Which type of Fraxel laser is best for hypopigmentation? How do the Fraxel lasers differ?

Question

Hi, I've come across Fraxel treatment that have different terms like, Fraxel Dual Laser, Fraxel Restore Laser, Fraxel Fractional Laser, etc. My question is...are they all the exact same type of Fraxel laser? If not, which type of Fraxel is best to treat hypopigmentation? Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​Hyperpigmentation of any kind needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (EmerageSkin roller with anteage AERIFY MD ampules weekly,; lasers like Clear + Brilliant, Aerolase or Laser Genesis; radiofrequency like Venus Viva; and constant skin care and sun protection. Bimonthly facials with SilkPeel DermalInfusion are essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement. Hypopigmentation will need more of an evaluation and possibly additional lasers to get improvement. I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thanks for your query. They are all different with different function, but they work best for acne scars and rejuvenation. For hypo pigmentation you should consider light therapy but it depends upon the amount of hypo pigmentation. Hope it helps.All The Best

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Great question. The Fraxel Dual is the latest iteration of the Fraxel laser and offers two wavelengths, 1550 nm and 1927 nm. Both wavelengths are used for nonablative rejuvenation with the 1550 nm wavelength treating deeper concerns such as wrinkles, scars and textural issues and the 1927 nm wavelength being used for superficial concerns such as hyperpigmentation.

Fraxel Restore is a prior version of Fraxel which unlike Fraxel Dual only has the 1550 nm wavelength and not the 1927 nm wavelength.

Fraxel Repair is an fractional ablative CO2 laser, different from either Fraxel Dual or Restore.

Manjula Jegasothy, MD · Answer

The different Fraxel® names you mention all resurface the skin, but to different depths and can be different brand names manufactured by different companies.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

The Fraxel DUAL is a non-ablative laser and has two wavelengths, the 1550 (which is also called the Fraxel Restore) and 1927.  The Fraxel Fractional laser is an ablative CO2 laser.  None of these lasers treat hypopigmentation.

Which type of Fraxel laser is best for hypopigmentation? How do the Fraxel lasers differ?

Answers (6)