Fraxel vs CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Which Treatment Is Right for Your Skin?

Compare Fraxel vs CO2 laser resurfacing for acne scars, wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture. Learn about downtime, results, and choosing the right treatment in Beverly Hills.

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Fraxel vs CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Which Treatment Is Right for Your Skin?

If you're considering laser skin resurfacing, you've probably come across Fraxel and CO₂ laser treatment.

Both can be used to improve the appearance of skin, but they work differently and are designed for different treatment goals.

So, which one is better?

The answer depends on your skin concerns, skin type, treatment goals, desired intensity, and how much downtime you can accommodate.

At Dermatology & Laser of Beverly Hills, treatment plans are customized rather than based on a generic treatment menu. The practice describes its laser approach as individualized according to each patient's skin needs.

Learn More About Laser & Energy-Based Treatments

Fraxel vs CO2 Laser: Quick Comparison

Feature	Fraxel Dual	CO₂ Laser
Treatment type	Non-ablative fractional resurfacing	Ablative fractional resurfacing
Main approach	Treats deeper and superficial skin layers	Removes controlled areas of damaged skin
Common concerns	Pigmentation, sun damage, texture, wrinkles, scars	Texture, wrinkles, skin rejuvenation and resurfacing
Downtime	Generally less than ablative resurfacing	Usually greater than non-ablative treatment
Energy	1550 nm + 1927 nm	10,600 nm
Best choice	Depends on skin concern and desired intensity	Depends on skin concern and desired intensity
Consultation	Recommended	Recommended

The practice's website describes Fraxel Dual as a fractional non-ablative treatment using 1550 nm and 1927 nm wavelengths, while its CO₂ treatment uses 10,600 nm ablative resurfacing.

What Is Fraxel Dual Laser?

Fraxel Dual is a fractional non-ablative laser.

The treatment uses two wavelengths:

1550 nm
1927 nm

The 1550 nm wavelength is used for deeper skin remodeling, while 1927 nm targets more superficial concerns such as pigmentation and sun damage.

Because Fraxel is fractional, microscopic treatment zones are created while surrounding skin remains intact.

This approach can help support the skin's healing process while limiting the amount of treated tissue at one time.

What can Fraxel be used for?

Depending on the patient's needs, Fraxel may be considered for concerns such as:

Acne scars
Uneven skin texture
Fine lines
Sun damage
Pigmentation
Uneven skin tone

Learn More About Laser & Energy Treatments

What Is CO2 Laser Resurfacing?

CO₂ laser resurfacing is a more intensive ablative resurfacing treatment.

The site describes its CO₂ laser as using a 10,600 nm wavelength that is absorbed by water in the skin.

The laser creates controlled areas of ablation and coagulation, stimulating a wound-healing response and collagen remodeling.

CO₂ resurfacing may be considered when a patient needs more significant resurfacing for concerns such as:

More pronounced skin texture changes
Wrinkles
Certain acne scars
Skin rejuvenation
Uneven or damaged skin

The exact treatment plan depends on the patient's skin and goals.

Is Fraxel Better Than CO2?

Not necessarily.

Fraxel isn't automatically better than CO₂, and CO₂ isn't automatically better than Fraxel.

They work differently.

A dermatologist needs to evaluate:

Your skin condition
Type of scarring
Pigmentation
Skin texture
Degree of sun damage
Desired results
Downtime you can manage
Previous treatments
Overall skin health

The American Academy of Dermatology also emphasizes that laser scar treatment should begin with a medical consultation and that treatment should be selected according to the individual scar and patient's characteristics.

Fraxel for Acne Scars

Acne scars are not all the same.

Some are:

Ice-pick scars
Boxcar scars
Rolling scars
Raised scars

Because scar types differ, the treatment that works for one person may not be the best option for another.

Fraxel may be incorporated into an acne-scar treatment plan when resurfacing and collagen remodeling are appropriate.

Learn More About Acne & Rosacea Treatment

CO2 Laser for Acne Scars

CO₂ resurfacing can be used as part of an acne-scar treatment strategy when more intensive resurfacing is appropriate.

The important point is that the scar type needs to be diagnosed first.

The AAD notes that depressed acne scars may require different treatments depending on their type, and dermatologists may combine procedures to achieve better results.

Which Laser Is Better for Wrinkles?

Both Fraxel and CO₂ can be considered for skin aging and texture concerns, but they provide different levels of resurfacing.

Fraxel uses non-ablative fractional resurfacing, while CO₂ uses ablative resurfacing.

Your dermatologist can determine which approach makes sense based on the severity of your concerns and the amount of recovery time you can accommodate.

Learn More About Cosmetic Dermatology

Fraxel vs CO2 Downtime

One of the biggest questions patients ask is:

“How much downtime will I have?”

There isn't one recovery time that applies to every patient.

Treatment intensity, settings, treatment area, skin condition, and individual healing all matter.

In general, non-ablative fractional resurfacing is less intensive than ablative CO₂ resurfacing, while CO₂ treatment generally involves more recovery.

This is one of the most important points to discuss during your consultation.

Can Laser Resurfacing Treat Pigmentation?

Certain laser technologies are designed specifically for pigmentation.

At Dermatology & Laser of Beverly Hills, the laser treatment menu includes:

Fraxel Dual
PicoSure Pro
Excel V+
CO₂ laser

The practice describes Fraxel's 1927 nm wavelength as targeting superficial pigmentation and sun damage, while PicoSure Pro uses picosecond technology for pigment-related concerns and tattoo removal.

Learn More About PicoSure Pro and Laser Treatments

What About Redness and Broken Blood Vessels?

Fraxel and CO₂ aren't the only laser options.

For vascular concerns such as broken blood vessels and rosacea, the practice offers Excel V+.

The site describes Excel V+ as using 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths to target superficial and deeper vascular concerns.

Learn More About Acne, Rosacea & Perioral Dermatitis

Why a Consultation Matters Before Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatment isn't something you should choose simply because a particular device is trending online.

A consultation allows the dermatologist to determine:

What condition you're actually treating
Whether laser treatment is appropriate
Which laser may be appropriate
How aggressive the treatment should be
What recovery may look like
Whether combination treatment could be useful

The practice specifically states that it does not offer generic treatment packages and instead creates individualized treatment plans.

Learn More About Dr. Ehsan Azimi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fraxel better than CO2 laser?

Neither is universally better. Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional treatment, while CO₂ is an ablative resurfacing treatment. The right choice depends on your skin concern, desired results, and tolerance for downtime.

Which is better for acne scars, Fraxel or CO2?

Both may have a role in acne-scar treatment, but the best option depends on the type and severity of your scars. A dermatologist should evaluate the scars before recommending treatment.

Does Fraxel have less downtime than CO2?

Fraxel is a non-ablative treatment, while CO₂ is ablative, so recovery is generally different. Your specific downtime depends on treatment settings and individual healing.

Does CO2 laser remove acne scars completely?

Laser treatment can improve the appearance of acne scars, but it should not be marketed as making every scar disappear completely. The AAD notes that laser treatment can make scars less noticeable rather than simply eliminating them.

Can laser resurfacing help wrinkles?

Laser resurfacing can be considered for wrinkles and skin texture. The appropriate technology and treatment intensity depend on your skin and goals.

Is Fraxel good for pigmentation?

Fraxel Dual includes a 1927 nm wavelength designed to target superficial skin concerns including pigmentation and sun damage.

What should I do before laser resurfacing?

Your dermatologist should provide individualized preparation instructions. Tell your doctor about medications, skincare products, previous procedures, and any relevant skin conditions.