Fraxel vs Laser Genesis: Which Is Used for What?
Fraxel vs Laser Genesis is a common comparison for people considering laser treatment for pigmentation, redness, scarring or changes in skin texture.
Both treatments are used to improve the skin, but they work quite differently. That’s why the question isn’t really which one is “better”. It’s more about what you’re trying to treat.
If your main concern is pigmentation, sun damage or acne scarring, Fraxel may be considered. If you’re dealing with redness, rosacea, enlarged pores or want a gentler treatment with little to no downtime, Laser Genesis may be more relevant.
There is some crossover between the two, particularly when it comes to texture, fine lines and collagen stimulation, but they work in different ways.
Fraxel vs Laser Genesis: what is the difference?
A simple way to think about the difference is that Fraxel is a fractional resurfacing treatment, while Laser Genesis is a non-ablative treatment that gradually heats the skin.
Fraxel tends to be used when we are looking to treat more noticeable pigmentation, sun damage, scarring or textural change.
Laser Genesis tends to be used more often for redness, rosacea, pores, fine lines and gradual improvements in overall skin quality.
They can both improve texture and stimulate collagen, but they are not simply stronger and weaker versions of the same treatment.
What is Fraxel?
Fraxel is a fractional laser resurfacing treatment.
At Collins Cosmetic Clinic, we use the Fraxel Dual, which has two different wavelengths that allow us to treat different concerns at different depths in the skin.
The 1927nm wavelength works more superficially and is commonly used for pigmentation, sun damage and changes in skin tone.
The 1550nm wavelength penetrates more deeply and can be used for concerns such as acne scarring, lines, wrinkles and some textural changes.
Fraxel may be used for concerns including:
- Sun damage
- Pigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne scarring
- Surgical scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Some stretch marks
- Melasma in suitable patients
Because Fraxel creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin, there is usually some downtime afterwards.
Redness, swelling, bronzing and flaking can all occur as the skin goes through its normal healing process. The amount of downtime will depend on the treatment settings, your skin and what is being treated.
You can read more about Fraxel treatment at Collins Cosmetic Clinic.
What is Laser Genesis?
Laser Genesis is a gentle, non-ablative laser treatment using 1064nm laser energy.
During treatment, the handpiece is moved repeatedly over the skin, delivering low-energy pulses that gradually warm the deeper layers of the skin and small blood vessels within it.
This can help stimulate collagen, improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of redness and visible vascular changes.
Laser Genesis may be used for:
- Diffuse facial redness
- Rosacea-related redness
- Visible or damaged capillaries
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin texture
- Some types of scarring
- Poikiloderma
- General skin rejuvenation
One of the main reasons people choose Laser Genesis is the minimal downtime. The skin may look slightly pink immediately afterwards, but this generally settles quite quickly.
You can read more about Laser Genesis treatment in Melbourne.
Which treatment is used for pigmentation?
Fraxel is usually the more relevant option when pigmentation or sun damage is the main concern.
The 1927nm wavelength works closer to the surface of the skin, which makes it useful for areas of uneven pigmentation and sun-related changes.
Fraxel may also be used in some cases of melasma, although this needs to be assessed carefully. For some patients, skin preparation may be recommended before treatment.
Fraxel vs Laser Genesis for redness
If redness is the main concern, Laser Genesis is more likely to be considered.
It can help with diffuse redness, rosacea-related redness and some visible vascular changes.
It may also be used where there is general redness across the cheeks or face rather than one individual vessel.
Some larger or more obvious vessels may respond better to a different vascular laser, depending on their size, depth and location.
You can learn more about rosacea treatment and facial redness treatment at Collins Cosmetic Clinic.
Which one is used for acne scarring?
Fraxel is often used when acne scarring is more established or when there are deeper textural changes in the skin.
The 1550nm wavelength penetrates further into the skin and stimulates collagen remodelling, which can help improve the appearance of certain types of acne scars.
Laser Genesis can also support collagen production and may improve milder textural changes, but it is generally a gentler treatment.
The best treatment for acne scarring also depends on the type of scar, and some patients may benefit from another treatment or a combination of treatments rather than laser alone.
What about fine lines and skin texture?
This is one area where both treatments can be used.
Laser Genesis can help improve fine lines, pores and overall skin texture gradually, without significant downtime.
Fraxel creates a stronger resurfacing response and may be chosen when those concerns sit alongside more noticeable sun damage, pigmentation or scarring.
It really comes down to how much change is needed, what else is happening in the skin and how much downtime you are comfortable with.
How much downtime is there?
Fraxel
With Fraxel, some downtime is expected.
- Redness
- Swelling
- A warm or sunburn-like feeling
- Bronzing or darkening of pigmentation
- Flaking or exfoliation
This is part of the skin’s normal response following treatment.
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis usually has little to no downtime.
The skin may appear slightly pink immediately afterwards, but this generally settles quickly. For many patients, it is a treatment that can fit quite easily into a normal day.
Can you have both?
Yes. A lot of people have more than one concern.
For example, you may have sun damage as well as redness, or acne scarring alongside uneven skin tone.
In those cases, there may be a place for more than one treatment over time.
The treatments don’t necessarily need to be done together, and one laser doesn’t need to address every concern.
So, which one do I need?
As a simple guide:
Fraxel may be considered for pigmentation, sun damage, acne scarring and more noticeable textural change.
Laser Genesis may be considered for redness, rosacea, pores, fine lines and gradual improvement in overall skin quality.
There are always exceptions, though.
The most appropriate treatment depends on what we can actually see in your skin and what is causing the concern in the first place.
For more information about the technology itself, you can also visit the Cutera Laser Genesis website.
Fraxel and Laser Genesis in Melbourne
Collins Cosmetic Clinic offers both Fraxel and Laser Genesis treatments in Melbourne CBD.
If you’re unsure which treatment is right for your skin, you don’t need to decide before booking. A skin consultation allows our team to assess your skin, discuss your concerns and explain which treatment options may be appropriate.
