Active FX vs. Fraxel laser treatments - which is better?

While both Fraxel and ActiveFX laser technologies function in a similar manner, they are two distinctively different lasers. Fraxel technology delivers fractionated Erbium laser energy while ActiveFX utlizes fractionated energy from a carbon dioxide laser. Even though the two are similar, the increased heat... more

Fraxel re:store involves a series of 3 to 5 treatments while Active Fx involves a single, sometimes a second treatment.  They both give good results.  Active FX is a very superficial treatment for sun damaged skin.  Fraxel re:pair in a single treatment gives much better results than... more

Excellent answers from other doctors. I'll just add a couple of little clarifications that many of our patients ask for. 1. There are currently two types of Fraxel lasers, two totally different machines: Restore is Erbium-based, and Repair is CO2-based. They offer different treatments. Restore is the one that... more

First and foremost, you must know what “type” of Fraxel laser would be used for your treatment. There are two types of Fraxel lasers: Fraxel re:pair (a fractional CO2 laser) and Fraxel re:store (an Erbium laser, which is non ablative and is less powerful). Generally, CO2 lasers are considered more... more

The Active (and Deep) FX lasers are more powerful than ALL other fractionated lasers. More power means quicker healing and less pain with possible less side effects. The Active/Deep FX laser is more expensive than ALL other lasers. That is why most doctors have the cheaper lasers. You only have one face, make... more

I have used both the Fraxel:repair and the Active Fx for similar conditions.  I feel the Active Fx is superior and far superior when combined with Deep Fx (which is Total Fx treatment.)  I always combine the active and deep fx because the downtime is minimally increased (1-2 days) but the results... more

In my experience as a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, I feel that ActiveFX/DeepFX combination gives a better result than Fraxel. The ActiveFX laser is one of the most powerful in the industry available for a physician. This gives the physician the ability to treat better the conditions of aging skin.... more