Comparison Guides
Fractional CO₂ vs Pico Fractional / LIOB
Fractional CO₂ ablates micro-zones for stronger resurfacing with more downtime; fractional pico (LIOB) remodels non-ablatively with lower downtime — trading depth of correction against recovery.
Both fractional CO₂ and fractional picosecond (LIOB) treat texture and scars, but one ablates and one remodels below the surface. This compares depth of correction vs downtime so clinics can match the tool to the patient.
- Fractional CO₂: ablative; stronger per-session correction; more downtime; melanin-sensitive.
- Fractional pico (LIOB): non-ablative; lower downtime; usually more sessions.
- The trade-off is depth of correction vs recovery time.
- Different platforms: Alexa CO₂ Aesthetic (CO₂) and Pro 1 Pico (LIOB).
Ablate or remodel?
Both fractional CO₂ and fractional picosecond (LIOB) treat texture, pores, and scars — but one ablates the surface and one remodels below it. 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.
Fractional pico (LIOB) — non-ablative, lower downtime
The Pro 1 Pico’s fractional LIOB creates tiny intradermal zones that trigger non-ablative remodeling, largely sparing the epidermis — lower downtime, but usually more sessions for equivalent depth. (See LIOB Fractional Pico Explained.)
The trade-off
| Factor | Fractional CO₂ | Fractional pico (LIOB) |
|---|---|---|
| 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
- Fractional CO₂ Laser
- Fractional LIOB
Related devices
FAQs
What's the difference between fractional CO₂ and pico fractional (LIOB)?
Fractional CO₂ ablates micro-zones of tissue with 10,600 nm light, giving stronger per-session resurfacing but more downtime. Fractional picosecond (LIOB) creates tiny intradermal zones that trigger non-ablative remodeling — 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 fractional LIOB 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?
Fractional picosecond (LIOB) 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 (LIOB) and an Alexa CO₂ Aesthetic can cover both ends; the right single choice depends on the patient base.