What's the difference between Fraxel repair 70% ablative and co2 fully ablative?

Question

I have visited two dermatologists regarding laser resurfacing for the face. They both suggested erbium and co2 for the eye area, however one recommended fraxel repair 70% ablative for the rest of the face whereas the other recommended co2 fully ablative. He said that co2 fully ablative has less chance of scarring than fraxel repair 70% ablative. What do you think? Thank you.

Jerome Potozkin, MD · Answer

The Fraxel Repair is an ablative fractionated CO2 laser.  I think the 70% you are referring to is the percentage of coverage.  With fractionated resurfacing there is some intact skin so I think most would consider there to be less risk of scarring.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

The answer lies in the density- Repair is 70% meaning that is the percentage of skin treated, whilst fully ablative means 100% of the skin is treated. Fully ablative heals up longer than RePair, HOWEVER the results will vary.  Usually with Fraxel RePair multiple treatments are needed. I use both methods depending on what I am treating, the area, ethnic skin type, recovery rates, and the downtime of the patient. Have a look at my before and afters, and my You Tube channel - Dr Davin Lim, Laser and Lifts for a full explanation between fully ablative lasers and fractional lasers. CheersDr Davin Lim Laser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

What's the difference between Fraxel repair 70% ablative and co2 fully ablative?

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What's the difference between Fraxel repair 70% ablative and co2 fully ablative?

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