Fast facts

Fraxel Laser

What it is: a fractionated laser treatment designed for resurfacing wrinkled, sun-damaged, scarred and aging skin

What it addresses:

There are three types of Fraxel laser treatments that address a  range of skin problems and skin types. Fraxel Re:fine is a mild, non-ablative aesthetic laser treatment performed in a series for discoloration, age spots, and general improvement to skin tone. Fraxel Re:store is deeper treatment which uses a fractionated erbium laser and provides non-ablative treatment with minimal downtime. Fraxel Re:pair is an ablative fractionated CO2 laser for the most intensive resurfacing and epidermal repair.

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Question

Difference between fraxel repair and fraxel laser?

I've heard people mention both Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Laser, but what's the difference between the two?

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Asked by: irish susanne
london uk

Answers (2)

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1
September 22, 2008
Ronald Shelton, MD
Ronald Shelton, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist
There are three fraxel lasers. The one used in a spa gives a very superficial exfoliation. Fraxel Restore is done in a doctor’s office and helps even out dark sunspots (liver spots) and fine lines. It can improve acne scars and pores, although results vary depending on the individual. These treatments usually are given in a series of five or six and can be done every one to two weeks, or more depending on your schedule. Fraxel Repair, is also done in a doctor’s office. It require’s up to a week of recovery or more for full wound healing depending on how aggressive the settings are used. It can help improve deeper lines and induce some tightening that the Fraxel Restore would not. The appearance after the laser treatment can be frightening in the first few days whereas the Fraxel Restore allows people to socialize although they will be slightly red, swollen and note gentle flaking. Makeup can be used the next day after Restore but not for at least several days to a week in Repair. Your physician should decide which is the best laser for you depending on your skin
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September 22, 2008

Night and Day

Michael A. Persky, MD
Michael A. Persky, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hi Susanne,

There is a huge difference between Fraxel re:store and Fraxel re:pair , but to make a long story short, Fraxel re:store is a mild non-ablative erbium fractionated laser treatment that helps with fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, and scars requiring a series of 3 to 5  treatments with little downtime.

Fraxel re:pair takes traditional carbon dioxide laser and fractionates it.  It gives remarkable rejuvenating results in a single ablative treatment with substantially more downtime and post treatment care.  It can take 5 to 10 years off  without surgery.  It tightens lax skin of the face, eye lids, and neck. It also treats acne scars and traumatic scars. 

In her documentary this August entitled "Super Botox Me", London based journalist Kate Spicer  came to the U.S. for two weeks and had non-invasive facial cosmetic procedures in NYC and Los Angeles, including a Fraxel re:pair treatment in my office around her eyes.  You can view her experience by going to the Channel 4 BBC web site. You can read many answers to your question right here on RealSelf.com as well as going to my web site for extensive explanations. 

 Say hello to Kate if you see her in London.  Be well.

Dr. P

 

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