Fraxel Dual® Laser

Fraxel Restore Dual is an advanced non-ablative fractional laser that combines two wavelengths—1550 nm and 1927 nm—to address both deeper textural concerns and more superficial pigmentation. It is designed to improve sun damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines, enlarged pores and selected scars, while allowing a shorter recovery than more intensive resurfacing lasers.

Fraxel Restore Dual creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones within the skin while leaving surrounding skin intact. This stimulates renewal and collagen remodelling with less downtime than traditional ablative resurfacing. The 1550 nm wavelength treats deeper concerns such as acne scars, fine lines and texture, while the 1927 nm wavelength targets sun damage, freckles and pigmentation closer to the skin surface.

Fraxel Restore Dual is commonly used to improve:

• Sun damage and age spots
• Freckles and pigmentation
• Fine lines and early wrinkles
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven skin texture and tone
• Mild to moderate acne scarring
• Selected surgical scars
• Photoageing of the face, neck, chest and hands

Wavelengths used:

1550 nm: deeper dermal remodelling for acne scars, textural change, fine lines and collagen stimulation.
1927 nm: more superficial treatment for sun damage, freckles, pigmentation and uneven tone.

Most patients require one to two treatments, depending on the concern being addressed and the degree of improvement desired. Pigmentation and sun damage often respond within this range, while more established textural change or scarring may benefit from additional sessions.

Recovery is usually straightforward. Most patients experience redness, mild swelling and a dry, sandpaper-like texture for several days. When the 1927 nm wavelength is used, the skin may temporarily darken or bronze before gently flaking. Treatment with the deeper 1550 nm wavelength may cause slightly more redness and swelling.

Improvements in brightness, pigmentation and skin tone are often visible within one to two weeks. Smoother texture and collagen remodelling continue to develop progressively over the following weeks.

Yes. The 1927 nm wavelength is particularly effective for reducing visible sun damage, freckles and pigmentation, helping to restore a clearer, more even complexion.

Yes. The 1550 nm wavelength penetrates more deeply into the skin to stimulate collagen remodelling beneath acne scars. Fraxel Restore Dual is often most effective for mild to moderate acne scarring and may be incorporated into a broader scar treatment programme where required.

Fraxel Restore Dual can be appropriate for selected darker skin types, but treatment settings must be tailored carefully. Expert assessment is important, as darker skin can be more prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Most patients describe Fraxel Restore Dual as uncomfortable rather than painful. Topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand, and cooling measures are used during treatment to improve comfort.

Temporary redness, swelling, dryness and flaking are expected. Less commonly, there may be prolonged redness, acne flare, cold sore reactivation or temporary pigment change. Rarely, scarring can occur. Careful treatment planning and aftercare help minimise these risks.

Yes. Fraxel Restore Dual is frequently combined with other treatments depending on the concern being addressed. It may be used alongside vascular laser treatments, medical-grade skincare, injectable treatments or more advanced resurfacing procedures as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Fraxel Restore Dual offers meaningful improvement with less downtime than more intensive ablative lasers. It is particularly well suited to patients seeking clearer, fresher and more even-looking skin without the recovery associated with deeper resurfacing treatments.

Fraxel Restore Dual is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The choice of wavelength, treatment depth and energy settings must be tailored to the individual concern, skin type and desired recovery. At Scars & Lasers, every treatment plan is developed within a specialist dermatologist-directed environment to ensure the safest, most effective and most natural-looking outcome.

At Scars & Lasers, Fraxel Restore Dual treatment is provided within a specialist dermatologist-directed environment with access to one of New Zealand’s broadest ranges of laser and energy-based technologies. This allows treatment to be tailored precisely to the individual concern—whether that is pigmentation, sun damage, acne scarring or overall skin rejuvenation.

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Our approach focuses on careful assessment, appropriate wavelength selection and realistic treatment planning to achieve the safest, most effective and most natural-looking outcome possible. Where appropriate, Fraxel Restore Dual can also be incorporated into a broader treatment programme using complementary technologies and medical-grade skincare.

Before Fraxel Restore Dual treatment, it is important to minimise sun exposure and avoid tanning or fake tan for at least 2–4 weeks. Certain active skincare products, including retinoids, exfoliating acids and other potentially irritating products, may also need to be paused beforehand. Patients with a history of cold sores may require preventative antiviral medication. Treatment is generally deferred if there is an active infection, open wound, recent sunburn or pregnancy. Careful pre-treatment preparation and strict sun protection afterwards are important to reduce the risk of complications and support the best possible result.