Matrix Fractional Co2 Vs. Fraxel Repair Which is Better for Acne Scars?

Question

I have deep pitted acne scars on my cheeks that I want to improve. There is a clinic that offers the Matrix Fractional co2 20 mins. away from where I live but I heard more great things about the Fraxel Repair. I am wondering from all your experience, which one you find better or if they really are that different? Thank you.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Both lasers are ablative CO2 lasers and will improve acne scars.  The most important factor is choosing an experienced laser physician and trusting his/her choice of laser to give you the best result.

Michael H. Swann, MD · Answer

Good question!  Fraxel Repair is a good treatment for acne scars.  The laser is non-ablative, which means downtime is minimal, but it also means you will require more treatments to get a result.  I usually begin with a series of 6 Fraxel Repair treatments for acne scars.  It is the best for clients who cannot tolerate the downtime associated with ablative resurfacing such as CO2.Fractionated carbon dioxide comes in several different packages by different vendors and all work excellently for acne scars.  They offer more improvement than you can obtain using non-ablative lasers (Fraxel Repair) and more results per treatment.  The down time is more significant (4-6 days) but makes a bigger impact on remodeling over the short and long term.  Additionally, erbium 2940nm lasers are ablative but do not generate the same remodeling in the skin as carbon dioxide 10,600nm or even Fraxel Repair.  It would be my least recommendation for acne scars of the three options.Depending on the type of scars, I often utilize focal TCA peeling and hyaluronic acid fillers.  Acne scars are not all the same and finding someone in your area who understands the differences in scar treatments and can identify the right technologies for your scars will not lead you wrong.  Good luck!

Matrix Fractional Co2 Vs. Fraxel Repair Which is Better for Acne Scars?

Answers (2)

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