I am currently looking at fractional laser for aesthetic treatments (anti ageing, acne scarring, etc) but would like a bit more outside information rather than relying solely on distributors/sales personnel. Thank you in advance!

My advice is to start with non-ablative fractional CO2 laser before you go to the ablative ones. Down time is much less with non ablative and less care is needed at home.

I would think that any CO2 laser, even if it's fractional, would be ablative. There are only a handful of non ablative lasers out there such as the origional Fraxel 750 or 1500.

We have Cutera's Pearl, 2790 nm. It's effective but the downtime is longer than what the rep originally told us. And the home care routine must be followed to prevent delayed healing.

Thank you everyone for your comments. Many apologies I did fail to mention that I my inquiry was for a non-ablative CO2 fractional laser as I am a beauty therapist and not a cosmetic surgeon/dermatologist. I am not qualified to carry out ablative procedures here in Australia.

CO2 is an ablative device, fractional or non-fractional.

you can go for the korean made laser. i have seen one it is the cicu laser system. co2 laser but with non ablative options. https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=212366405449928

Forgive me for speaking out of turn but where I am based in the UK, CO2 laser treatment is only performed by specialist doctors. Treatment with this laser is very effective but without detailed medical knowledge and the ability to manage complications, and to prescribe the anaesthesia and antibiotics needed for the treatment to be successful and tolerable, the risks are too high. In my humble opinion, a beauty therapist, however experienced, should not be using a CO2 laser.

agree. 100%
but some laser companies are coming out with quite impressive technologies.
This has helped to reduce a lot of complications in these areas.

Depending on what treatments you're looking to perform or want to perform I would either suggest an ND:YAG if you want to be able to stimulate collagen for skin tightening (and reducing acne scars) as well as target red and brown spots or, if you solely want to do skin tightening, I would look more towards RF technology - Exilis has had some excellent reviews. In terms of the Emerge, you'll be sacrificing a lot of power, which will cost you time and results. You need to get deep into the dermis in order to stimulate collagen and with a diode laser you'll be waiting a while for the appropriate heat to build up. I'd also shy away from the CO2 in regards to your location. If you are treating a lot of tanned skin I would again go with a safer modality, which can safely treat all skin types 1-6 as well as tanned skin.

@sean j: Thank you for your comments about the ND YAG - I am in fact wanting to target the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production for skin tightening as well as acne, rosacea, pigmentation and solar keratosis. And if memory serves me correctly a ND YAG is more suitable for darker skin types in terms of hair removal as opposed to other lasers. Despite claims of the company for the diode laser that I have in being safe for darker skin types have had the misfortune of dealing with a burn and having to make a cream for this person for burns and scar prevention.

I have the Synerons Sublative RF. I use it for acne scarring, stretch marks, textural and tone irregularities and collagen stimulation. The results have been outstanding with little downtime for the client. Being that it is RF it is far safer for darker skin types than Laser or IPL. The other 'bonus' is that it is a relatively quick treatment (an hour including topical anaesthetic waiting time) which is very appealing for a lot of clients. I would recommend investigating this option before making any decisions...I'm still amazed by the results.

You are obviously very smart for researching outside of your sales rep. Please take some time to research Sciton lasers - top of the line for all laser treatments including fractional. Minimal downtime, no consumables! Good luck.

I can only suggest you to use the Original Dermaroller. It is much cheaper than a laser, because it is disposable: You can treat basically all skin problems including acne and vitiligo. There are no service costs and you do not need to worry about your monthly leasing fee.

Aerolase Erbium glass laser is best for removal of acne scars,having no complications.

All fractional lasers are ablative. Thus Class IV lasers, meaning they can alter tissue in an irreversible way. You should therefore be 100% educated/trained on the "do's & don’ts" for fractional lasers. Some adverse effects -using inappropriate parameters or/and protocols-can be dramatic and lifetime disfiguring. (face and neck areas remain permanently visible).

Have you considered the EMERGE fractional laser? It's a 1410 nm non ablative fractional laser from Palomar.

You will find the best Co2 fractional laserl laser from AESLASER.

AES-CO2 99, the Co2 fractional LASER(RF Tube with 40W energy) as below:
http://www.aeslaser.net/products_show.asp?id=186

Lead time is 7 working days.
Delivery time is 3 working days to USA.
Warranty is 1 year for free, but maintenance always.

Also Co2 fractional laser, diode laser, IPL, thermage, Cryolipolysis all in www.aeslaser.net