Which Laser is Best for Wrinkles and Sun Damage - Fraxel Re:pair, Fraxel Re:store or Pixel Laser?

Hi there- The most important considerations in determining whether you will be happy with your outcome are the mechanism of action of the device, and most importantly, the provider doing the service for you. I think that unfortunately the marketing folks have gotten this turned upside down, and nice people like yourself start to think that it is the particular device that is important, when this is not the case. Even with the best technology, someone who is not well trained or experienced... more

There is a brand new laser treatment called Fraxel re:pair™. It was debuted at the American Academy of Dermatology last week in San Antonio, Texas. On January 31, 2008 an impressive demonstration was highlighted on NBC’s Today Show. The unique features of this treatment are that patients in their 30’s to 50’s can get face and neck tightening without a surgical facelift, as well as improving skin color and texture. Patients in their late 50’s to 70’s can... more

All the lasers you mentioned fit the bill, but the repair will do it more aggressively.  There are also may other lasers on the market that can handle what you want. Make sure you find the right doctor, and that they have a laser that can accomplish your needs.

All of the lasers that you listed will resurface the skin and improve wrinkles and sun damage. Pay more attention to the type of laser and how it works than the name of the machine. The Fraxel re:pair and the Pixel are carbon dioxide lasers which are more aggressive and require more downtime, and have some risk of side effects such as discoloration and scarring. The Fraxel re:store is nonablative, meaning it does not destroy the tissue. It will not require as much downtime and does not... more

The Fraxel re:pair is the most ablative and requires the most down-time, about 1 week. It has, however, the potential to give you the most dramatic improvement in the eyelid wrinkles. Blepharoplasty can remove excess fat tissue of the upper and lower eyelids whereas the lasers cannot. Removal of too much fat in the upper or lower eyelids, however, can create a "hollow," gaunt appearance. On the other hand, the lasers will improve skin texture whereas blepharoplasty does not. ... more

Hello, The CO2 laser is the strongest, but takes the longest afterward for recovery.  Eyelid surgery does not remove much sun damaged skin, but can limit its appearance. I tend to lean towards chemical peels and Retin A / Sunscreens to start in your age group.