Services / Fraxel / UltraPulse vs Pixel CO2: fractional resurfacing in Baku
Fraxel (Solta) UltraPulse (Lumenis) Pixel CO2 (Alma) Harmony Erbium Fractional resurfacing

Fraxel / UltraPulse vs Pixel CO2: fractional resurfacing in Baku

Fraxel (Solta) and UltraPulse (Lumenis) are well-known fractional laser resurfacing platforms. At Paramed we use Alma Pixel CO2 for CO₂ resurfacing and Harmony Erbium (Er:Glass / Er:YAG) for gentler protocols.

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The comparison in brief

Fractional laser resurfacing splits a laser beam into many microcolumns that vaporize point areas of skin, leaving healthy bridges between them. This triggers regeneration and collagen synthesis with much lower risk than full-field ablation. In Baku, common searches include "Fraxel resurfacing", "UltraPulse price", "fractional CO2 laser". At Paramed we don't use Fraxel or UltraPulse as standalone platforms — for deep CO₂ resurfacing we use Alma Pixel CO2 (fractional CO₂ 10600 nm), and for gentler protocols Harmony Erbium handpieces (Er:Glass / Er:YAG). Contraindications apply.

When fractional resurfacing is indicated

  • Age-related skin changes (wrinkles, loss of tone)
  • Atrophic scars (post-acne, chickenpox)
  • Mature stretch marks
  • Pigmentation and uneven tone
  • Enlarged pores, uneven texture
  • Skin preparation (e.g. before chemical blepharoplasty)

How we pick the resurfacing platform

At the consultation the doctor assesses: phototype, skin condition, presence of pigmentation, scars and wrinkles, downtime expectations. The device is matched accordingly: Pixel CO2 for pronounced effect (scars, deep wrinkles), Harmony Er:Glass for gentle maintenance rejuvenation. If you've had Fraxel or UltraPulse experience, share it — helps select comparable parameters faster.

Fractional lasers: main types

Fractional lasers are split into ablative and non-ablative. Ablative (CO₂ 10600 nm, Er:YAG 2940 nm) vaporize tissue — pronounced results, longer recovery (7–14 days). Non-ablative (Fraxel Re:store 1550 nm, Er:Glass 1540 nm) heat tissue without vaporization — gentler, 2–5 day recovery, more sessions. Fraxel is Solta Medical's line: Re:store (non-ablative), Re:pair (ablative CO₂), Dual (dual wavelength). UltraPulse (Lumenis) is a flagship fractional CO₂ for deep resurfacing. Alma Pixel CO2 is fractional CO₂ 10600 nm for face, neck, scars and podiatry. Harmony Erbium delivers Er:Glass 1540 nm for gentle rejuvenation.

  • Fraxel Re:store (1550 nm) — non-ablative, gentle rejuvenation
  • Fraxel Re:pair / UltraPulse — ablative CO₂ 10600 nm
  • Alma Pixel CO2 — fractional CO₂ 10600 nm
  • Harmony Er:Glass 1540 nm — non-ablative fractional resurfacing
  • All — point fractional treatment with intact bridges

FAQ

? Do you have Fraxel or UltraPulse?

No — we don't use standalone Fraxel (Solta) or UltraPulse (Lumenis) platforms. At Paramed fractional CO₂ resurfacing runs on Alma Pixel CO2, and non-ablative protocols on Harmony Er:Glass 1540 nm.

? CO2 resurfacing or Fraxel — which to pick?

Depends on the task and acceptable downtime. CO₂ (Pixel CO2, UltraPulse, Fraxel Re:pair) delivers the most pronounced effect in 1–2 procedures but requires 7–14 days recovery. Non-ablative Fraxel Re:store or Harmony Er:Glass is gentler — 3–5 sessions, 1–5 days recovery.

? Is fractional resurfacing suitable for dark skin?

CO₂ for phototypes IV–VI requires special preparation (lightening agents before and after), gentler parameters, and carries higher hyperpigmentation risk. Non-ablative platforms (Er:Glass, Fraxel Re:store) are safer. Plan set at consultation.

? How long is recovery after CO₂ resurfacing?

After full-face CO₂: 1–3 days of pronounced swelling, 5–7 days of crusting and peeling, 10–14 days for full epidermal recovery. Redness can persist 3–6 weeks. Spot treatments recover faster.

? Can fractional resurfacing be combined with other procedures?

Yes: RF microneedling (Megapixel HD / Legato), mesotherapy and injectables pair well with fractional resurfacing with proper timing.

? At what age is fractional resurfacing indicated?

There's no universal age — indications, not age. CO₂ for deep wrinkles and scars usually 35+. Non-ablative rejuvenation can be done from 25–30 as prevention.

? How much does fractional resurfacing cost?

Price depends on area (full face, periorbital, scars) and device. Specifics at consultation — we'll provide pricing for your task.

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Book a consultation

If you've been weighing Fraxel / UltraPulse vs Pixel CO2 — come in. We'll assess skin condition and pick the right resurfacing depth.

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Fraxel / UltraPulse / Pixel CO2

Fraxel (Solta Medical)
Pros
  • Well-known brand, lineup for various tasks
  • Re:store — gentle non-ablative rejuvenation
  • Dual — two wavelengths (1927 + 1550 nm)
  • Good for pigmentation and fine wrinkles
Cons
  • Re:pair (ablative) — long recovery
  • Per-session price — premium segment
Lumenis UltraPulse
Pros
  • Deep fractional CO₂ resurfacing
  • High power — pronounced results
  • Suited for scars and deep wrinkles
Cons
  • 10–14 day recovery
  • Not suited for darker phototypes without special protocols
Alma Pixel CO2
Pros
  • Fractional CO₂ 10600 nm — gold standard for ablation
  • Suited for face, neck, scars, podiatry
  • Part of the Alma Lasers ecosystem (with Soprano, Harmony)
  • Reasonable per-session price in CIS region
Cons
  • Recovery 7–10 days (like any CO₂)
  • Not for very dark phototypes without preparation
Alma Harmony Er:Glass 1540 nm
Pros
  • Non-ablative fractional resurfacing
  • Minimal downtime (1–3 days)
  • Suited for regular maintenance rejuvenation
  • Safer on darker phototypes
Cons
  • Less pronounced effect per session
  • Requires more sessions per course (3–5)

Course plan

Ablative CO₂ (Pixel CO2, UltraPulse, Fraxel Re:pair): usually 1–3 procedures at 2–3 month intervals. Recovery 7–14 days. Non-ablative (Fraxel Re:store, Harmony Er:Glass): 3–5 procedures at 4–6 week intervals. Recovery 1–5 days. Results develop over 3–6 months through collagen formation.

Contraindications

  • ⚠️ Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • ⚠️ Active tan (especially for CO₂)
  • ⚠️ Very dark phototypes without special preparation
  • ⚠️ Oncological conditions
  • ⚠️ Active herpes, infections or inflammation in the area
  • ⚠️ Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the last 6–12 months
  • ⚠️ Uncontrolled diabetes
  • ⚠️ Keloid tendency

Why Pixel CO2 and Harmony at Paramed

  • 📍 Pixel CO2 + Harmony Erbium — two depths of resurfacing in one clinic
  • 📍 Alternative to premium imported brands by price and accessibility
  • 📍 Experienced specialists, individualized protocol
  • 📍 Combinable with RF microneedling (Megapixel HD / Legato) for blended programs
  • 📍 Free consultation
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