When it comes to laser treatments for your skin, Halo and Fraxel are two popular options that patients ask for regularly.
I’ve performed both now for 7 years and I’ve learned some helpful anecdotes. If you’re trying to reduce acne scars, smooth out skin texture, or lessen signs of aging, both of these can help you! Let’s mention it all…Halo vs Fraxel laser recovery time, Halo vs Co2, and is Halo better than Fraxel? No gate-keeping here.
Read a more detailed breakdown of all types of lasers here so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle. Also, if you want more details on pricing in your area check out this article.
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice contact a licensed healthcare professional.
What are the key 11 differences between Halo vs Fraxel Laser?
1. Overview of Fractional vs. Hybrid Laser Technology
What Is A Fractional Laser?
The term “fractional lasers” refers to a technology that delivers laser energy in a grid or “fractionated” pattern, creating microscopic columns of treated skin while leaving surrounding areas untouched. They use one, single wavelength to target skin. Typically these are ablative. You may know of them as, “Acupulse, Deep FX, Profractional etc.”
What Is A Hybrid Laser?
Halo and Fraxel (Dual, Re:Store) are hybrid lasers that combine two wavelengths in a single treatment, allowing it to target multiple skin layers simultaneously.
This unique feature enables these devices to deliver more effective results with a combination of deeper collagen stimulation and surface skin resurfacing. This blend reduces the amount of downtime typically required for fractional ablative lasers making it popular for those who want significant results with less recovery time.
2. Wavelengths
Halo combines a 1470 nm and a 2940 nm wavelength (ablative and non-ablative wavelengths).
This blend allows the Halo laser to reach multiple depths, maximizing results for both surface-level issues like sun damage and deeper concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, scars and skin laxity. Additionally, even with the ablative component, Halo can treat all skin types safely and effectively.
Finding an experienced provider is key to avoiding temporary side effects such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
Fraxel uses either the 1550 nm or the 1927 nm wavelengths depending on the model and specific skin concerns. The 1550 nm wavelength is effective for targeting deeper layers to address scars and wrinkles, while the 1927 nm wavelength is more suited for addressing pigmentation on the skin’s surface. This wavelength flexibility makes Fraxel effective for a wide range of skin types and conditions.
If you need to treat deeper concerns like dynamic lip lines, crows feet, large pores and moderate skin laxity the more ablative laser category is best for you. The fractional Co2 like Acupulse, the fractional erbium like Profractional and the full field ablative lasers like Micro Laser Peel or Contour TRL are best.
As you can see in this image below, both lasers are treating sun damage and signs of aging in the epidermis (50-100µ).
3. Depths
As you can see in the chart below, the 2940 nm ablative wavelength has the highest absorption rate in the skin. This means that the Halo produces more of a thermal injury in the skin which results in a higher clearance of signs of aging and sun damage.
Make no mistake, both Halo and Fraxel are excellent choices for skin rejuvenation however if you want to pay a little more, get your results a little faster Halo pulls ahead.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Skin Conditions Treated by Halo and Fraxel Lasers
When it comes to treating different skin issues, Halo and Fraxel lasers are two popular options. Each laser has its strengths, and they work best for certain types of skin concerns. Let’s break down what each laser does best so you can see which might be right for you.Halo for sun damage, fine lines, and pigmentation
Fraxel is great for overall sun damage. If you are someone that has spent many years without sunscreen and now you want to try and erase some of those fine lines, brown spots or red veins then Fraxel is a great option. Here is the caveat…you will need multiple sessions!
I have found that I need to perform around 4-6 sessions to see results. Even then, not all signs of sun damage are gone.
To illustrate this point, see below. Notice how although improved, the sun damage is still there. That is what you will expect from Fraxel.
Halo pulls ahead because of the ablative wavelength. With the high water absorption rate of the 2940nm wavelength, fine lines and wrinkles are no match for Halo.
Level up by combining BBL with Halo and you have best results in one single treatment. Check out my Halo Laser Treatment article to read more details on how Halo can help you.
Just after one single treatment of BBL + Halo, I have found time and time again, the results will be very similar to the image below.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Pain and Comfort Levels
Managing pain and discomfort with each type of laser
If I had a penny every time a new patient came to me and said, “Halo?? Oh no, my friend had that done and she said it really hurt!”
Keep in mind medspas, derm offices etc manage pain differently. Without proper anesthetic, it can really hurt. Both lasers feel like hot prickles going back and forth across the skin. Halo feels more intense than the Fraxel.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend both topical numbing cream (for 45 minutes-hour) and laughing gas. It has helped so many patients feel relaxed, at ease and actually comfortable during the treatment session, then once completed they can drive themselves home.
There is a sunburn sensation afterwards that can last 1-2 hours. After that point there is no pain, just swelling, redness and MENDS (sandpaper texture) for 5-7 days. Both Fraxel and Halo are similar.
______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Recovery Time and Aftercare
Typical downtime and recovery expectations for Halo
7 days total. Sunburn type sensation. Day’s 1-3 expect swelling. Days 4-7 Redness and sandpaper texture. Below is what you should expect to experience from a Halo vs Fraxel laser treatment.
Typical downtime and recovery expectations for Fraxel
5 days total. Light sunburn sensation. Not as much swelling but you can see below that she wasn’t treated around the eyes due to a larger goggle.
Tips for post-laser care and speeding up healing
- Gentle cleansers, dermal repair creams, occlusive ointments for soothing
- Ask your provider about topical exosomes for speedy recovery
- Red light 2x/daily, 15 minutes. At home devices can really help, for best brands check out this article
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Expected Results and Long-Term Effects
Timeline for visible results with Halo laser
Halo is like the gift that keeps on giving. Although skin tone and clarity can be seen a week later, the process we call neocollagenesis can take up to 3 months. Therefore, the final results and images aren’t captured until that 3 month mark.
Depending on your goals, you may need anywhere from 1-3 Halos in one year. After you’ve completed that correction phase results will last years (if you are diligent about sunscreen and skin care)
Timeline for visible results with Fraxel laser
Results are pretty quick with Fraxel as well. Within a week you will see and experience noticeable results. Clearer skin and smoother texture. You may see better results with time but not to the degree that the Halo produces.
Multiple sessions are always recommended with Fraxel. Anywhere from 4-6 for the average person but up to 8 for acne scars etc.
Comparing the longevity of results for each laser treatment
Anytime you opt in for an “ablative laser” you are automatically setting yourself up for a longer lasting result.
Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layer of the skin, which triggers a wound-healing response. This process stimulates neocollagenesis, the formation of new collagen fibers in the treated area.
Over time, this collagen remodeling leads to a significant improvement in skin texture, tone, and elasticity, providing long-lasting reductions in deep wrinkles, scars, and other structural skin concerns.
In contrast, non-ablative lasers penetrate below the skin’s surface without removing the outer layer, also promoting neocollagenesis but in a more gradual manner.
This subtler stimulation of collagen production results in smoother, firmer skin with less immediate disruption to the skin barrier.
Though non-ablative treatments may take longer to show noticeable results, their gradual collagen remodeling provides long-term improvements, particularly for maintaining youthful skin and addressing early signs of aging. Check out real patient reviews to see the patient satisfaction rates for each Halo vs Fraxel laser.
There have been many times I’ve been asked, “If I don’t continue getting these lasers done every year, will all my signs of aging return?” No. In fact, when I look at images of patients that had a Halo 5 years ago, they still appear to have less brown spots and sun damage than before.
______________________________________________________________________________________
8. Maintenance Frequency
Halo treatments typically require one to three sessions to get to your goals. After that, one Halo is recommended annually to maintain your skin.Fraxel may need more frequent sessions (four to six initially, depending on the issue). Then to maintain I recommend one to two annually._______________________________________________________________________________
9. Cost Comparison: Halo vs. Fraxel
- Average cost per session for Halo is $1950/tx, anywhere from 1-3 treatments are required for optimal results
- Average cost per session for Fraxel is $1550/tx, anywhere from 4-6 treatments are required for optimal results
- To find out more about the factors that affect pricing, such as provider and location check out my article on hidden cost factor for laser treatments
10. Which Laser is Right for You?
Choosing based on skin concerns and treatment goalsTo simplify, lets say you’re on a budget but you really want to start introducing laser skin regeneration into your routine.If you are looking for a preventative approach and you are around the age of 20-30’s dealing with acne or acne scarring, Fraxel is a great option. Even just a few treatments can help.However if you are on a budget but your around the ages of 40-60 the Halo is your best bet. You’ll need the more ablative benefits for overall signs of aging.
Skin types that respond best to each laserThe answer will surprise you. All skin types! These lasers are attracted to water (not melanin) so the risks of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation are low.Always pre-treat with topical active ingredients like hydroquinone, vitamin c, kojic acid, retinol, tranexamic acid or any other tyrosinase inhibitor as an extra insurance policy!
Consulting with a professional to determine the best choice
Talking to your provider is always a good idea, however remember that all of these laser devices cost a lot of money!! Your provider might only have one or two laser devices therefore they may try to sell you on a device that won’t be the best fit.That is why I wrote this article for you. After using so many devices over 20 years, I can tell you with experience which ones work best! With the internet, you can research everything!
11. Amount of time each treatment will take
Determined by pain sensitivity levels, some may require a longer numbing time than others but I have found that the Halo can take an hour and a half, while the Fraxel only takes 45 mins. Usually that is because the total number of passes required by Halo take longer than the Fraxel Dual.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion:
Both Halo and Fraxel lasers offer powerful solutions for skin rejuvenation, but the right choice depends on your specific skin concerns, goals, and tolerance for recovery. Whether you need the hybrid approach of Halo for smoother texture and pigmentation or the lighter hybrid approach like Fraxel for sun damage, each laser has a purpose in the world of skin care. Consult with a laser specialist to ensure you choose the best treatment for a transformative result!
This article was all about Halo vs Fraxel laser and how to determine which one to choose for your specific concerns
