What is the difference between Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant, or are they the same?

Considering and comparing  Clear+Brilliant or Fraxel laser? Our clinicians have provided an outline below to help you decide which one is right for you and your skin concerns.

Are Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant the same?

They both use fractionated laser technology, and target similar skin concerns. But because their intensity differs, they do not achieve the same result.  

Fraxel penetrates the skin deeper to target pigmented or damaged cells, while helping the surface of the skin achieve a healthy glow. Clear+Brilliant is more of a superficial resurfacing treatment so it won’t get the deeper pigmentation we often see in Queensland (thanks sunshine); it also helps achieve a healthy complexion.  Both treatments require multiple sessions to get onto of established skin concerns; so if you have visible pigmentation or poor skin quality to start, you will need multiple sessions to achieve a visible improvement – and once this is achieved, sun protection and annual maintenance treatments are recommended.

How does treatment intensity or pain differ between Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant?

Clear+Brilliant is quicker and involves less discomfort. Fraxel requires topical anaesthetic, as the laser is penetrating the skin more deeply.

How does downtime differ between Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant?

Both treatments leave you with some redness. Depending on which type of Fraxel wavelength has been used (there are two – one for addressing pigmentation and the other for deeper rejuvenation) – you can expect to look sunburned for 24-48 hours followed by brown flaking which can take 3-7 days to lift off. This is due to the intensity of the laser treatment. Clear+Brilliant patients typically experience less shedding.

How do the results differ between Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant?

Fraxel is a more powerful treatment, so it requires less treatment sessions to achieve visible results. For lines and wrinkles, Fraxel is able to target the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production; Clear+Brilliant does not use as much thermal disruption so the same kind of results cannot be achieved. Fraxel is also an effective scar reduction treatment, for this reason.

Once your pigmentation or skin texture has been altered by a Fraxel program, most patients only require one Fraxel maintenance treatment each year (usually after summer has brought along more pigmentation!)

Both Clear+Brilliant and Fraxel  are effective treatments that both play a role in skin rejuvenation. When considering whether or not to have these treatments, it’s important to think about

• What do I want to achieve?
• How many treatments will be needed?
• Do I mind a few days of downtime?
• How often do I want to repeat the treatment to maintain results?

Discussing the above with an experienced clinician will help determine the best treatment modality for you. Book a complimentary consult with our clinicians now by calling 3202 4744.