Fraxel and Pixel lasers treat wrinkles, acne scars and photoaging. Unlike traditional ablative laser resurfacing, which vaporizes the skin's entire surface, these lasers are selectively applied to the skin, creating a grid-like pattern of evenly spaced microscopic wounds.
Fraxel Laser
Fraxel lasers are CO2 lasers and deliver more heat to skin tissue, according to the Colorado Center for Photomedicine. This results in greater collagen stimulation, making Fraxel lasers a better choice for patients seeking a more dramatic improvement.
Pixel Laser
Pixel lasers are Erbium lasers, which penetrate skin tissue less deeply than a Fraxel laser. Pixel laser therapy also requires multiple treatments for optimal results.
Uses
Both the Fraxel and Pixel lasers are used to treat aged or damaged skin.
Results
Results vary depending on the intensity of treatment and the type of laser used. A single Fraxel re:pair treatment will deliver more dramatic results than multiple Pixel treatments. However, several Pixel treatments would be more appropriate for acne scars than a similar number of treatments with the gentler Fraxel re:fine laser, which is more suitable for minor skin damage.
Recovery Time
Depending on the intensity of treatment, recovery time can take anywhere from a single day to up to 10 days following a Fraxel laser treatment. Pixel laser recovery time takes between three and seven days.
References
Writer Bio
Giselle Berge has written professionally since 2003 and for Demand Studios since 2009, with numerous articles published on eHow. She specializes in travel, living and investing abroad and natural health and beauty. She received a Certifcat de Langue Française from Paris-Sorbonne IV in 2005, and also studied in Italy at the Universita' per Stranieri di Perugia.
