Is Fraxel a CO2 Laser? Understanding the Differences and Benefits
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Jayaram, MD, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. Last updated October 28, 2026.
If you are wondering whether Fraxel is a CO2 laser, the answer depends on the type of Fraxel treatment you are considering. Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser, meaning it works beneath the skin’s surface without removing the top layer. Fraxel Repair, on the other hand, is an ablative CO2 laser that removes the outer layers of skin to achieve more dramatic results. Understanding the differences between these treatments is essential when choosing the right solution for your skin concerns.
Understanding Fraxel Lasers
Fraxel lasers are a family of fractional lasers designed to improve skin texture and tone. The technology works by creating microscopic columns of treated skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This method allows the skin to heal faster than traditional laser treatments.
Common Skin Concerns Treated by Fraxel
Fraxel lasers can treat a wide range of skin concerns.
Non-ablative treatments like Fraxel Dual are effective for mild pigmentation issues, early signs of aging, and superficial sun damage.
Ablative CO2 treatments, such as Fraxel Repair, are better suited for deeper wrinkles, acne scars, and significant texture irregularities.
Whether your concern is age spots, fine lines, or uneven skin tone, there is a Fraxel treatment tailored to your needs.
How Laser Treatment Works
Skin Rejuvenation with Fraxel Laser Resurfacing
Fraxel skin rejuvenation can restore a youthful appearance and improve overall skin health. Non-ablative treatments provide gradual improvement over several sessions, while ablative CO2 laser resurfacing produces more immediate and dramatic results.
Both methods enhance collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and sun damage. Regular treatments combined with proper skincare can maintain these benefits long-term.
Recovery Time Expectations
Recovery time varies depending on the type of Fraxel treatment.
Non-ablative Fraxel Dual typically results in mild redness and swelling that resolves within a few days.
Ablative Fraxel Repair involves a longer recovery, often requiring one to two weeks for the skin to heal fully.
Following post-treatment care instructions is crucial to minimize complications and ensure optimal results.
Minimal Downtime Options
For patients concerned about minimal downtime, non-ablative Fraxel treatments are ideal. These procedures allow you to return to daily activities almost immediately, with only minor redness or swelling. Ablative CO2 treatments, while more intensive, require a more extended healing period but deliver more significant improvements. Choosing the right option depends on your lifestyle and your skin rejuvenation goals.
Rejuvenate Your Skin at Our Med Spa
At ellevateMD, you can rejuvenate your skin with advanced skin rejuvenation treatments designed to restore a youthful glow and improve overall texture. Our med spa offers personalized care with state-of-the-art skin resurfacing techniques and fractional laser technology to safely and effectively target specific concerns. Whether you are seeking to reduce fine lines, fade sun damage, or improve skin tone, our team tailors each session to your unique needs, ensuring the best possible results with minimal downtime.
Achieving Dramatic Results
If your goal is dramatic results, Fraxel Repair CO2 laser treatment is the most effective option. By removing damaged skin layers and stimulating deep collagen production, it can significantly improve wrinkles, scars, and overall skin texture. Non-ablative Fraxel Dual can also produce noticeable improvements, but the results are more gradual and subtle. Discussing your expectations with a qualified provider ensures you select the treatment that aligns with your desired outcome.
Personalized Care for Optimal Outcomes
Fraxel treatments should always be tailored to the individual. A personalized care plan considers your skin type, concerns, and desired results. Consultation with a licensed provider helps determine whether Fraxel Dual or Fraxel Repair is best for you. Personalized care ensures safer procedures, improved results, and a smoother recovery.
Fraxel vs Other CO2 Laser Treatments
CO2 Laser Treatment Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fraxel the same as a CO2 laser?
Not always. Fraxel is a family of fractional lasers, and only Fraxel Repair is an ablative CO2 laser. Fraxel Dual is non-ablative, so it heats the deeper skin without removing the surface. The two differ in intensity, recovery time and how dramatic the results are.
What is Fraxel Dual best for?
Fraxel Dual is best for mild pigmentation, early signs of aging, fine lines and superficial sun damage. Because it is non-ablative, it works beneath the surface and usually causes only mild redness and swelling that clears within a few days. Results build gradually over several sessions rather than all at once.
Which Fraxel laser is better for acne scars?
Fraxel Repair, the ablative CO2 option, is usually the better choice for acne scars, deeper wrinkles and significant texture problems. It removes damaged outer layers and stimulates deep collagen, which gives more dramatic change. The tradeoff is a longer recovery of about one to two weeks.
How long is recovery after a CO2 Fraxel laser treatment?
Recovery after Fraxel Repair, the CO2 version, often takes one to two weeks for the skin to heal fully. Non-ablative Fraxel Dual is much quicker, with mild redness and swelling that usually fades within a few days. Following aftercare instructions and protecting your skin from the sun lowers the risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation.
Does Fraxel laser treatment hurt?
Most patients find Fraxel manageable, especially when a topical anesthetic is applied before treatment to reduce discomfort. Non-ablative Fraxel Dual is the gentler option, while CO2 Fraxel Repair is more intensive. At Ellevate MD, your provider reviews your skin type and goals to help you choose the right level of treatment.
Conclusion
Fraxel treatments offer a powerful way to rejuvenate your skin by stimulating the growth of healthy skin cells and promoting collagen production. Using a precise laser beam, Fraxel can target specific skin conditions to help achieve smoother skin with fewer treatments than many other cosmetic procedures. Most patients find the experience manageable, especially when a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.
While the recovery period varies depending on whether you choose non-ablative or CO2 laser treatment, patients report feeling confident and satisfied as they see improvements in texture, tone, and overall skin health. Proper care and attention can also reduce the risk of side effects, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ensuring that your journey to refreshed, radiant skin is safe and effective.
About the author
Dr. Ann Jayaram, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon at Ellevate MD in Atherton, California. She studied at Stanford, earned her MD with honors in research at Loyola, completed her ophthalmology residency at Northwestern and her oculoplastic surgery fellowship at Tufts Medical Center New England Eye Center. She has performed more than 7,000 eyelid and eye procedures. Read more about Dr. Jayaram.
