Fractional Laser Comparison of Starlux 2940, Fraxel Repair and SmartXide

Hi Jol,
All fractional lasers are not the same. They vary in many parameters including power, depth of treatment, percentage of skin treated, application of the laser, cost to purchase, speed, disposables, and consequently results.
The original fractionated laser was Fraxel. The first fractionated CO2 laser was Lumenis Active FX. Fraxel repair was the second fractionated laser. There are now over 12 companies with fractionated CO2 lasers.
All three of the lasers that you mentioned are effective fractionated CO2 lasers.
As important or even more important than the type of laser is choosing your treating physician most carefully. The combination of an excellent fractionated laser technology with a well trained, experienced, caring physician is what you should seek for your treatment.
I have been using Fraxel re:pair for the last 1 1/2 year with a very high percentage of patient satisfaction.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

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.

I spent a lot of time investigating the different fractionated lasers before I committed to the Fraxel laser.  Not all lasers are the same and I have seen better results with the Fraxel.  It is just as important to find a dermatologist who is highly trained and skilled at these lasers to make sure that you have the best result.  Please find a board certified doctor in your area with experience in this procedure.  Best of luck!

There are many different brands of fractional CO2. There are studies reported in the literature that they are pretty much the same with respect to efficacy. I have persona;;y used the Fraxel, Active FX, Lutronics and Smartxide dot. In my opinion, they all will give you similar result. The most important component is not the laser but the practitioner doing it. If you have an experienced practitioner, you will achieve great results no matter which laser you use. I have the Smartxide Dot and I absolutely love it. I get great results with it. Dr. Behnam