Fraxel Repair: Q&A

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What's the Difference Between Fraxel CO2 Laser and Other CO2 Lasers?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by gailfrc in Richmond, VA
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The Difference Between Reliant's Fraxel CO2 to Other CO2 Technologies

Hi Gail, Fraxel is the original fractional non-ablative laser system, and has established a strong track record of solid clinical research, FDA clearances, and proven results. The safety of fractional technology has now been combined with the effectiveness of CO2 lasers. Fraxel re:pair has earned the endorsement of top aesthetic physicians world-wide and patients ask for it by name. Unfortunately, asking for Fraxel by name, and thinking that you are getting Fraxel treatments do not... more
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Fraxel CO2 preserves untreated tissue between treated tissue to decrease downtime

Fraxel or Fractionated CO2 lasers treat skin in a segmental manner where the laser leaves untreated skin in between treated skin to allow the skin to heal much faster. This leads to less downtime and less risk for complications. But you always have to remember that the more aggressive you are the more results that you are likely to get. With the less aggressive fractionated laser, you are going to get less results and are likely to need more treatment sessions to give you the same results... more
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Pinpoint laser beams

The older ultrapulsed CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser resurfacing treatments involved removal of the entire surface of the skin creating a wound equivalent to a second degree burn. This took about 12 days to heal and the redness that developed after healing persisted for many months, sometimes up to a year or more. There was a slight risk of scarring from the procedure. The Fraxel Repair, or CO2 laser does not ablate all the skin at one session. Many pinpoint laser beams penetrate the skin... more

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The fraxel fractionates the laser into little dots.

Gail, Traditional laser treats the entire surface (kind of like using a large paint brush). Fraxel lasers fractionate or split the laser into very tiny beams (kind of like making a bunch of dots) which cover the surface. With each laser, everywhere the laser hits undergoes thermal damage. The advantage of the fraxel laser is that the spaces in between the "dots" remain healthy which leads to quicker healing. David Shafer, MD
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Fraxel CO2 and traditional CO2 lasers

Fraxel lasers work a bit differently than the traditional CO2 lasers. Fraxel leaves areas of normal skin between the treated areas to allow for a quicker healing time, thus minimizing the redness in patients. Traditional CO2 removes the superficial layers of the skin throughout the treated area. Both can give equal results. It really depends upon the physician.
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Comments (2)

Just want to know if fraxel will work for undereye wrinkles.
  • Reply
Will fraxel work for severe crepiness under the eyes area?
  • Reply

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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