Fraxel Repair Vs. Pixel Laser - Which Works Better on Acne Scars?

Both the CO2 and Pixel lasers are excellent modalities for acne scarring. I suggest seeing a dermatologist for ACTIVE acne but for the scars, see a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since reconstruction of scarring is our specialty and we can offer many modalities. Anyone offering less should not be dealing with the problem.

If the pits are small and do not require excision, I prefer the Erbium (Pixel) laser since I can regulate the depth with precision and minimize surrounding thermal damage. Fillers are another option but beware; you will have to repeat them every 6 months.

Thank you for your question. At my practice, I have gotten excellent results for scarring with Fraxel. This treatment eliminates irregular skin discoloration, and stimulates new collagen production, tightening the skin without prolonged recovery. After a series of 2 to 4 Fraxel treatments, the cumulative cosmetic improvement is near more aggressive lasers, but unlike more aggressive lasers, redness and swelling eliminated within 2 to 4 days after each treatment. Fraxel is outstanding for fine wrinkles, mild skin laxity, irregular pigmentation, acne scars, surgical scars, enlarged pores, stretch marks, age spots and Rosacea. It can be used safely on the face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.

Acne scarring is a very difficult problem to treat, and generally requires mutiple different therapies for best results.  Currently, fractionated laser resurfacing is one of our most effective technologies for acne scarring.

Both the Pixel CO2/Omnifit and the Fraxel Repair utilize the most potent resurfacing laser, the 10,600 CO2, combined with the safety of our current fractionated technology.  While the specifics of each laser differ a little, I think you should expect comparable results between the two.  A common treatment range is 1-4 treatments spaced 3-6 months apart-- with most patients doing best with 2-3 treatments.

Actual treatments can vary greatly depending upon your severity of scarring, types of scars, skin type and tolerance for risk/benefit.  Be sure to consult with a physician you trust who is Board Certified in a field such as Dermatology or Plastic Surgery to discuss the treatment that is right for you.