Fraxel Versus Ultrapulse Encore Laser Best Scar Treatment Compared

When thinking of effective lasers for scar treatment, many people will first consider Fraxel. However, in addition to Fraxel, there are various fractional lasers, and the Ultrapulse Encore laser, in particular, is gaining attention as a device that shows powerful effects in scar treatment. What are the differences between these two lasers, and which is more suitable for which type of scar?

Fraxel is a laser that induces skin regeneration by creating thousands of microscopic columns of injury on the skin, thereby activating collagen and elastic fibers. In fact, what many people refer to as Fraxel is the name of a representative device among fractional lasers, or micro-fractional lasers. Therefore, it is more accurate to call it a fractional laser rather than a Fraxel laser.

Fractional lasers can be broadly divided into two principles:

Ablative fractional lasers

These create microscopic thermal columns that directly puncture the epidermis, including types such as CO2 laser and Erbium YAG laser. Representative devices include the CO2 laser Ultrapulse Encore and the ProFractional from Sciton.

Non-ablative fractional lasers

These use microscopic thermal columns to stimulate the skin with heat without causing epidermal damage. Fraxel and StarLux, which you may know as scar lasers, fall into this category.

Ultrapulse Encore is considered a top-tier device among scar lasers. Because it is so expensive, it is rare for a clinic to possess both Fraxel and Ultrapulse Encore.

Our clinic has both Fraxel DUAL, which is the highest-grade in the Fraxel series, and the Ultrapulse Encore laser. In actual treatment, we mainly use Fraxel laser to fill in shallow depressed scars, and for deeper depressed scars or uneven scars that need to be slightly abraded, we utilize the Ultrapulse Encore laser.

When comparing these two fractional lasers, the most important factor is likely the effectiveness. The Ultrapulse Encore laser penetrates deep into the skin, not only gently loosening tangled scar tissue but also demonstrating five times stronger skin regeneration than Fraxel. Therefore, in terms of effective scar treatment, it can be considered significantly superior.

One of the biggest drawbacks of Fraxel is pain. In contrast, the Ultrapulse Encore laser tends to cause less pain than Fraxel. To achieve sufficient results with Fraxel, the face must be passed over multiple times, and the pain tends to increase with each pass. However, with Ultrapulse Encore, it only passes once, so the pain is felt less.

Most ablative fractional lasers, while highly effective, can have longer recovery periods and some side effects. On the other hand, non-ablative fractional lasers like Fraxel have been considered advantageous for their relatively shorter recovery periods and lower potential for side effects. However, the Ultrapulse Encore laser is known to deliver outstanding results safely, as it penetrates deep into the skin while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. For this reason, Ultrapulse Encore is often used much more frequently than Fraxel in actual scar treatment.

As with all treatments, to achieve good results in scar treatment, it is important to choose and receive treatment with the appropriate fractional laser that matches your specific scar type.

The most effective laser can vary depending on the type and depth of the scar, as well as the individual's skin condition. It is important to consult with a specialist, considering the following:

• Accurately diagnose the depth and shape of the scar.
• Consider individual skin type and recovery ability.
• It is advisable to check if the clinic has various laser devices.
• Establish an optimal treatment plan through thorough consultation with a dermatology specialist.