Review of Fraxel

My Review of the Fraxel Laser Procedure

I’m in San Antonio and was able to review all the new products at the American Academy of Dermatology. Fraxel introduced its new CO2 technology mentioned on NBC’s Today Show last Friday. I’ve had several patient’s ask me about this, so thought I would post a review.

The Fraxel is a fractionated laser source that treats only part of the skin. It has less down time than CO2, which was one of the first full-face rejuvenating lasers on the market. It’s a very aggressive laser and it goes quite deep. The idea is to give a CO2 result (which in many cases leaves the skin slightly pink in appearance) without the downtime of a full CO2 treatment. It can be a painful procedure and although CO2 is the gold standard, most physicians have moved away from this technology due to downtime, discomfort, and complication. This is truly a “burn care” post procedure and quite often there is significant bleeding and oozing. It is not a procedure for the faint of heart.

And, if you are going to do a fractionated procedure, why not do the gold standard full CO2 procedure? I don’t see this as a huge improvement in the aesthetic laser market; just modifying existing technology a bit.

Cosmeceutical products seem to have the biggest splash at the AAD. The idea that these high-grade topical products should possibly begin just before procedures and most certainly be used after procedures (for best results) is trending.

If you have more questions on alternatives to the Fraxel (such as the Pearl laser procedure) call our office today at 614-799-5100.