Each laser has its own advantages, and comparing laser systems is not always the easiest when it comes to fractional lasers. The gold standard of CO2 lasers is the UltraPulse — not mentioned here. It is now also available in fractional mode — in a superficial form, a deep form and a very deep form for raised scars. It is called UltraPulse because it has the best safety profile when it comes to spread of heat from the laser beam under the skin. Other laser systems, like to Smartxide DOT, create dots — they are superficial and for superficial needs that is fine. But it is not as good at deeper targets as the UltraPulse, when used correctly. The Fraxel rePair is also a CO2 laser system and in fact it has a pretty big thermal spread under the skin, and if not used properly, has led to some problems in some – all reported in the medical literature. In the right hands, with the right settings, it does well. Other systems also do well. So if someone says this system is better than the next, beware — there are many good fractional laser systems, with lots of names, and one must choose the provider that has the most experience, understands the skin and more importantly knows how to deal with any potential injury if one were to arise. This is best handled with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
