A one-time “Fraxel Repair” procedure or a 3 session course of micro-needling?

Question

My dermatologist recommended micro-needling and my cosmetic surgeon recommended Fraxel Repair. I am first and foremost looking to GREATLY reduce the size of VERY LARGE PORES on the cheek area near my nose as well as reduce the VERY LARGE PORES on my nose. Additionally, it would be great if I obtained the added benefits of improved overall texture, regeneration of collagen, more firmness and tightening. I have no other known skin issues.

William Groff, DO · Answer

Both one session of Fraxel and three sessions of microneedling will give you beautiful, glowing, and more even-toned skin. Combination therapy is actually the best way to get stellar results, when it comes to aging skin. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who has a number of therapies to offer you so you can counteract the signs of aging on multiple fronts.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Kelly.  The bottom line is that most cosmetic physicians are going to recommend the tools they have at their disposal vs. the ones they don't have access to.  This is very likely why you are getting different options.With that said, we wrote a recent blog about the differences between fractional laser resurfacing and microneedling and there are two key ones.  Microneedling cannot remove scar tissue that laser resurfacing can and also does not have the same capacity to stimulate collagen production because it does not use heat in the treatment.  The heat associated with laser resurfacing does two things.  It plucks scar tissue from the skin by creating thousands of tiny perforations and once those perforations are there, the body must heal them by adding new collagen.  Neither of these processes is replicated with microneedling.  Microneedling can "break up" scar tissue by creating it's own perforations, but without the heat and removal of scar tissue associated with fractional resurfacing, your results will always be inferior.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I always combine lasers with microneedling/prp, peels and skin care to get the best outcomes for enlarged pores. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

P. Craig Hobar, MD(retired) · Answer

This is a very common question among patients. I offer both in my practice and help the patient determine which is best for them. Microneedling typically takes 3 sessions like you mentioned where as the fraxel repair is done one time under local anesthesia. I prefer to use PRP after both procedures as I have found it decreases recovery time and helps provide an overall better result. A lot of times patients prefer the fraxel repair if they are already undergoing another procedure that requires anesthesia where as the microneedling can be performed at any time with a topical anesthetic.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Fraxel RePair is a very old laser with consumables. I do still use it in a single pass mode for treating the neck area, however newer lasers with better delivery systems are available. Much like Dr Emer I frequently combine treatments. Depending on your expectations, RF microneedling with Fraxel 1927 high density maybe an option. Do NOT limit yourself to only 2 options, see a Dermatologist or Plastics that have many devices- this way they will pick the correct combination for your concerns and skin type. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

A one-time “Fraxel Repair” procedure or a 3 session course of micro-needling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Microneeding vs. Fraxel Repair

Answer: Microneeding vs. Fraxel Repair

Answer: Combination treatments to address skin concerns.

Answer: Combination treatments to address skin concerns.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

A one-time “Fraxel Repair” procedure or a 3 session course of micro-needling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Microneeding vs. Fraxel Repair

Answer: Microneeding vs. Fraxel Repair

Answer: Combination treatments to address skin concerns.

Answer: Combination treatments to address skin concerns.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.