Fraxel Laser Vs. Fractional Laser?

Hi Gaby,
Fraxel is the name of one of the first fractionated lasers manufactured by Reliant Tech. in Mt. View, CA. Fractionated means that a fraction percentage of the skin is treated in any one session. There are not many "fractonated" lasers that have followed in Fraxel's steps. Find out the specific laser that you are being treated with and then we can answer your question more precisely. In the meantime, your treating physician should answer your questions. Be well.
Dr. P

Fraxel is a name brand within a market that includes a number of different fractional lasers. Fractional lasers treat a "fraction" of the total skin surface area, which is different from older lasers that treat the entire surface area of the skin (like traditional CO2 lasers). There are many high quality fractional CO2 lasers on the market today that are capable of achieving the same or better results than the various Fraxel name brand devices.Best,

As many of the other physicians has pointed out that Fraxel is a Brand name for a fractionated laser (increased area of treatment by spreading out treatment zones).  The downtime of erythema and edema can last for 2-3 days (have done on a Friday and back to work by Monday).  The number of treatments vary anywhere 3-6 at a month apart.  I would recommend going on to Fraxel's website and look into the Fraxel:Dual which is a good place to start for photorejuvenation.  Prior to opting for a treatment I would recommend visiting a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who is specialized in laser use. 

Fractional lasers have dramatically improved our results while reducing the downtime. Fraxel is a brand of a fractional laser so they are the same thing. 

The recovery can vary but I ask patients to prepare for 2 wks off of work and important social engagements after a full face laser. This is because the first week requires a lot of care and will weep and drain. The second week you will look red and still requires a lot of care and needs to be very clean. Overall patients are very happy with this treatment. You  do have to be careful with sun exposure and skin tones. You should have no tan and should not tan afterwards. This can lead to post operative pigmentation problems.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck,



DrC

Fraxel is a brand name of a type of fractionated laser.  There are several types of fractionated lasers on the market and they are, for the most part, very good as long as the person using the machine has experience using it or other fractionated CO2 lasers.  

Both Erbium and CO2 fractional lasers work well. The Erbium helps very minimal sun damage and wrinkles. CO2 is most effective for deep wrinkles and severe sun damage. These lasers have dramatically changed how we treat wrinkles and the newest lasers are “fractionated” which translates to much shorterhealing times.

Our office utilizes both fractional laser technology and Fraxel to resurface the skin. Some fractional lasers have a higher risk to benefit profile and are thus not chosen vs. others.  We incorporate several ablative and non ablative lasers for facial rejuvenation. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian 

Fraxel is a brand of fractional lasers — and there are 3 kinds of Fraxel lasers — one non-ablative (Fraxel reStore) and one ablative (Fraxel rePair). Both, as noted, are fractional lasers. The Fraxel brand has done well and there are many exceptional non-ablative fractional lasers and many exceptional ablative fractional lasers. Non-ablative fractional lasers usually need 4-6 visits at monthly intervals to give the same results that usually one ablative fractional laser needs. Downtimes vary — from 1-2 days with non-ablative fractional lasers to 5-10 days with ablative fractional lasers, depending on how aggressive one is. So there is no real difference — we just need to know the terms.

Fraxel is a brand , like Pepsi. IT has a diet and full strength as well as several other lasers all called Fraxel then followed by a name like repair or restore. They are different lasers altogether and have very different results and indications. The only thing in common is that they use fractionated treatment pulses. The term fractionated indicates that a fraction of the skin is treated per session and this is done in columns of laser pulses rather than full resurfacing or treatment of the entire skin area. Your dermatologist should be able to explain the differences and pros and cons of the different laser types and fractionated versus full treatment. Some laser practitioners only have one brand or one type which is fine as long as the type of laser is the one you need.

I am so happy that you asked this question.  Fraxel is the brand name of a specific laser that came out a few years and they make several different lasers including my personal favorite - the Fraxel Dual.  Unfortunately, a lot of doctors say that they are using Fraxel when they are using a different fractionated laser.  The technology may be in theory similar but the machines are quite different.  Fraxel is am amazing laser and my favorite laser to do.  All of the sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and fine lines can be removed.  I have been so happy with this treatment that I have done it on myself!