Choosing the Right Laser Treatment for Your Skin: A Guide from Dr. Hooman Khorasani, MD

Laser treatments have become essential for skin rejuvenation, targeting concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall texture. With so many options, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your skin. Dr. Hooman Khorasani, MD, a quadruple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with a private practice in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, offers expert insights into the most popular laser treatments.

Full-Face Laser Resurfacing: The Heavyweights

When it comes to overall skin rejuvenation, three popular laser treatments stand out: Fraxel 1927nm, Lumenis Ultrapulse Fractional CO2, and Clear + Brilliant. These treatments share the goal of improving skin texture, tone, and addressing signs of aging. However, they differ in terms of strength, recovery time, and outcomes.

Clear + Brilliant: The Gentle Entry Point

Often referred to as a "starter laser," Clear + Brilliant is ideal for younger skin or those looking for subtle improvements with minimal downtime. This treatment targets the superficial layers of the skin to enhance tone, texture, and radiance. It's a popular choice for those seeking a quick glow before an important event or for skin maintenance. However, for those looking for more dramatic results, Clear + Brilliant may not be strong enough.

Fraxel 1927nm: The Middle Ground

Fraxel 1927nm is a non-ablative laser that penetrates deeper than Clear + Brilliant, providing more noticeable results with a manageable downtime. This treatment is ideal for improving pigmentation, fine lines, and overall skin texture. Typically, Fraxel requires just a few days of redness and flaking, making it a good balance between effectiveness and recovery. While Fraxel provides significant rejuvenation, it’s not as effective as Fractional CO2 for treating deep wrinkles or scarring.

Lumenis Ultrapulse Fractional CO2: The Gold Standard for Dramatic Results

For deeper wrinkles, significant sun damage, scarring, pores, and overall skin texture; fractional CO2 is the most powerful laser available. This treatment works by removing layers of skin and stimulating collagen production, leading to dramatic improvements in skin quality. The Lumenis Ultrapulse is one of the most advanced fractional CO2 devices, offering superior precision and safety compared to older or less sophisticated models. However, it’s not suitable for all skin types. Patients with darker skin tones should be cautious, as fractional CO2 can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) if not used properly.

The Pros and Cons

Clear + Brilliant

• Pros: Little to no downtime, great for beginners, ideal for a glow before a big event.

• Cons: Less powerful than other lasers, requiring multiple treatments. Often considered the "child" of Fraxel and "grandchild" of fractional CO2.

Fraxel 1927nm

• Pros: Effective for pigmentation, fine lines, and overall texture; manageable downtime.

• Cons: Less effective than Fractional CO2 for treating scars or deeper wrinkles.

Fractional CO2 (Lumenis Ultrapulse)

• Pros: The powerhouse laser for dramatic results, perfect for deep wrinkles, sun damage, pores, scars, and overall skin texture.

• Cons: Can be challenging for patients of color due to the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Not all CO2 devices are created equal— choosing a fractional CO2 laser doesn’t guarantee effective results, as some devices may lack the precision and power of advanced models like the Lumenis Ultrapulse.

Contact Dr. Hooman Khorasani Today

Ready to rejuvenate your skin with a laser treatment? To request a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. Discover how Fraxel, fractional CO2, and Clear + Brilliant can transform your skin and boost your confidence.