Does Fraxel Repair Require Fewer Treatments Than Fraxel Restore?

asked 3 years ago by kiara in miami
Latest answer by Jordana Gilman, MD
Question viewed 4,864 times
Tags: comparison, frequency

I have been hesitating between fraxel restore and repair. After reading some feedback, I have noticed that many people do not get remarkable results with the old version of fraxel. Now, with the new version of fraxel repair, I have become aware that the risk of getting scars and dark spots on the face is higher.

It has been almost 6 months of researching any procedure that will finally help my skin but I am still so confused! I am a 27 years old, latin (light tan), with minimun wrinkles under my eyes and small but many acne scars spread all over my face, some hyperpigmentation from sun exposure and most importantly, medium size pores next to my nose. Bottom line, I want to improve the overall look of my skin.

Would any Fraxel lasers help me? Please, I would appreciate if somebody can help me decide. I live in south Florida, and I am also in need of a good doctor that will perform this procedure. Thank you!

5 answers to Does Fraxel Repair Require Fewer Treatments Than Fraxel Restore?

You probably need neither of these, but could use botox and IPL

Fraxel restore is not really all that amazing. We have one that hasn't been used for about 2 years. Now, the repair is pretty good, but it is best for women in their 40s who have crepey skin or major wrinkles. My guess is that you don't have these yet and can get by with intense pulsed light treatments, botox and maybe getting on the Obagi system. Don't fall prey to a doctor trying to talk you into a major procedure. Laser procedures that are invasive such as the Fraxel repair are not... more

Joel Schlessinger, MD
Omaha Dermatologist

www.LovelySkin.com

Fraxel restore may be a better option for acne scars in light hispanic skin

Both types of Fraxel, the restore and repair, will smooth the skin and decrease acne scars. You mention you have a few wrinkles, too, but not many. The repair is quite aggressive and may be more than you need. It also has much more downtime and a higher risk of discoloration, especially in someone of your skin color. In the right hands, the restore can give great results. It smooths and refreshes the skin, and smooths acne scars. It is also safer... more

Jordana Gilman, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel may help improve your skin

Deciding on which treatment is the best can be very frustrating and you do need to rely on your physician evaluating your risk/benefit profile and recommending what is the right treatment. This can not be done for you without seeing you in consultation. Fraxel Restore helps fine lines and coloration and with multiple treatments can help acne scars. There is a risk with this laser for darker skin color developing as a result of the treatment. The Repair laser is more aggressive, no doubt,... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

www.thenyac.com

Yes, Fraxel should help

Hi Kiara, Light Hispanic skin is the darkest skin type that can be safely treated with Fraxel re:pair. You would need to avoid that nice South Florida sunshine for at least 4 months after your treatment, using sun block, hats, avoidance. If patients want a dramatic result and can afford the 5 to 7 days of downtime, then I prefer Fraxel re:pair. If patients prefer a less aggressive therapy with nearly no downtime, then a Fraxel re:store series is the choice. Your risk of dark spots... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Repair more effective, fewer treatments

The fraxel repair is a fractionated CO2 laser and the original Fraxel Restore is a lighter more gentle laser. Because of this, the Repair works faster with fewer treatments ( usually 1-2) but has more downtime. The recovery is usually 5 days of redness, mild swelling versus 1-2 days of mild redness with the Restore or comparable lasers. The more gentle Restore would normally require about 5 treatments for significant acne scars. Both are good options for obtaining improvement in... more

Edgar Franklin Fincher, MD, PhD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

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