Will Fraxel CO2 produce the same results as my CO2 laser full face treatments?

Question

I have had a full face CO2 laser resurfacing done before and would like to get the procedure done one more time. But I can't find anyone in my area with this laser. Will Fraxel CO2 produce the same results? I don't want to get involved in multiple treatments. I'd like to do it once and be done with it. What are my options?

William Groff, DO · Answer

To answer this question, let me explain how these two different types of lasers work. The ablative CO2 laser precisely removes entire layers of skin, stimulating the body's healing response. As the underlying dermal tissue heals, the revealed skin becomes smoother, clearer and firmer. Downtime from this treatment is typically 1-2 weeks and the improvement can be both dramatic and long-lasting.

A fractional CO2 laser creates micro-channels in the skin to stimulate collagen production without affecting surrounding skin and tissue. Although the laser can target deeper tissue with less downtime, the results will not be as dramatic. Many patients require a series of fractional laser sessions to achieve the most satisfying outcome. If you undergo a fractional treatment expecting the same results as an ablative treatment, you are likely to be disappointed. Find an experienced, board-certified dermatologist who uses either a CO2 or Erbium laser for ablative procedures to ensure the best results.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

CO2 fractional lasers work in a similar manner to fully ablative resurfacing lasers but give a fraction of the results of a fully ablative CO2 laser. Fully ablative lasers remove entire layers of skin precisely and generate the most heat for collagen contraction to produce the most dramatic rejuvenation effect. Ablative fractional lasers remove tiny columns of skin rather than the entire surface and emit less bulk heating. While these lasers can work deeper into the skin, surrounding skin and tissue remain intact for less downtime. Results are more subtle and a series of treatments is often needed to produce the best improvement. If you can’t find a doctor with an ablative CO2 resurfacing laser, an ablative Erbium laser might be another option for you. The heat can be adjusted so it performs like a fully ablative CO2. However, the fully ablative CO2 gives the most profound and long-lasting effects on wrinkles and skin tightening. Choose an experienced, board-certified dermatologist for your treatment, no matter which laser you select.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

all co2 laser are pretty much the same what matters is who does the treatment and what combinations are done.  pretreat with cosmelan or enlighten and post treat with aerify.

at home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (MTS roller with anteage MD ampules weekly, see linkt) should be started now to prevent further aging.

For facial rejuvenation,  I would suggest a combination approach of 
1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel/halo Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
7) deep microneedling RF like Fractora/morpheus8 for tightening of the skin
8) Vascular laser like vbeam/excel V or BBL forever young treatment every quarter (3-4 months)

Best, Dr. Emer.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

You will not get the same result with a fraxel CO2 as compared with a full field CO2. The full field is much more aggressive and will give a more significant improvement. Assuming you are treating wrinkles, I would recommend considering a full field Erbium laser. There is the same wrinkle reduction as a full field CO2 but with faster healing and less risk. If you can't find someone local that uses that laser, consider traveling to someone you does laser resurfacing procedures on a regular basis.
Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa

Will Fraxel CO2 produce the same results as my CO2 laser full face treatments?

Answers (4)

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