Let’s save you some time. You searched for Fraxel. You want to know if we have it, what it costs, and whether it’ll fix the thing that’s been bothering you every time you look in the mirror.
Here’s the honest answer: we don’t have the Fraxel brand device. What we have is better — for you, specifically.
We use two fractional laser systems: the Candela Nordlys Frax and the UltraClear. The Nordlys Frax uses the exact same 1550nm wavelength as Fraxel — the wavelength that does the heavy lifting for acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, and texture. The UltraClear adds non-ablative fractional modes that give us even more flexibility. Two devices instead of one means your provider can match the technology to your skin, your concern, and your tolerance for downtime — instead of making one device do everything.
That matters more than a brand name. And by the end of this page, you’ll understand why.
What Is Fraxel — And Why You’re Really Here
Fraxel is a brand name. Like Botox. Like Kleenex. Like Jacuzzi.
When you google “Fraxel,” you’re really searching for fractional laser resurfacing — a category of laser treatment, not a specific device. Fraxel was the first to market in the early 2000s, so the brand name became shorthand for the entire technology. It happens. And it’s not a bad thing — it means you already know what you want. You just might not know that multiple devices deliver the same treatment using the same science.
Here’s what all fractional lasers — including Fraxel — actually do: they deliver laser energy in a pattern of microscopic columns, treating a fraction of the skin at a time while leaving the surrounding tissue completely intact. Those untreated zones become the scaffolding for your skin’s healing response. Your body floods the treated columns with new collagen, new elastin, new healthy cells — and the result is skin that’s smoother, tighter, more even, and genuinely renewed.
The wavelength determines what the laser targets and how deep it goes. Fraxel Dual uses 1550nm and 1927nm. Our Nordlys Frax uses that same 1550nm wavelength — the one responsible for the deep collagen remodeling that treats acne scars, wrinkles, and significant texture concerns. Same physics. Same biology. Same results.
The difference isn’t the wavelength. It’s that we have two devices instead of one — which means more options for your skin.
Our Fractional Laser Technology
Candela Nordlys Frax
The Nordlys Frax delivers 1550nm fractional non-ablative laser energy — the same wavelength that made Fraxel famous. It creates precise micro-columns of controlled thermal treatment in the deeper layers of your skin, triggering your body’s collagen remodeling response while leaving the surface largely intact.
What that means in practice: real results with manageable downtime. Your skin resurfaces from within rather than being stripped away from the surface. The 1550nm wavelength is the clinical workhorse for acne scars, sun damage, fine lines, and overall texture improvement — and it’s the wavelength supported by the most published research in fractional laser resurfacing.
The Nordlys platform is built by Candela — the same company behind the CO2RE and the Profound RF systems our team already uses daily. We know this technology from the inside out.
UltraClear — Non-Ablative Fractional Modes
You already know UltraClear from our CO2 laser resurfacing page — it’s our cold ablation CO2 laser for aggressive resurfacing. But UltraClear also has non-ablative fractional modes that make it a second tool for the kind of work people search “Fraxel” for.
Why does having two devices matter? Because your skin isn’t the same as the next patient’s skin. Some concerns respond better to 1550nm. Some respond better to UltraClear’s non-ablative settings. Some respond best to a combination across sessions. Having both means your provider picks the right tool for the job — not the only tool in the drawer.
This is the kind of flexibility that a single-device practice can’t offer. And it’s the reason our patients often see results that surprise them.
What Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treats
Fractional laser is one of the most versatile treatments in aesthetic medicine. The reason people keep searching for it — and the reason it’s been a go-to for dermatologists and med spas for two decades — is that it treats the things that bother people most and that less aggressive treatments can’t fully address.
Acne scars. This is the number one reason patients seek fractional laser, and it’s where the technology truly shines. Rolling scars, boxcar scars, ice pick scars — the collagen remodeling triggered by fractional treatment fills and smooths scarred tissue in a way that topical products and even microneedling alone can’t match. If you’ve been living with acne scars and nothing has worked, this is the conversation to have.
Sun damage and age spots. Years of UV exposure — yes, even in Oregon — leave behind dark spots, uneven pigmentation, and a leathery quality that no serum can undo. Fractional laser breaks down excess pigment and stimulates new, healthy cell turnover to replace damaged tissue. Multiple sessions build on each other until the damage is genuinely cleared, not just masked.
Fine lines and wrinkles. The lines that settle in around your eyes, your mouth, across your forehead — the ones that used to disappear when you stopped making the expression but now just live there. New collagen production fills and smooths these lines from beneath the surface. It’s not freezing the muscles that cause them (that’s Botox). It’s rebuilding the skin itself.
Melasma. This is the tricky one — and it’s where having the right wavelength matters enormously. The 1550nm wavelength can address melasma with less risk of triggering the rebound hyperpigmentation that makes melasma so frustrating to treat. Your provider will assess whether fractional laser is appropriate for your specific presentation, because melasma treatment requires a careful, customized approach.
Rough texture and enlarged pores. That overall “tired skin” quality — the roughness, the visible pores, the lack of smoothness that makeup can’t fix. Fractional laser resurfaces texture at the cellular level. What comes back is smoother, tighter, and has the kind of natural evenness that people notice without being able to pinpoint why you look different.
Surgical and traumatic scars. Not just acne scars — any scar that’s healed flat but left visible discoloration or texture changes. Fractional laser remodels scar tissue gradually, improving both the color and the texture over a series of sessions.
Stretch marks. Fractional laser can improve the appearance of stretch marks by stimulating collagen in the affected tissue. Results vary depending on the age and severity of the marks, and we’ll be honest with you about realistic expectations — but for patients who want to improve them, fractional laser is one of the most evidence-supported options available.
What Your Treatment Looks Like
Before you come in. Avoid retinoids, active exfoliants, and excessive sun exposure for one to two weeks before treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, let your provider know — they may prescribe a preventive antiviral. Arrive with clean skin.
Getting comfortable. We apply a topical numbing cream and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This is a treatment where numbing matters — fractional laser is more intense than a facial or microneedling, and we want you comfortable. NitroNox is also available if you’d like to be fully relaxed.
The treatment. Your provider selects the device, wavelength, and settings based on your skin type, your concerns, and how much downtime you’re willing to work with. The laser passes over the treatment area, delivering the fractional energy in a controlled, precise pattern. Full face takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel warmth and a prickling sensation — with numbing, most patients describe it as very manageable.
Immediately after. Your skin will be red, warm, and slightly swollen — like a sunburn. This is completely normal and expected. We apply soothing products and give you detailed aftercare instructions.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1-2. Redness and swelling are at their peak. Your skin feels tight and warm. Stay out of the sun, skip makeup, and keep the skin hydrated with the products we recommend. Many patients take these days off or work from home.
Days 3-5. The swelling subsides. Your skin may feel rough or sandy as the treated micro-columns start to slough off. This is the healing happening — new skin is forming underneath. Resist the urge to pick or exfoliate. Some patients are comfortable with mineral makeup by day 3 or 4.
Days 5-7. Most of the visible recovery is done. Pinkness may linger for another week or so, but it’s easily covered with makeup if needed. You can resume normal activities and skincare.
Weeks 2-12. This is where the magic happens beneath the surface. Collagen remodeling continues for months after treatment. Your skin keeps improving — smoother, firmer, more even — long after the visible recovery is over.
Total social downtime: 3 to 5 days for non-ablative fractional. Plan accordingly, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly it resolves.
Fractional Non-Ablative vs CO2 Ablative — Which One Is Right for You?
We offer both. This is where having a real conversation with your provider matters — because the right choice depends entirely on what your skin needs and what your life allows.
Fractional non-ablative (this page — Nordlys Frax + UltraClear non-ablative modes):
- Treats the skin without removing any tissue
- 3-5 day social downtime
- Multiple sessions (3-5) for full results
- Best for: acne scars, sun damage, melasma, fine lines, texture, patients who can’t take a week off
- Results build gradually over weeks and months
CO2 ablative (CO2RE + UltraClear ablative mode):
- Vaporizes micro-columns of tissue for dramatic resurfacing
- 7-10 day social downtime
- Often one session produces dramatic results
- Best for: deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, severe texture, patients who want maximum results and can manage the recovery
- Results are visible once healing completes and continue improving for months
The honest answer: Some patients need CO2. Some need fractional non-ablative. Some need a combination — CO2 for the initial heavy lifting, then fractional non-ablative for maintenance and continued improvement. Your provider will look at your skin, listen to your goals, and recommend the approach that makes the most sense. Not the approach that costs the most or sounds the most impressive.
If you’ve been researching both and you’re not sure, that’s exactly what your consultation is for. We’d rather you make the right choice than the expensive one.
Results and What to Expect Over Time
Fractional laser isn’t a one-and-done treatment for most concerns — it’s a series that builds.
After your first session. Once the initial redness and peeling resolve (about a week), you’ll notice your skin looks fresher, smoother, and more even. It’s a real improvement — but it’s also just the beginning.
Through the series (3-5 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart). Each session compounds on the last. Acne scars fill in progressively. Pigmentation clears more with every treatment. Texture continues to refine. By the third or fourth session, the cumulative change is significant — the kind of change where people who see you every day start commenting.
Three to six months after your final session. Collagen remodeling continues long after the last treatment. Many patients report that their skin looks better at the six-month mark than it did right after the final session. This is the long game paying off.
How long results last. The collagen and tissue remodeling from fractional laser is long-lasting — the structural improvements don’t just reverse. But your skin does continue to age, and sun exposure creates new damage over time. Annual maintenance sessions keep results fresh and address new concerns before they accumulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fraxel laser?
Fraxel is a brand name for a fractional non-ablative laser made by Solta Medical (Bausch Health). It became so well-known that most people use “Fraxel” to mean any fractional laser resurfacing treatment — similar to how “Botox” is used for all neurotoxins. The technology behind Fraxel — fractional photothermolysis using a 1550nm wavelength — is available from multiple manufacturers. At Illume, we use the Candela Nordlys Frax (same 1550nm wavelength) and the UltraClear (with non-ablative fractional modes) to deliver the same type of treatment.
How much does fractional laser resurfacing cost?
We don’t publish specific pricing because treatment plans are customized to your skin. For perspective: a surgical facelift ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. A full course of fractional laser resurfacing — which addresses many of the same concerns without surgery, general anesthesia, or weeks of recovery — costs a fraction of that. IllumèNaughty Beauty Bank members receive their discount on laser treatments. Your provider will discuss exact pricing during your consultation.
Is fractional laser the same as CO2 laser?
No — and the difference matters. Fractional non-ablative laser (like Nordlys Frax) treats the skin without removing tissue. Less downtime, multiple sessions needed. CO2 ablative laser (like our CO2RE and UltraClear) vaporizes tissue for more dramatic results with more downtime. Both are excellent treatments — your provider will recommend the right one based on your concerns, your skin type, and your schedule.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients need three to five sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results. Acne scars and significant sun damage typically require the full series. Mild texture and pigmentation concerns may respond well in fewer sessions. Your provider will map out a treatment plan based on your skin assessment.
What’s the recovery like?
Plan for 3 to 5 days of social downtime. Days 1-2 are the most noticeable — redness and swelling similar to a sunburn. By day 3-4, you can usually wear mineral makeup. By day 7, most visible recovery is complete. The skin continues to improve for weeks and months after as collagen remodels beneath the surface.
Can fractional laser treat dark skin tones?
The 1550nm wavelength used in our Nordlys Frax has a strong safety profile across a range of skin types, but fractional laser on darker skin tones requires careful provider assessment and conservative settings to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation. This is one of those treatments where the skill and judgment of your provider matters as much as the device. We’ll evaluate your skin honestly and tell you whether fractional laser is right for you — or whether a different approach would serve you better.
Is Clear + Brilliant the same as Fraxel?
Same parent company (Solta Medical), different intensity. Clear + Brilliant uses the 1927nm wavelength at lower power — think of it as a gentler, surface-level version of fractional treatment. Less downtime, less dramatic results, more sessions needed. Fractional treatment with our Nordlys Frax (1550nm) goes deeper and produces more significant collagen remodeling. Your provider can help you decide which level of treatment matches your goals.
Is fractional laser worth it?
For acne scars, sun damage, and texture concerns that haven’t responded to topical products, facials, or microneedling — fractional laser is often the treatment that finally moves the needle. It’s more downtime and investment than lighter treatments, but the results are more significant and longer-lasting. If you’ve been doing the gentler things and you’re still not satisfied, fractional laser is usually the answer.
The Technology Matters More Than the Name on the Device
You came here searching for Fraxel. What you actually need is the right fractional laser, in the right hands, calibrated to your specific skin.
We have two devices that deliver fractional non-ablative resurfacing. We have a team that uses them every week. And we have no interest in selling you more treatment than your skin needs.
That’s the conversation worth having.
Call us: (541) 631-8387
Visit us: 993 Siskiyou Blvd Suite 1, Ashland, OR 97520