Fraxel Laser Vs Affirm CO2 Laser Rejuvenation?

Question

I am a 29 year old caucasian w/minor sun spots, freckles, and wrinkles. The doctor recommended Affirm CO2 micro ablative skin rejuvenation (cost $2,000), and non ablative Fraxel therapy (3 sessions at $400 each) as a different option.I do not have large sun spots or deep wrinkles, so I am wondering whether this is the best approach and whether I am going to regret doing this so young?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There are so many lasers and other treatments to consider when evaluating brown spots and fine lines. The newest Fraxel Dual laser allows the physician to use two different wavelengths providing the benefit of the Fraxel Restore for fine lines and texture and sunspots, but the 1927nm. wavelength component can neatly take off a majority of the sunspots in one treatment. The face peels for about one week and looks very obvious during this time that you had some treatment, but the results have been outstanding for some of our patients.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Sutherlando,
The recently released Fraxel restore Dual laser is the best treatment for you.  It will remove your minor sun spots, freckles, and it will tighten fine to moderate wrinkles.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

At your relatively young age, I would recommend non-ablative therapy. I expect it will restore your skin without changing the color and texture as ablative therapy can. Fraxel non-ablative laser treatments have minimal down time and really are effective.

Robert S. Bader, MD, FAAD · Answer

There is no simple answer to this question. Let's first address the age spots. There are many different treatments for age spots including: bleaching creams +/-Retin-A (or similar), 20% TCA Peel, IPL (photofacial), Laser peel (erbium or co2). Of these options, the laser peel is a bit of an overkill for age spots alone, but effective and becoming more commonly used. A light TCA peel can have good results and costs $200 or less. Usually only one treatment is needed. It will have minimal effect on wrinkles. Photofacial is great, especially if one has redness (telangiectasia) as it can treat both. Topical creams help reduce the appearance of age spots and is great for those with light ones and as a maintenance routine. For wrinkles there are many different options as well. For fine lines, one can consider: multiple glycolic peels, 35% TCA peel, laser resurfacing, and topical creams (Retin-A, etc). The TCA peel is extremely effective, has 5-7 days downtime, if not more, and is generally less expensive than the laser peel. I prefer the carbon dioxide laser over the erbium as more heat is generated and therefore more skin tightening. This is especially the case for moderate lines, where skin tightening is needed.

Fraxel Laser Vs Affirm CO2 Laser Rejuvenation?

Answers (4)

More Fraxel Laser Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (4)

More Fraxel Laser Questions

Is Fraxel Laser Effective in Treating Syringoma?

More Fraxel to Fix Fraxel Damage?

Does Fraxel Restore Impact a Man's Facial Hair?

How Will Fraxel Restore Affect Man's Facial Hair?

Side Effects of Too Many Fraxel Restore Treatments?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS