How Does EMatrix Compare to Fraxel Laser?

Both eMatrix and Fraxel Resurfacing systems do create some permanent changes in skin tissue. How much is noticed by you (or others) depends on your initial "problem" and the energy levels applied.

Fraxel is a laser and eMatrix is not a laser as the energy type used is not the same.

Fraxel (Restore, not the Repair*)  uses focused  laser energy to superheat the skin in linear columns to create a thermal response. When you heat skin tissue, the desired reaction is new collagen formation. The single drawback to Fraxel or other true laser as opposed to nonlaser energy such as Radio Frequency (as in eMatrix) is the higher degree of risk for post treatment hyperpigmentation with skins that have more pigment producing cells. (*The Fraxel Repair is a CO2 laser which actually vaporizes columns of tissue - for comparatives this response refers to the Restore which is erbium laser)

Fractional vs Full surface technology: Because fractional laser does not treat the entire skin surface, you have far less downtime and risks as with full surface laser and accordingly, you have a lesser response to the treatment. This is why most patients will require more than one session to get appreciable results for anything more than mild sun damage or textural irregularities.

eMatrix also uses focused fractional energy but it is Radio Frequency energy, not laser. The thermal response is not confined to a column as laser is - it tends to spread out more broadly beneath the top layer of the skin, so you get the collagen response without a direct corresponding level of external damage to the skin.

The company has termed the effect as "sublative" in that much more is going on than you actually see....somewhat like a pyramid shape as the heat energy fans out after it penetrates the skin. For the most part, RF energy doesn't stir up melanin production so it's seen as a more desirable treatment for some skin types.

Collagen response continues after the superheating from either system for about 6 months at which time what you see is the final response.

As far as stopping the signs of aging, we continue to age no matter what process we apply to our skin, and collagen breakdown will continue as before - With Fraxel or eMatrix you just got a push back in time  with the new elastin and collagen fibers your body created as a result of the heat energy.

Ematrix is not a laser and uses sublative energy to improve acne scars. We have obtained excellent longterm results with the ematrix. Best,Dr. Karamanoukian 

Hi
They both use similar technology, fractionated radiofrequency, to heat up the underlayer of the skin to stimulate regeneration of the collagen, elastin and extracellular matrix. Neither are permanent as aging cannot be stopped but the maintenance is infrequent to keep up the results. They are comparable except for a few key points. Fraxel heats up the superficial layer more, especially if the machine is an older model. This can sometimes result in more pain, more downtime and a waxy appearance of the skin. eMatrix does not do this more effectively bypassing the superficial to spread out underneath the skin. No numbing is required for the eMatrix and downtime is only a few days. Results for the fraxel can take up to several months where the eMatrix results are seen within the first month of the first treatment and then are built on from there. Deeper fraxel treatments may only be done one time.  Both leave a pattern on the skin that is tough to camoflauge. The eMatrix is usually once a month for 3 - 4 months at a pricepoint of about $500 a session. It works very well under the eyes and for pigmentation and overall tightening of the skin. Works well on darker skin types. 
All my best
Dr. Jamé

Thank you for this question, as it guides patients as to which procedure (Fraxel or eMatrix) have utility in scar management.Fraxel uses laser energy and is disruptive in a good way, violating the epidermis and causes 'fractional depth' injury to the skin to help stimulate collagen production.eMatrix is SUBLATIVE as it avoids the superficial most layer of the skin, the epidermis. It also uses radiofrequency (RF) energy source, not laser. As such, it has no effect on the pigmentary properties of the skin. This is used as a beneficial way, esp in darker skin Fitzpatrick scales 4-6.We use eMatrix in our Santa Monica, CA office (Kare Plastic Surgery) and our Williamsville, NY office.

Both Ematrix and Fraxel are excellent lasers.   They use different technologies.  Fraxel is a laser that uses fractionated heat and works with two different wavelengths - the 1927 for pigmentation and the 1550 for wrinkles and acne scars.  Ematrix works by RF technology by heating up the skin.  Both devices work through heating the skin - just in different ways.  Both machines will improve the signs of aging.  "Permanent" would mean that we are not going to continue to age.  They both give excellent results.  One advantage for Ematrix is that it can be used on darker skin such as Indian or Black skin and I prefer it for darker skin types for rejuvenation.