Fraxel® Laser Skin Resurfacing in San Diego
Fraxel Laser
Be an Original. Reveal Your Radiance.
Advanced resurfacing. Natural results. Expertly delivered.
A Noticeably Younger Look—Without Surgery
Fraxel® laser resurfacing is a non-invasive treatment that visibly improves skin tone, texture, and radiance—without surgery or injectables. Whether you’re treating sun damage, scarring, or early signs of aging, Fraxel works deep within the skin to stimulate hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastic fiber production, restoring a smoother, brighter, and more youthful appearance.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, our world-renowned dermatologists offer the full suite of Fraxel devices, including the new Fraxel FTX, Re:store Dual, Re:store, and Re:pair to deliver stunning, natural-looking results tailored to your skin type, lifestyle, and goals.
Not sure which Fraxel laser is right for you?
This guide breaks down the differences between Fraxel FTX, Re:store, Re:store Dual, and Re:pair so you can compare treatment depth, downtime, and ideal use cases.. Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, fine lines, or acne scars, we’ll help you choose the best Fraxel treatment for your skin and goals.
Which Fraxel Treatment Is Right for You?
Each Fraxel device offers a different level of intensity, downtime, and transformation. Here’s how they compare—not just in stats, but in how they make people feel.
Fraxel FTX
The Advanced Skin Transformer
Targets deep and surface-level damage with the newest dual-wavelength Fraxel platform. Ideal for those wanting visible results with minimal downtime.
Fraxel Re:store Dual
The Glow-Up Laser
Combines two wavelengths to fade brown spots, melasma, and texture in a single session. Great for sun damage and pigmentation concerns.
Fraxel Re:store
The Texture Transformer
Improves skin texture, softens scars, and smooths early signs of aging with minimal recovery time.
Learn more about Fraxel Re:store
Fraxel Re:pair
The Deep Correction Laser
A cornerstone of our signature Take10 protocol, Fraxel Re:pair delivers surgical-level results for wrinkles, laxity, and deep sun damage—no scalpel required.
Fraxel Comparison Chart: Which Laser Is Right for You?
Not all Fraxel lasers are the same. Use this chart to compare Fraxel FTX, Re:store Dual, Re:store, and Re:pair side by side.
Fraxel FTX
Laser Type: Non-ablative, dual wavelength
Wavelength(s): 1550 + 1927 nm
Treatment Depth: Surface, mid-dermal & deep dermal
Concerns Treated: Fine lines & wrinkles, freckles & sun spots, actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous lesions), age spots, scars
Downtime: 2-7 days
Pain Level: Mild to moderate
Number of Sessions: 1-2
Results Timeline: 5-7 days,improve over 3-6 months
Ideal For: Sun exposure, pigmentation
Common Areas: Face, neck, hands, décolletage
Safe for Most Skin Tones? Yes
Can Be Combined With: Botox, Bio-Stimulators
Fraxel Re:store Dual
Laser Type: Non-ablative, dual wavelength
Wavelength(s): 1550 + 1927 nm
Treatment Depth: Surface, mid-dermal
Concerns Treated: Fine lines & wrinkles, freckles & sun spots, actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous lesions), age spots, scars
Downtime: 2-5 days
Pain Level: Mild to moderate
Number of Sessions: 1-2
Results Timeline: 5-7 days, improve over 3-6 months
Ideal For: Sun exposure, pigmentation
Common Areas: Face, neck, arms
Safe for Most Skin Tones? Yes
Can Be Combined With: Botox, Bio-Stimulators
Fraxel Re:store
Laser Type: Non-ablative
Wavelength(s): 1550 nm
Treatment Depth: Mid-dermal
Concerns Treated: Texture, fine lines, scars
Downtime: 2-4 days
Pain Level: Very Mild
Number of Sessions: 3-5
Results Timeline: Gradual over 2–3 sessions
Ideal For: Early aging
Common Areas: Face, neck, hands, chest
Safe for Most Skin Tones? Yes
Can Be Combined With: Peels, Injectables
Fraxel Re:pair
Laser Type: Fractional CO₂ (ablative)
Wavelength(s): CO₂-based FDDA
Treatment Depth: Deep dermal + resurfacing
Concerns Treated: Wrinkles, laxity, AK, scars
Downtime: 7–14 days
Pain Level: Moderate (anesthesia offered)
Number of Sessions: 1
Results Timeline: Dramatic at 14 days
Ideal For: Deep damage
Common Areas: Face, neck, legs
Safe for Most Skin Tones? Best for lighter tones
Can Be Combined With: Botox, RF microneedling
Why Choose Cosmetic Laser Dermatology for Fraxel
When it comes to laser resurfacing, expertise isn’t optional—it’s everything. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our team has helped pioneer the use of Fraxel in clinical settings, co-authored medical textbooks on laser medicine, and developed proprietary treatment protocols trusted by patients and physicians worldwide.
“We don’t just offer Fraxel. We helped define it.”
Unmatched Expertise
Our board-certified dermatologists aren’t just skilled—they’re leaders. Dr. Mitchel Goldman and his team have conducted hundreds of clinical trials on Fraxel and many other laser, light, and energy-based devices, and continue to educate physicians globally.
Precision Technology, All In-House
With over 60+ lasers and devices onsite, including all Fraxel platforms, we don’t guess—we customize.
Innovation, Not Imitation
Our treatment combinations and skincare regimens are refined through years of real-world results and cutting-edge science.
Your Results = Our Reputation
Only board-certified dermatologists perform Fraxel treatments here. Every result reflects our legacy.
Located in La Jolla, we’ve helped 150,000+ patients feel more confident in their skin.
What to Expect Before, During & After Treatment
Before Treatment
- Consultation + VISIA analysis
- Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks prior
- No self-tanning creams 4 weeks prior
- Stop retinoids and exfoliants 1-2 days before
- Clean, makeup-free skin the day of treatment
During Treatment
- Fraxel FTX features integrated cooling for increased comfort
- Topical numbing applied
- Oral/local anesthesia offered for Re:pair
- Sessions last 15–60 min depending on treatment type and areas treated
- Mild to moderate heat sensation
- Cooling air used throughout
After Treatment
- Redness, flaking, or crusting depending on device
- FTX: 2-5 days
- Re:store Dual: 2–5 days
- Re:store: 2–4 days
- Re:pair: 7–14 days
- Results build for 3–6 months as collagen, elastic fibers and hyaluronic acid regenerates
- Personalized skincare plan provided to enhance recovery and results
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2025 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 8 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Fraxel Re:store and Re:store Dual offer the shortest recovery windows—typically 2 to 5 days—making them popular for first-timers or those with social obligations.
Fraxel FTX and Re:store are both effective for acne scars, depending on depth and severity. FTX is often chosen for its ability to treat both superficial and deeper layers.
Re:pair is an ablative CO₂ laser that delivers deeper resurfacing and longer downtime but dramatic results. Re:store is non-ablative, gentler, and ideal for mild to moderate texture issues with faster healing.
Results from Fraxel FTX treatments are visible after just one session. Fraxel Re:pair also typically delivers results in one session. Fraxel Re:store Dual usually requires 2 to 3 sessions. Fraxel Re:store is best delivered as a series of 3 to 5 sessions for optimal results.
Fraxel FTX results are visible immediately and continue to improve over 3 to 6 months. With Re:store Dual and Re:store, improvements are typically visible within 7 to 10 days, with continued enhancement over several months as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastic fibers regenerate. For Re:pair, transformation is often visible around 14 days post-treatment, with long-term improvement continuing over 3 to 6 months.
Fraxel FTX, Fraxel Re:store and Re:store Dual are generally safe across a wide range of skin tones. Re:pair is best suited for lighter Fitzpatrick skin types due to a higher risk of pigmentation issues in darker skin
Yes. Fraxel is highly effective on the chest, neck, arms, hands, legs, back, and other areas commonly affected by sun damage, discoloration, or uneven texture.
With proper sun protection and a consistent skincare regimen, results can last for several years. Many patients opt for periodic maintenance to preserve their results over time.
Your Skin. Your Future. Your Team.
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At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, your skin is treated by the same team that helped define the field of laser dermatology. We’ve led the research. We’ve trained the industry. And we’re here for you.
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