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

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