The primary difference is the way they treat the skin. An ablative laser removes the entire top layer of skin, whereas a fractional laser creates tiny, controlled channels of injury, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. Consequently, the fractional method allows for much faster healing.

Professionals generally consider ablative CO2 lasers to be more effective for deep wrinkles and severe textural issues because they provide a more comprehensive resurfacing of the skin’s surface. However, this comes with a significantly longer and more intensive recovery period.

The downtime for an ablative CO2 laser is substantial, typically ranging from 10 to 21 days. In contrast, the recovery for a fractional CO2 laser is much shorter, usually between 3 and 7 days, which is why it is often called a “weekend laser”.

Yes, a fractional laser can, indeed, improve the appearance of deep acne scars. However, you will likely need multiple sessions to achieve a significant result. For this reason, we often recommend a series of treatments to gradually build on the improvements.

Yes, a fully ablative laser is more intense and typically requires nerve blocks or sedation for pain management. A fractional laser is, on the other hand, less painful, and doctors usually use a topical numbing cream to ensure comfort during the procedure.

For a fully ablative CO2 laser, one session is often enough to achieve a dramatic result. On the other hand, for a fractional CO2 laser, you will typically need a series of 2 to 4 sessions to get the best outcome.

A single ablative treatment is generally more expensive than a single fractional treatment, with costs for the former ranging from $2,500 to $6,700. However, the cumulative cost of multiple fractional treatments can, in contrast, eventually match or exceed a single ablative session.

Both lasers can be used on various skin types. However, people with darker skin tones have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation with the more aggressive ablative laser. Thus, a fractional laser is often recommended as a safer alternative.

First, you should avoid sun exposure for several weeks before your appointment. Furthermore, you may be asked to stop using certain skincare products, such as retinoids, and also to take prophylactic medication if you have a history of cold sores.

Experts consider the results from both ablative and fractional CO2 lasers to be long-lasting and often permanent, as the new collagen growth reshapes the skin. Therefore, proper skincare and sun protection are essential to maintain your results.

Ablative aftercare, as a matter of fact, requires more intensive cleaning and application of ointments. Fractional aftercare is much simpler, typically involving gentle washing and moisturizing, and also strict sun avoidance.

It is generally advised to avoid makeup for at least a week after a fractional treatment and even longer after an ablative procedure. Your doctor will, thus, give you a specific timeline to ensure proper healing.

Yes, both ablative and fractional CO2 lasers are known for their skin-tightening effects. As a matter of fact, the heat from the laser stimulates a significant amount of collagen production, which leads to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

The results are considered long-lasting and often permanent because the new collagen growth reshapes the skin. Proper skincare and sun protection are, therefore, essential to maintain your new skin.

Common side effects include redness, swelling, and peeling. More serious risks, however, include infection, scarring, and changes in skin pigmentation. These risks are higher with ablative lasers but can be managed by a qualified professional.

Yes, both ablative and fractional CO2 lasers can be used on other parts of the body, such as the neck, chest, and hands, to treat similar concerns like wrinkles, scars, and sun damage.

People with active acne, a history of keloid scarring, or certain medical conditions should avoid this treatment. It is, therefore, crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor beforehand to ensure your safety.

Fraxel is a brand name for a type of fractional laser. While some Fraxel lasers use a CO2 medium, others are non-ablative. A CO2 laser, on the other hand, is a specific type of ablative laser that is used for resurfacing.

Yes, it is common for the entire face to be treated in one session for both ablative and fractional procedures. For a more intense treatment or for sensitive areas, a partial-face treatment may be chosen.

You will, of course, see initial improvements as soon as the redness fades. However, the final, most dramatic results will gradually appear over 3 to 6 months as your skin continues to produce new collagen and improve in texture.

You should, in essence, only have this procedure performed by a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or a qualified medical professional with extensive experience in laser treatments. This is, in fact, the only way to ensure your safety and the best possible results.

No, it is not recommended to have a CO2 laser treatment while you have an active acne breakout, since it can worsen inflammation and increase the risk of infection. Your acne must be under control first.

While patients often describe the sensation as a stinging or snapping feeling, your doctor will, by all means, use a topical numbing cream or a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Pain after the procedure is often compared to a sunburn.

Yes, both ablative and fractional CO2 lasers are, in fact, highly effective at treating sun spots and other forms of sun damage. The laser helps to remove the pigmented cells and even out skin tone.

The “best” method depends, of course, on your specific goals and what you can tolerate in terms of downtime. If you need a powerful, single-session fix for deep issues, an ablative laser is superior. If you, on the other hand, prefer a gentler approach with minimal downtime, a fractional laser is the better choice.