Fraxel Laser Vs. Fractional Laser?

Hi Gaby,
Fraxel is the name of one of the first fractionated lasers manufactured by Reliant Tech. in Mt. View, CA. Fractionated means that a fraction percentage of the skin is treated in any one session. There are not many "fractonated" lasers that have followed in Fraxel's steps. Find out the specific laser that you are being treated with and then we can answer your question more precisely. In the meantime, your treating physician should answer your questions. Be well.
Dr. P

Fraxel is a name brand within a market that includes a number of different fractional lasers. Fractional lasers treat a "fraction" of the total skin surface area, which is different from older lasers that treat the entire surface area of the skin (like traditional CO2 lasers). There are many high quality fractional CO2 lasers on the market today that are capable of achieving the same or better results than the various Fraxel name brand devices.Best,

As many of the other physicians has pointed out that Fraxel is a Brand name for a fractionated laser (increased area of treatment by spreading out treatment zones).  The downtime of erythema and edema can last for 2-3 days (have done on a Friday and back to work by Monday).  The number of treatments vary anywhere 3-6 at a month apart.  I would recommend going on to Fraxel's website and look into the Fraxel:Dual which is a good place to start for photorejuvenation.  Prior to opting for a treatment I would recommend visiting a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who is specialized in laser use. 

Fractional lasers have dramatically improved our results while reducing the downtime. Fraxel is a brand of a fractional laser so they are the same thing. 

The recovery can vary but I ask patients to prepare for 2 wks off of work and important social engagements after a full face laser. This is because the first week requires a lot of care and will weep and drain. The second week you will look red and still requires a lot of care and needs to be very clean. Overall patients are very happy with this treatment. You  do have to be careful with sun exposure and skin tones. You should have no tan and should not tan afterwards. This can lead to post operative pigmentation problems.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck,



DrC

Fraxel is a brand name of a type of fractionated laser.  There are several types of fractionated lasers on the market and they are, for the most part, very good as long as the person using the machine has experience using it or other fractionated CO2 lasers.  

Both Erbium and CO2 fractional lasers work well. The Erbium helps very minimal sun damage and wrinkles. CO2 is most effective for deep wrinkles and severe sun damage. These lasers have dramatically changed how we treat wrinkles and the newest lasers are “fractionated” which translates to much shorterhealing times.