Question
Fraxel re:pair vs. Fraxel re:store: Which is better for reducing large pores?
Hello, I am a 26 year-old woman with very fair skin (Irish). I have enlarged pores all over my cheeks, nose, and forehead (I struggled with acne/oily skin in my teens and early 20's). fortunatly, my skin is clear now and I don't have any acne scars - just VERY large pores.
I saw a dermatologist last week who recommended I have the Fraxel Re:Store procedure (He doesn't offer the Re:Pair). After reading some posts on this site, I am wondering if the Re:Pair procedure might be a better option. Or would it be too....intense? I live in Raleigh, NC and both the Re:Store and Re:pair are offered in the area, so it will just be a matter of whichever will give me the best results. Please advise! thanks, Lexi
Answers (4)
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1
September 23, 2008
Both will work, but re:pair is overkill
I have seen improvements with the Fraxel re:pair for pore size which are dramatic, but if you don't need all the other improvements (pigment, scarring, tightening, texture), then stick with something that is less expensive and less downtime like the re:store, Lux 1540, or IPL.
Steve Weiner, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Destin, Florida
2
July 29, 2008
Fraxel Re:pair for pore size is too aggressive
Talk about going after a fly with a shotgun! Re:pair is far too aggressive to reduce pore size.
In my experience, Fraxel Re:store is the best, with Intense Pulsed Light second. I have also seen nice pore reduction with a light chemical peel series or SilkPeel. All results are temporary, however, so please do these if another problem can also be addressed (fine lines for Re:store, brown and red spots for IPL, etc) in order to get your money's worth.
If you just have large pores and no other problems, aggressive topical presciption retinoids like tazarotene may be your wisest choice.
Web reference: http://www.drmarylupo.com
3
July 25, 2008
Large pores are actually best treated by IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment.
Fraxel re:pair may give slight improved results, but IPL is the best treatment for pore reduction.
4
July 23, 2008
Fraxel may not address pore size
Not all patients respond to either laser for pore size. Some do very well with either and the decision is based more on the overall photodamage or acne scar depth.
Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com
Comments (5)
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8/24/08
Fraxel has left me with scars hypo pigmentation and very rough skin. BE careful. It did nothing for my pour size. If you would like to see the pictures email me at {edited contact information}
<strong>Editor note:</strong> To contact this user privately click on their username.
10/5/08
I am going to get Fraxel laser treatments done. You said that it left scarring?
Kristina
10/7/08
not sure if fraxel is for me
10/8/08
yes, and skin roughness and discolorations.
10/15/08
I had 3 Fraxel Re:store treatments and it did absolutely nothing for my pore size...each and every pore remained the same size. I was hoping it would reduce the much larger pores due to acne scars, but I have the same large pits I had in the beginning.
Note: I went back this past summer, and the place where I went had my treatments had a new esthetician, and after looking at my file said that the old esthetician didn't go deep enough when doing Fraxel Re:store...so I spent all the money for nothing!
Let me just say, I don't know if anything out there will reduce pore size. I'm hoping fractional CO2 lasers will, but you may end up with the same large pores and scars a month or months down the line. I haven't seen any good before and afters pics on the internet that actually show a peron's large pores/ice pick scars have decreased. If anyone has any good before/after pics for any Fractional CO2 laser, please send that link.