Comparison Guides
Fractional CO₂ vs PicoMatrix™
Fractional CO₂ ablates micro-zones for stronger resurfacing with more downtime; PicoMatrix™ remodels non-ablatively with lower downtime — trading depth of correction against recovery.
Ablate or remodel?
Both fractional CO₂ and PicoMatrix™ treat texture, pores, and scars — but one is ablative and one is non-ablative. That single difference drives downtime, session count, and patient fit.
Fractional CO₂ — ablative, stronger per session
The Alexa CO₂ Aesthetic ablates micro-zones with 10,600 nm light, giving stronger per-session correction for significant texture, scars, and photoaging — across an intensity ladder. The trade-off is more downtime and melanin-sensitivity.
PicoMatrix™ — non-ablative, lower downtime
The Pro 1 Pico’s PicoMatrix™ supports non-ablative remodeling, largely sparing the epidermis — lower downtime, but usually more sessions for equivalent depth.
The trade-off
| Factor | Fractional CO₂ | PicoMatrix™ |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Ablative | Non-ablative remodeling |
| Per-session correction | Stronger | Gentler |
| Downtime | More | Less |
| Sessions | Fewer | Usually more |
| Skin type | Melanin-sensitive | Broader, with care |
The choice trades depth of correction against recovery time — and the two can be complementary across a clinic’s patient base.
Where to go next
Educational overview only. Suitability is determined by a trained provider.
Technologies covered
Related devices
FAQs
What's the difference between fractional CO₂ and PicoMatrix™?
Fractional CO₂ ablates micro-zones of tissue with 10,600 nm light, giving stronger per-session resurfacing but more downtime. PicoMatrix™ is non-ablative — lower downtime, but usually more sessions. The trade-off is depth of correction vs recovery.
Which is better for acne scars?
Both are used. Ablative fractional CO₂ can correct more per session for significant texture and scars; non-ablative PicoMatrix™ offers lower downtime over a series. Deep scars may need combination care. The choice depends on scar severity, skin type, downtime tolerance, and provider assessment.
Which has less downtime?
PicoMatrix™ is non-ablative and generally involves less downtime than ablative fractional CO₂, because it largely spares the epidermis. CO₂ trades more downtime for stronger per-session correction.
Do I need both?
Not necessarily — but some clinics offer both to match patients across the downtime/correction spectrum. A clinic with a Pro 1 Pico (PicoMatrix™) and an Alexa CO₂ Aesthetic can cover both ends; the right single choice depends on the patient base.
Explore the technology
Explore the Alexa CO₂ Aesthetic → Fractional CO₂ LaserPicoMatrix™