Fraxel vs Microneedle RF vs Fractional CO2: which is right for acne scars and pores?
Written by Dr. Klaer · Comparison guide · 5 min read
Acne scars, enlarged pores and rough texture all come down to damaged or uneven collagen. Fraxel, Microneedle RF and Fractional CO2 all rebuild collagen, but they do it in different ways, with different downtime and different risks for Asian skin.
How "fractional" treatments work
All three treat the skin in thousands of tiny columns and leave the skin in between untouched. That healthy skin helps the treated columns heal quickly, and the healing process builds new collagen, which fills scars and tightens pores over the following months.
Fractional CO2 laser
- Type: ablative laser (10,600 nm). It removes tiny columns of skin, surface included.
- Strength: the strongest result per session for deeper acne scars, wrinkles and rough texture.
- Downtime: redness and fine crusting for about 5–7 days.
- Asian skin: higher chance of temporary dark marks (post-inflammatory pigmentation) if settings or aftercare aren't right. Careful settings and strict sun protection matter.
- Sessions: usually 3–5, 4–6 weeks apart.
Fraxel
- Made by Solta Medical (USA). Fraxel Dual uses two wavelengths: 1550 nm for texture and scars, 1927 nm for pigment and sun damage.
- Type: non-ablative laser. It heats tiny columns under the skin without removing the surface.
- Downtime: redness and swelling for 2–3 days, then a light "sandpaper" flaking.
- Strength: gentler per session than CO2, so more sessions are usually needed for deep scars.
- Sessions: usually 3–5, about 4 weeks apart. Higher price per session.
Microneedle RF
- Type: very fine needles go into the skin to a set depth and release radiofrequency (RF) heat inside the dermis. Potenza, Morpheus8 and Doublo work this way.
- Key difference: the heat goes under the surface, so the top layer is mostly spared. This means a lower risk of dark marks, which suits Asian skin well.
- Strength: good for acne scars and pores, and it also tightens skin, which lasers don't do as much.
- Downtime: redness and tiny marks for 2–5 days.
- Sessions: usually 3, 4–6 weeks apart.
At a glance
| Fractional CO2 | Fraxel | Microneedle RF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Ablative laser | Non-ablative laser | Needles + RF heat |
| Works on | Surface and dermis | Dermis, surface kept | Dermis, surface mostly spared |
| Best for | Deep scars, wrinkles, texture | Texture, mild scars, pigment | Scars, pores, mild laxity |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 2–3 days | 2–5 days |
| Risk of dark marks (Asian skin) | Higher | Moderate | Lower |
| Typical course | 3–5 sessions | 3–5 sessions | About 3 sessions |
| At Craft Clinic | Yes · 2,400 THB / session | Not offered | Yes · Doublo 2.0, 12,990 THB / session |
Which one should I choose?
- Deep, rolling or boxcar acne scars, and you can take a week off: Fractional CO2.
- Scars and large pores, with less downtime and lower pigment risk, plus some tightening: Microneedle RF.
- Mixed scars: the doctor may combine both across a course, and add collagen stimulators such as Juvelook for texture.
Active acne should be under control first. The doctor will check your scar type and skin tone before planning your course.
Results vary from person to person. This article is general information, not medical advice. Fraxel, Potenza, Morpheus8 and Doublo are trademarks of their respective owners.