My best friend had Fraxel a few years ago. She said it was really painful, and frankly I can't see any difference. Keep in mind that I don't see her that often-she lives in CA and I live in TX. She seems happy with the results.

I'm so glad you asked this question. I'm wanting to have something done also, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I haven't even talked to my dermatologist about it, but he does something called CO2 Laser Skin Rejuvenation (DOT). I'm not sure if it's similar to Fraxel, but here's what their website says:

DOT Therapy (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) is a new and exciting way of reversing the appearance of aged or sun-damaged skin, smoothe wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of acne or other scars. DOT Therapy is preformed using the SmartXide DOT laser system. Because DOT Therapy delivers the desired outcome with minimal downtime, it is rapidly replacing traditional laser skin resurfacing as the treatment of choice for mild to moderate signs of photo damage and aging skin. Generally one treatment is all it takes but more can be done for those with severe acne scars and wrinkles.

The gal that does my radiofrequency treatments had this done. Her skin looked pretty good before but amazing afterward. The down time is a week. The top layer of skin falls off and reveals new pink skin beneath. She did have some hyperpigmentation and was prescribed cream for it. The darker skin tone you have the more chance of this happening.

The best and most effective laser remain CO2. I have several friends who have had this done and their skin is flawless.

There are different fraxel lasers each have different strengths. According to the Cosmetic Surgeon I have used (who has the strongest strength Fraxel) the results are not the same as CO2. Recovery for CO2 is longer with regards to redness. The results remain better with CO2.

The reason I know this is because I have had Fraxel around my eyes by her when it first came out about 5 years ago. My eyes look much better but I still have lines. She has now switched back to CO2 since the results are better.

CO2 is still the gold standard. I had this done about 15 years ago for crow's feet which began developing in my early 20's. They were completely eliminated. Best thing I ever did for myself! The downtime was two weeks, and several months for complete recovery. The derm gave me injections for numbing which was the most uncomfortable part but not awful.

Last year I had full face fraxel. Results were not as dramatic and it was very uncomfortable.

Thanks all. I am going to research it more.