Fraxel laser is a non-invasive procedure that is used to reverse the sign of aging, smoothing wrinkles, lightening up sun spots and improving the appearance of acne scars. Over the last several years over 800,000 patients have been treated with Fraxel. There are two kinds of Fraxel lasers, Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Restore.
Fraxel Restore is a simple, non-invasive, non-ablative procedure used for acne scars. Since it is not ablative, meaning that it does not cut into the skin, it has minimal downtime. The technology uses fractional photothermolysis, putting columns of heat into the skin. This process stimulates collagen production, smoothing out acne scars and wrinkles. Typically, several sessions are needed, about 4 on the average. The downtime is about several days of redness and swelling. Fraxel Restore can be used both in light and darker skin colors. Overall, it is a safe procedure that can be done in about 30 to 45 minutes.
In contrast, Fraxel Repair is an ablative laser used for acne scar and wrinkles. It is more of an aggressive treatment compared to Fraxel Restore. The difference is that Fraxel Repair cuts through the skin, whereas Fraxel Restore does not cut through the skin. This is the difference between ablative and nonablative laser resurfacing. Fraxel Repair drills columns into the skin, covering a certain percentage of the skin. The process of drilling tiny holes causes the skin to tighten. Heat is also placed into the skin, inducing collagen stimulation and collagen remodeling. The combination of skin vaporization and collagen remodeling help smooth out acne scars. Typically, Fraxel Repair, which is also known as fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, requires 1-2 sessions. There is more downtime associated with the Fraxel Repair than Fraxel Restore. However, the results from the Fraxel Repair is a significantly more impressive than the Fraxel Restore.
Dr. Behnam is a board certified dermatologist trained in the use of Fraxel for the use of acne scars. Fraxel, in combination with subcision, chemical peels or TCA Cross technique, have a significant improvement in their acne scars.
How is Fraxel Repair different from Fraxel Restore?
There are two kinds of Fraxel, one is Fraxel Repair and the other kind is Fraxel Restore. Fraxel Repair is a significantly more impressive than the Fraxel Restore. The reason is that Fraxel Repair is a fractional CO2 laser, a laser that cuts through the skin and makes columns or zones of ablation in the skin. The skin vaporizes as the laser is performed. However, Fraxel Re:store is not an ablative laser, meaning that it does not cut through the skin. It just puts in heat into the skin in a form of column. Fraxel Repair causes more collagen stimulation with fewer sessions than Fraxel Re:store. Other fractional CO2 lasers that are similar to the Fraxel Repair include SmartXide Dot, Active and Deep FX.
What is Fraxel?
Fraxel non-invasive procedure that is used to reverse the sign of aging, smoothing wrinkles, lightening up sun spots and improving the appearance of acne scars.
What are the indications for Fraxel?
Fraxel is used to smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and improve the appearance of pigmentation.
How does Fraxel Repair compare to other fractional CO2 lasers like SmartXide Dot or Active FX and Deep FX?
In a study by Waibel MD et al. published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (May 2009, Vol 8, Issue 5), 18 patients underwent laser resurfacing for mild to severe wrinkles and sun damage. Various brands of Fractional CO2 lasers were used including SmartXide Dot by Deka, Juvia by Ellipse, Mixto SX by Lasering USA, Active & Deep FX by Lumenis, Lutronic and Fraxel: Repair by Solta. It was noted that there is no statistically significant difference between any of the lasers.
Which requires fewer treatments, Fraxel Repair or Fraxel Restore?
Fraxel Repair is an ablative laser that cuts through the skin while Fraxel Restore does not cut through the skin. Since Fraxel Repair is a more aggressive treatment, typically fewer sessions are required.
I have done Fraxel Restore 4 times but I still don’t see a difference, why is that?
Fraxel Restore is a non-ablative laser, which means that it does not cut through the skin. Many sessions are required and at times the improvements are subtle in some patients. Fraxel Repair is an ablative laser made up of CO2 technology. It cuts through the skin, vaporizing the skin can causing collagen stimulation. It is more effective in smoothing out acne scars and wrinkles than Fraxel Restore.
Where can I find Fraxel experts in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, California?
Dr. Behnam, U.S. leading dermatologist and recognized nationally by Newsweek as top 10 Physicians and Surgeons in the US, is a Board Certified Dermatologist practicing in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Behnam is an acne scar expert with years of experience with Fraxel in Los Angeles California. Dr. Behnam’s office location is close to the freeway, thus he serves everyone in the Santa Monica area, Pacific Palisades, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles County