If you are considering laser treatment for wrinkles, pigmentation or acne scars, you may see Fraxel and traditional laser resurfacing discussed. The main difference is how much of your skin is treated and how intensive your recovery may be.
Fraxel uses fractional technology, while traditional ablative resurfacing can remove more of your skin’s surface. Your choice should depend on what you want to improve, your skin type and how much downtime you are comfortable with.
What Is Fraxel Laser Resurfacing?
In this article, Fraxel refers to the non-ablative 1550/1927 nm system discussed here. It creates microscopic treatment zones in your skin while leaving surrounding areas relatively spared. You may consider it for wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars, sun damage and uneven skin texture.
Your treatment can use different wavelengths depending on what you want to improve. The 1550 nm wavelength targets deeper skin concerns, while the 1927 nm wavelength works more superficially, helping to treat pigmentation and sun damage.
What Is Traditional Laser Resurfacing?
In this comparison, traditional laser resurfacing refers to full-field ablative treatment with lasers such as CO₂ or Er:YAG. These treatments remove controlled areas of the skin surface and trigger a wound-healing and collagen-remodelling response.
Your treatment depth and intensity can vary depending on what you want to improve. Because more of your skin barrier is removed than with non-ablative Fraxel, you may have more downtime and aftercare.
How Does Fractional Treatment Differ From Full-Surface Resurfacing?
Your fractional laser creates microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding areas of skin relatively spared. Full-surface resurfacing treats a continuous area of the skin surface.
You may need several fractional treatments for gradual results. Your dermatologist can choose the approach based on your skin and concern.
Fraxel vs Full-Field Ablative Laser Resurfacing
| Feature | Fraxel 1550/1927 | Full-field ablative resurfacing |
| Technology | Fractional, non-ablative | Ablative |
| Skin treated | Microscopic treatment zones | Continuous surface area |
| Downtime | Generally shorter | Generally longer |
| Results | More gradual | Potentially more substantial resurfacing |
| Sessions | May require several | Sometimes fewer, depending on concern |
| Recovery intensity | Usually lower | Usually greater |
Is Fraxel an Ablative Laser?
The Fraxel 1550/1927 nm system discussed in this article is fractional and non-ablative. It creates microscopic treatment zones without removing the entire skin surface. “Fractional” describes the treatment pattern, while “ablative” describes tissue removal.
Your skin may still become red, swollen, dry or flaky after Fraxel. You should ask your practitioner which laser, wavelength and treatment mode they plan to use.
What Skin Concerns Can Fraxel Treat?
Fraxel may be considered for several concerns involving skin tone, texture and signs of ageing. The wavelength and treatment settings should be selected according to what you want to improve.
- Pigmentation and sun damage: The 1927 nm wavelength may help improve superficial pigmentation, sun spots and uneven tone caused by accumulated sun exposure.
- Acne scars: The 1550 nm wavelength works more deeply and may help improve the texture of selected acne scars through gradual collagen remodelling.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Fraxel may soften fine lines and early wrinkles by encouraging changes within the deeper layers of your skin.
- Uneven skin texture: Fractional resurfacing may help smooth rough or irregular texture while leaving surrounding areas of skin untreated.
Fraxel does not treat every concern in the same way, so the most appropriate wavelength and intensity depend on your skin, diagnosis and treatment goals.
What Can Traditional Ablative Resurfacing Treat?
Your ablative laser may improve deeper wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars and uneven texture. It can create more significant skin resurfacing than gentler laser treatments.
Your recovery may be longer because more of your skin surface is treated. Your dermatologist can advise whether this level of treatment suits your concern.
Fraxel vs Traditional Resurfacing for Wrinkles
Your Fraxel treatment may help fine lines and early wrinkles, while ablative resurfacing may suit deeper, more established wrinkles. Your choice depends on how deep your wrinkles are and what you want to improve.
Your wrinkles may also be caused by muscle movement, volume loss or skin laxity. Your dermatologist should identify the cause before choosing the right treatment for you.
Fraxel vs Traditional Resurfacing for Acne Scars
Fraxel 1550 may improve selected atrophic acne scars with less downtime than full-field ablative resurfacing. Ablative treatment may produce greater improvement in some cases, but it generally involves more recovery and risk.
Your acne scars can have different shapes and depths, so one treatment may not suit every scar. Your dermatologist can assess your scars and decide whether you need laser alone or another treatment.
Evidence Note
Evidence supports both ablative and non-ablative laser approaches for atrophic acne scars, but results vary according to scar type, laser system and treatment protocol. Comparative studies do not show that one approach is automatically better for every patient.
Your dermatologist should therefore assess the type and depth of your scars, your skin characteristics and the recovery you can manage before recommending a laser treatment.
Which Is Better for Pigmentation and Sun Damage?
Your Fraxel treatment may help certain pigmentation, sun spots and mild texture changes. The 1927 nm wavelength works more superficially and may be used for pigmentation and photodamage, while 1550 nm reaches deeper skin layers.
Your pigmentation needs to be diagnosed before treatment. Your dermatologist can recommend the safest option based on the type and extent of your pigmentation.
Clinical Tip
Not every dark patch is the same. Melasma, lentigines and post-inflammatory pigmentation can respond differently to laser treatment, so the diagnosis should be clear before choosing a wavelength or treatment intensity.
How Does Treatment Intensity Compare?
Your traditional ablative laser is generally more intensive than non-ablative Fraxel because it removes more of your skin surface. Your Fraxel treats microscopic areas while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
Your treatment intensity can vary with the device and settings. You should ask your practitioner about the wavelength, depth and treatment area so you know what recovery to expect.
Research Insight
The terms “fractional” and “ablative” describe different aspects of laser treatment. Fractional refers to treating microscopic columns of skin while leaving surrounding tissue untreated, whereas ablative refers to removing part of the skin surface.
This means a laser can be fractional and non-ablative, like Fraxel 1550/1927, or fractional and ablative, such as fractional CO₂ or Er:YAG. Understanding this difference helps explain why recovery time, treatment intensity and results can vary so much between laser systems.
What Does Fraxel Treatment and Recovery Feel Like?
Your skin may feel warm or prickly during Fraxel treatment. Afterwards, you may feel like you have mild sunburn, with redness and dryness.
Your skin may look temporarily darker, dry or flaky for several days as it heals. You should let your skin shed naturally and follow your practitioner’s aftercare advice.
How Many Sessions Might You Need and When Will You See Results?
You may need a series of Fraxel treatments because each session treats only a fraction of your skin. The number and spacing of sessions depend on your concern, the wavelength and settings used, and how your skin responds. Full-field ablative resurfacing may sometimes be performed in fewer sessions because each treatment is more intensive.
You may notice early changes once redness, dryness or flaking settle, but improvement in texture can continue gradually as your skin remodels. Your dermatologist should explain the likely treatment course, when improvement may become visible and whether further sessions could be needed.
What Is Recovery Like After Traditional Ablative Resurfacing?
Your skin may be red, swollen, raw or crusted after traditional ablative resurfacing because more of your skin surface is treated. You should know that your recovery is usually longer than with Fraxel and may involve greater sensitivity while your skin heals.
You may need gentle cleansing, moisturising and careful aftercare during recovery. Your redness can also last beyond the initial healing period, so you and your dermatologist should discuss when you can safely return to your normal skincare routine.
Which Treatment Usually Produces More Noticeable Results?
Your ablative treatment may create more noticeable results in a single session, but your recovery and risks can also be greater. Your Fraxel treatment usually provides more gradual improvement.
You may need several Fraxel sessions depending on your concern. Your dermatologist can help you choose the treatment based on the results you want and the recovery you can manage.
How Do the Risks Compare?
Your Fraxel treatment may cause redness, swelling, dryness, flaking and temporary pigment changes. Full-field ablative resurfacing creates a more extensive wound, so prolonged redness, infection, pigment changes, herpes reactivation and scarring are also important complications to discuss.
Your individual risk depends on your skin type, treatment depth, area being treated and medical history. Your practitioner should explain the risks associated with the specific laser and settings planned for you.
Who May Need Extra Assessment Before Laser Resurfacing?
You should tell your dermatologist about any active skin infection, tendency to form raised scars, previous pigmentation problems, medical conditions and medicines you take. A history of cold sores is also important because some laser procedures can reactivate the herpes virus.
Your treatment may need to be delayed or modified if there is a concern about healing or complications. Your dermatologist should assess your skin, medical history and previous treatments before deciding whether Fraxel or more intensive resurfacing is appropriate for you.
UK Guidance Note
Before having laser resurfacing, you should ask about the treatment being recommended, the expected recovery, possible complications and the aftercare you will need. Your practitioner should also assess your skin, medical history and individual risk factors before treatment.
Does Skin Tone Affect Which Treatment You Can Have?
Your skin tone and history of pigmentation can affect which laser treatment is suitable for you. If you have a darker skin tone or a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you may have a greater risk of pigment changes after some laser treatments.
This does not automatically mean you cannot have laser treatment. Your dermatologist should consider your skin type, recent tanning, previous reactions and pigmentation history when choosing the laser, treatment intensity and settings.
Why Do Aftercare and Sun Protection Matter?
Your skin needs time to recover after either treatment, although aftercare is usually more intensive after full-field ablative resurfacing. You should follow the cleansing, moisturising and skincare instructions provided by your practitioner and avoid picking or peeling healing skin.
Recent tanning or significant sun exposure can affect treatment planning and may increase the risk of pigment changes. Your practitioner should advise you about suitable sun protection, when you can restart your usual skincare products and what changes should prompt you to contact the clinic.
How Can You Choose Between Fraxel and Traditional Laser Resurfacing?
Your choice should reflect what you want to improve, your skin type, medical history and how much downtime you can realistically manage. You should also think about whether you prefer a more gradual treatment plan or are prepared for the longer recovery that can follow full-field ablative resurfacing.
Your dermatologist should assess the concern being treated, your pigmentation history, previous skin reactions and how your skin is likely to heal. Ask which laser and wavelength will be used, how many sessions may be needed, what recovery is expected, whether repeat treatment may be needed and what level of improvement is realistic for you. This can help you compare the options without choosing treatment based on intensity alone.
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
| Fractional always means non-ablative. | Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. |
| Stronger resurfacing is always better. | Greater intensity can also mean more downtime and risk. |
| Fraxel and CO₂ resurfacing are basically the same. | They affect skin differently and have different recovery profiles. |
| One laser works best for every acne scar. | Scar shape, depth and skin characteristics influence treatment choice. |
Key Takeaways
- Fraxel 1550/1927 is fractional and non-ablative, while full-field CO₂ or Er:YAG resurfacing removes surface tissue.
- Ablative resurfacing may create more substantial change but usually involves greater recovery.
- Fraxel may suit pigmentation, texture, fine lines and selected scars, depending on the wavelength used.
- “Fractional” and “ablative” describe different aspects of laser treatment.
- Skin tone and pigmentation history should be considered before treatment.
- Treatment choice should reflect your concern, skin characteristics and acceptable downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Fraxel and traditional laser resurfacing?
The Fraxel 1550/1927 system discussed in this article is fractional and non-ablative, targeting microscopic areas of skin. Traditional resurfacing in this comparison refers to full-field ablative lasers that remove a continuous area of the skin surface.
2. Is Fraxel an ablative laser?
The Fraxel 1550/1927 nm system discussed in this article is non-ablative. It creates microscopic treatment zones without removing the entire skin surface.
3. Which treatment is better for wrinkles?
Fraxel can improve fine lines and early wrinkles, while ablative resurfacing may be considered for deeper wrinkles. Your skin and the depth of your wrinkles will influence the most suitable approach.
4. Can Fraxel treat acne scars?
Fraxel 1550 nm may help improve selected acne scars and uneven skin texture. Your scar type and depth should be assessed because some scars may need another treatment or a combined approach.
5. Is Fraxel suitable for pigmentation and sun damage?
Fraxel can be useful for certain pigmentation and sun-related changes. The 1927 nm wavelength is particularly used for superficial pigmented lesions such as sun spots and age spots.
6. Which laser treatment has more downtime?
Fully ablative resurfacing generally involves more downtime because more of the skin surface is treated. Fraxel usually has a shorter recovery, although redness, dryness and peeling can still occur.
7. Which treatment produces more noticeable results?
More intensive ablative resurfacing can produce a greater change from a single treatment. Fraxel usually offers more gradual improvement and may require a series of treatments.
8. What is recovery like after Fraxel?
Your skin may feel hot or sunburnt immediately after treatment. Redness, dryness, roughness and peeling can continue for several days as your skin heals.
9. Does your skin tone affect laser resurfacing?
Yes, your skin tone and history of pigmentation can affect treatment planning. Your practitioner should consider your risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and choose the laser and settings carefully.
10. How do you choose between Fraxel and traditional laser resurfacing?
You should consider your skin concern, treatment intensity, recovery time and desired results. A dermatologist can assess your skin and explain which option is appropriate for you.
Final Thoughts: Fraxel vs Traditional Laser Resurfacing
Fraxel and traditional ablative laser resurfacing work differently and involve different levels of treatment intensity and recovery. Fraxel may suit concerns such as pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines and acne scars, while more intensive ablative resurfacing may be considered for deeper wrinkles or more established skin damage.
If you’re considering Fraxel laser treatment in London, you can get in touch with our team at London Dermatology Centre.
References:
- Narurkar, V.A., Alster, T.S., Bernstein, E.F., Lin, T.J. and Loncaric, A. (2018) ‘Safety and efficacy of a 1550nm/1927nm dual wavelength laser for the treatment of photodamaged skin’, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 17(1), pp. 41–46. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29320586/
- Alexiades-Armenakas, M.R., Dover, J.S. and Arndt, K.A. (2008) ‘The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing’, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 58(5), pp. 719–737. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962208000832
- Mar, K., Khalid, B., Maazi, M., Ahmed, R., Wang, O.J.E. and Khosravi-Hafshejani, T. (2024) ‘Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Colour: A Systematic Review’, Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 28(5), pp. 473–480. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11514325/
- Ong, M.W.S. and Bashir, S.J. (2012) ‘Fractional laser resurfacing for acne scars: a review’, British Journal of Dermatology, 166(6), pp. 1160–1169. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/166/6/1160/6613826
- Morris, M.X., Gebhardt, S., Tingen, J.N., Dorante, M.I. and Pandya, S. (2025) ‘Laser Resurfacing Versus Chemical Peels: A Review of Current Trends and Technological Advances in Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation’, Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, 1(1), article 5. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/3042-6774/1/1/5