Clinica Lase

Fraxel or CO₂ - what’s actually the difference?

Although both treatments work fractionally, they create very different responses within the skin.

A 1540nm Fraxel laser is non-ablative. It delivers controlled columns of heat beneath the surface while leaving the outermost layer of skin intact. It can be a great option for concerns such as texture, pigmentation, fine lines and acne scarring, generally with less downtime.

Fractional CO₂ is ablative. It creates microscopic channels in the skin by removing controlled columns of tissue, producing a more intensive wound-healing and remodelling response. Depending on how it is performed, it can target deeper textural concerns, wrinkles and more established scarring but usually involves more downtime.

Neither is automatically “better.” The right choice depends on your skin, the concern being treated, the result you’re hoping to achieve and the recovery you can realistically commit to.

In tonight’s video, we break down how each laser works and why two people with a similar concern may still require completely different treatment plans.

Want in-clinic treatments but don’t want to use skincare at home?

Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated, it can be as simple or as comprehensive as you like. What matters most is using the right products, with the right ingredients, to support what we’re doing in clinic and help achieve better long-term outcomes.

Khloe explains why homecare is such an important part of any treatment plan and shares one of her personal favourites: iS CLINICAL AUSTRALIA & NZ Pro-Heal Serum Advance+.

At almost 32, Chloe isn’t trying to dramatically change her skin—she simply wants to keep it as healthy as possible as she gets older.

For this treatment, we used fractional CO₂ across her face, including directly over the upper and lower eyelids. Ocular shields were inserted so we could safely treat the eye area, with the settings adjusted for each part of the face.

Come along as Chloe takes you through her treatment and the first seven days of recovery.

XERF is everywhere at the moment - but how does it actually compare to ONDA PRO?

Marketing is incredibly important for any business or product, and it plays a huge role in which treatments we see trending online. But popularity doesn’t necessarily mean a treatment is the most suitable option for your individual concerns.

While XERF and ONDA PRO can both improve skin laxity, they use completely different forms of energy and don’t necessarily address the same things.

In this video, we explain the differences between the two and why choosing a device should always come down to what you actually need treated, not which name you have seen the most on social media.

Every winter it is the same pattern. It is cold, skin looks dull, so people go harder. More actives, more exfoliation, a stronger retinol, a peel on top of all of it. Then they sit down in our consult room and tell us their skin has never been worse.

What our clinicians look for. Skin that stings on application. Tightness after cleansing that does not settle. Redness across the cheeks that will not lift. Breakouts in places you do not normally break out.

Usually the answer is doing less for a few weeks, not more. Cleanser, something simple, sunscreen. Then we rebuild.

If that sounds like your skin, book a consult and we will work out where to pull back.