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

It seems like Fraxel and ActiveFX are both supposed to treat the same problems, but which one is better? 

Sort: Date | Helpful
6 answers to “Active FX vs. Fraxel laser...”

A: Total FX provides more dramatic results

Carla R. Retief, MD

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

A: Active FX is better than other fractionated lasers

Mitchel Goldman, MD

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

A: Fractional CO2 Lasers work the best (Active FX and Fraxel re:pair)

Usha Rajagopal, MD

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

A: Active FX vs. Fraxel - it is more complicated

Stella Desyatnikova, MD

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

A: Fraxel Re:store or Fraxel Re:pair versus Active FX

Michael A. Persky, MD

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

A: While both Fraxel and ActiveFX laser technologies...

Gregory A. Buford, MD

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

Active FX: 88 reviews

50% said it was worth it

Active FX before & after photos

IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.