Fraxel vs Clear + Brilliant Over 50? (photos)

Question

I have typical over 50 skin: some laxity, few sun spots, large pores, a few marks from blemishes but not acne scars. One derm recommended Clear + Brilliant, one suggested just get started with a few Fraxel sessions and use Clear + Brilliant for maintenance. Considering the time and costs, I am inclined to go with Clear + Brilliant but not if I should just start with Fraxel. Anyone want to break the tie?

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Fraxel is a laser skin rejuvenation treatment that resurfaces your outer skin, erasing imperfections. It also encourages the production of collagen, a protein found in connective tissue.The result is clearly visible lines, folds and wrinkles. Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation is a non-invasive technique that affects only about 20 percent of the facial skin exposed to it. The most common side effects of Fraxel laser treatment are swelling and skin redness, which should subside within a couple of days. Other temporary side effects may include minor itching, dry skin, peeling or flaking, and a bronzed skin appearance. The risk of infection or scarring is very limited.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

We have both lasers in our practice, but I would tend to lean towards the Fraxel combined with a q-switched alex laser for the most improvement in one session. I have included a link so you can see what I mean.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I love both my Fraxel Laser and Clear & Brilliant Laser.  For immediate results I prefer the Fraxel laser since it is like a "magic eraser" for sun spots.  However, the Clear & Brilliant works well for patients who do not want any "down time" but it can take 6 of the Clear & Brilliant treatments to get the same results as one Fraxel Laser.  Please consult an expert.  Best, Dr. Green

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

You would benefit more from the Fraxel Dual laser which would help stimulate collagen, remove sun spots and refine pores more than the Clear + Brilliant laser which you could use for maintenance treatments.  If you would just like more of a glow and improved texture without much downtime, you could try the Clear + Brilliant laser instead.

Fraxel vs Clear + Brilliant Over 50? (photos)

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Fraxel vs Clear + Brilliant Over 50? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Fraxel versus Clear & Brilliant laser

Answer: Fraxel versus Clear & Brilliant laser

Answer: Fraxel laser versus the Clear + Brilliant laser

Answer: Fraxel laser versus the Clear + Brilliant laser

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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