Do you have deep lines, wrinkles, melasma? Join the club! Fortunately, all these conditions can be easily treated with one of two of our most popular skin restoration and rejuvenation services – Fraxel laser and CO2 laser resurfacing. Here we explain the similarities and differences between the two and provide professional guidance on which treatment is best for your specific needs.
Fraxel
During a Fraxel laser treatment, microscopic wounds (called columns) are created just underneath the skin’s surface by small pulses of laser beams. The process stimulates your body’s natural restorative defenses and helps to create the production of new collagen. Unlike a topical procedure that removes layers of skin, Fraxel layer works from the inside out and replaces damaged skin tissue with smoother, healthier skin.
Benefits of Fraxel Laser:
- Smoother tone
- Improved texture
- Reduced pore size
- Fewer wrinkles and fine lines
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser technology involves the use of short-pulsed high energy that treats and removes layers of damaged skin with extreme precision and minimal thermal damage. It is an effective process because shorter light pulses have higher energy, and therefore, the laser can be more selective in removing the damaged skin tissue. As a result, new collagen and elastin fibers are produced and the skin looks healthier and firmer.
- Benefits of CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- Outpatient nonsurgical procedure
- Reduced risk of skin infection
- Controlled and accurate removal of layers of skin
- Minimal scarring and downtime
Key Differences Between Fraxel & CO2
- Fraxel is a non-ablative treatment where the top layer of skin is left intact. CO2 involves the precise removal of the top layers of skin.
- Fraxel is a fractioned procedure whereas CO2 involves deep resurfacing.
- CO2 treats hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin laxity. It restores youthful skin due to the stimulation of new collagen and elastin. It works to diminish stretch marks and treats pre-cancerous lesions.
- Fraxel treats sun damage and melasma, diminishes fine lines, stimulates collagen production, reduces scarring, and improves the texture of the skin.
- The expected downtime for Fraxel is seven days and up to two weeks for CO2 laser resurfacing.
When determining which laser treatment is right for you several factors will be taken into consideration including your skin condition, age, skin type, ethnicity, and desired results. Still not sure which way to go? Not to worry! Before you can receive a treatment, you will meet with one of our experienced skin technicians at an initial consultation who will provide additional guidance.
Fraxel Laser & CO2 Laser Resurfacing at Skin NV – South Tampa’s Premier Med Spa
We hope this information provides insight into these two popular procedures! As you can see while there are several similarities, the two treatments are quite different. To learn more about Fraxel laser and CO2 laser resurfacing or to schedule an appointment, please contact our South Tampa med spa at (813) 839-4141.