Is there a difference between the UltraPulse CO2 laser and Fraxel or Pixel lasers?

Great question.  There are many laser devices which can be divided into 3 main categories.
1) Fully ablative that includes CO2 and Erbium lasers (not used much these days due to downtime, recovery and risk)
2) Fractional Ablative lasers that include CO2 and Erbium lasers (brand names include Fraxel Repair, Lumenis Total Fx, Pixel)
 3) Fractionated non-ablative lasers (brand names include Fraxel Restore, Clear and Brilliant)
The main differences between these categories are the results and the amount of downtime and risk that goes along with them.  Fully ablative lasers have the most dramatic results but also the most downtime and risk.  Fractionated non-ablative lasers have less dramatic results and also less downtime and risk.  
Please see an expert in lasers to discuss the benefits and risks for your particular concern and lifestyle.
I hope this helps.

Thank you for your question. I regularly use both the UltraPulse Encore and the Fraxel devices in my practice. The UltraPulse can be used for ablative procedures, which work by precisely removing layers of dermal tissue. As the underlying skin heals, it becomes softer, firmer, and more youthful. This procedure requires 1-2 weeks of downtime, which will include redness, swelling, tenderness, flaking, and crusting as the skin heals.

Fraxel lasers provide fractional treatments that create micro-channels in the skin, leaving surrounding skin and tissue intact. This allows the laser to work deeper into the dermal layers with minimal downtime afterward. The micro-channels stimulate collagen production, creating smoother, firmer skin from the inside out. While downtime after this procedure is limited, the results are not as dramatic or long-lasting as an ablative treatment. Many patients also require a series of treatment sessions to achieve the best possible results. I recommend scheduling a consultation with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist for a personal assessment and customized treatment plan that will meet your needs and goals best.

there is no one right answer for laser resurfacing, especially without examining your skin, no doctor can make a recommendation. One would hope that a professional would not do a treatment with a laser if that were not the appropriate laser for your condition and refer you to a colleague that performs the best treatment. In my NYC practice, we have replaced our Ultrapulse C02 (carbon dioxide) with the Fraxel Repair CO2 laser and also do a great deal of resurfacing with Fraxel Dual / Restore, Clear & Brilliant, Permea, PicoSure focus, Infini microneedling and sometimes use multiple lasers on different areas of the face depending on what is needed for that specific patient's condition.

There are many lasers out there as you can see by the many responses. You are also right that most of us own one or two maybe three lasers. So we do often recommend only the ones we have. Most of the lasers have adjustments and settings to become very close to the others. It is only after an honest consultation where you will be able to decide if this is the best for you. I review the reasoning behind my recommendations and I am open to discuss any other lasers. Most laser surgeons become comfortable with their laser and then adjust the settings, power and treatment to each specific patient. Things like age, skin tone and goals of treatment all play into this. 
You just need to find a surgeon you trust and have this honest discussion. 
Hope this helps,
Best of luck, 
DrC

Having up to date equipment is important as there are limits to what old tech can do.However, with modern equipment, the skills of the operator is a large part of the equation when it comes to getting the best result.Understanding the skin and hence the need of the patient, preparing the skin for treatment, using the right settings and the right after care and maintenance are ALL important steps. And the machine figures only in one of them.