Is Fraxel and SmartOxide CO2 laser the same thing?

Question

I'm trying to figure out what is best for me and with many laser terms being thrown around, I just wanted to get clarification on that.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Fraxel is not the same as the other laser you are mentioning. I suggest you see an expert for a formal evaluation to determine the best laser for your goals/condition.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Neil Sadick, MD · Answer

Fraxel and Smartxide lasers are not the same thing. Fraxel is a non ablative treatment option for patients who wish to improve the appearance of acne scars and other textural irregularities. Fraxel laser can also treat fine lines, enlarged pores, melasma, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. Fraxel works by heating the deep dermis layer without vaporizing the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. This stimulates collagen remodeling, gently helping to improve skin tone and texture, ideally over the course of a three to six treatment series. Recovery from Fraxel treatment is minimal and can be compared to healing from a mild to moderate subnburn. One will experience redness and swelling which typically occur for one to two days after treatment, then skin pigmentation temporarily darkens for a few days before superficially peeling or flaking off.Smartxide Co2 laser is an ablative laser that may be more suitable for correcting advanced photoaging and moderate to severe wrinkles. Smartxide laser addresses a variety of concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, brown spots, age spots, skin discoloration, skin laxity, and crepey skin. Smartxide penetrates and vaporizes only small areas or dots of skin tissue instead of the entire outer layer of the skin. Depending upon the aggressiveness of the treatment, recovery time is approximately one week. Patients can expect to experience redness and swelling in the recovery period, as well as some mild flaking of skin and peeling. If the treatment is more aggressive, redness and swelling may last longer. SmartXide Resurfacing results begin to appear about a month after the procedure. It takes several months to complete the collagen remodeling process, so you should not judge your final results until about 4 – 6 months after your SmartXide treatment.

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Fraxel and CO2 are two separate lasers.  Fraxel Dual utilizes the 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelength to target lesions in a non-ablative manner.  While the SmartXide uses 10,600 nm wavelength to target tissue in an ablative manner.  In the past Fraxel made a laser called the re:pair that was also a 10,600 nm ablative laser, I do not believe they market it anymore but there are still physicians who use this device so you need to find out if you are comparing the SmartXide to the Fraxel Dual or the Fraxel re:pair.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hopefully the video below will clear the confusion. Fraxel makes 3 different wavelengths, 1927, 1550 and even a Co2 Fractional laser. SmartOxide Co2 can be used in Fractional mode as well. If you are comparing density and how the Co2 column are laid down, Smartoxide Co2 is better than Fraxel 10600 Re:Pair because there is no pulse stacking. Yes, lasers can be confusing, especially with branding, so my suggestion is to see a practice with lots of energy devices. This way they will find a 'method', rather than a laser to address your concerns.All the bestDr Davin Lim Laser and aesthetic dermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

Is Fraxel and SmartOxide CO2 laser the same thing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel and CO2 lasers.

Answer: Fraxel and CO2 lasers.

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Is Fraxel and SmartOxide CO2 laser the same thing?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel and CO2 lasers.

Answer: Fraxel and CO2 lasers.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.