Is the Fraxel Laser Worth a Try? - Part Three

Continuing my answer about fraxel lasers.



What Fraxel Is and Does

You probably know that Fraxel is a CO2 fractional laser treatment which has received FDA approval. Fractional refers to the fact that the treatment is applied to a fraction (about 25%) of the skin surface with each pulse. Leaving about 75% of the area unaffected minimizes downtime; but also means that multiple sessions may be required.



The first two levels of Fraxel laser machines (re:fine and re:store) are non-ablative, meaning they do not work by burning away surface skin. They penetrate beneath the surface to heat and irritate tissue which stimulates repair mechanisms to jump into action and produce new collagen.



So while you should not experience peeling or scabbing after re:fine or re:store treatments, you will probably have redness and swelling lasting from a few days (re:fine) to about a week (re:store). The latest Fraxel release is named re:pair. This is an ablative fractional combination laser treatment and you can expect oozing, peeling and a longer recovery time.



Other differences among the three are price per procedure and depth of penetration. Fraxel re:fine has the least penetration and is intended for medical spa and general practitioner use.



Tags: Fraxel lasers, skin antiaging treatment, Baby Quasar, CO2 lasers, fractional lasers, wrinkle treatment