Skin Care Education

Fraxel Dual

A fractional laser device by Solta Medical that combines two wavelengths in a single platform, allowing the provider to address deeper skin remodelling and surface pigmentation in the same treatment session.

What Is Fraxel Dual?

Fraxel Dual is a fractional laser device by Solta Medical that incorporates two distinct laser wavelengths in a single platform: the 1550 nanometre erbium glass laser used in the original Fraxel Restore, and a 1927 nanometre thulium fibre laser. Each wavelength penetrates to a different depth in the skin and has a different primary effect, meaning the device can address two categories of concern in a single treatment session rather than requiring separate treatments.

The 1550 nanometre wavelength targets the deeper layers of the dermis, stimulating collagen production and addressing concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and skin laxity in the same way as the standard Fraxel Restore. The 1927 nanometre wavelength is more superficially absorbed and primarily targets the upper layers of the skin where pigmentation sits, making it particularly effective for sun damage, age spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone.

The ability to use both wavelengths in combination means the Fraxel Dual can simultaneously address concerns at different tissue depths in a single session. For someone with both surface pigmentation and deeper texture or line concerns, a combined treatment session may produce a more comprehensive result than either wavelength alone. The wavelengths can also be used independently, with the provider selecting the one most appropriate for the individual concern being treated at that session.

What to Expect

The treatment experience for Fraxel Dual is similar to other Fraxel treatments. Numbing cream is applied before the session. The laser handpiece is moved across the treatment area, delivering fractional energy in microscopic columns. The specific wavelengths and settings used determine the depth and nature of the treatment.

When the 1927 nanometre wavelength is used for pigmentation, the skin may feel like a mild sunburn after treatment, with some redness and bronzing of the treated area as pigmented cells are drawn to the surface. This bronzing typically flakes away over three to five days. When the 1550 nanometre wavelength is used for deeper remodelling, the recovery profile is similar to the standard Fraxel Restore, with a sandpaper texture and redness for several days.

Combined dual-wavelength treatments involve elements of both recovery profiles. Most people are comfortable returning to normal activities within four to seven days depending on the intensity of the treatment. Sun protection is essential after treatment, particularly after the 1927 nanometre wavelength which leaves the surface more sensitive to UV as the treated pigment is cleared.

Who It’s For and Results

Fraxel Dual is particularly well suited to those with a combination of surface pigmentation concerns, such as sun damage and age spots, alongside deeper concerns including fine lines, texture irregularities, and mild to moderate acne scarring. It allows both categories of concern to be addressed in the same session rather than requiring separate treatments on separate dates.

It is also well regarded for the treatment of melasma, where the 1927 nanometre wavelength can address surface pigmentation more directly than the 1550 nanometre wavelength alone. Melasma is a challenging condition that can respond variably to laser treatment, and careful calibration and appropriate preparation are essential to avoid paradoxical worsening.

Results from Fraxel Dual include improvement in both surface pigmentation and deeper skin quality over a course of treatments. The dual-wavelength approach makes it a flexible platform that can be customised to the dominant concern at each session, allowing the treatment to evolve with the skin’s changing needs over time.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fraxel Dual

Standard Fraxel Restore uses a single 1550 nanometre wavelength that targets deeper skin remodelling and collagen stimulation. Fraxel Dual adds a second 1927 nanometre wavelength that targets the upper skin layers and is particularly effective for surface pigmentation. The Dual platform allows providers to use either wavelength independently or in combination, making it more versatile than the single-wavelength Restore for cases where both surface pigmentation and deeper skin quality concerns are present. For those whose primary concern is deeper remodelling with no significant surface pigmentation, the standard Fraxel Restore may be equally appropriate.

Yes, and this is one of its strongest applications. The 1927 nanometre wavelength is particularly effective at targeting the superficial pigmentation associated with sun damage, age spots, and chronic UV exposure. It draws the pigmented cells to the surface where they shed away over the following days, producing a noticeable improvement in skin clarity and evenness. Combined with the deeper collagen-stimulating effect of the 1550 nanometre wavelength, Fraxel Dual addresses the full picture of photoageing, from surface tone irregularity to the deeper textural and structural changes that UV exposure causes over time.

Yes, though melasma requires particular care with laser treatment. The 1927 nanometre wavelength can address melasma pigmentation, but melasma is driven by hormonal factors as well as UV and is one of the more challenging pigmentation conditions to treat consistently. There is a risk of paradoxical worsening if the treatment is too aggressive or if the skin is not properly prepared and protected. A conservative approach, appropriate pre-treatment preparation, strict sun protection before and after, and a provider experienced in treating melasma are all essential. Many providers combine Fraxel Dual with topical management for melasma rather than relying on laser alone.

The number of sessions depends on the specific concerns being addressed and their severity. For surface pigmentation and sun damage, two to three sessions may produce a satisfying result. For combined pigmentation and deeper skin quality concerns, three to four sessions is a common recommendation. Sessions are typically spaced four to six weeks apart to allow adequate healing and collagen response between treatments. A provider will recommend the most appropriate programme after assessing the skin and understanding the individual’s goals.