Solta Fraxel Dual (re:store Dual)

Non-Ablative Fractional · 1550nm + 1927nm thulium fractional

CurrentFDA ClearedBe the first to review

What it's actually cleared for: Fractional laser cleared for resurfacing including wrinkles, acne/surgical scars, actinic keratoses and pigmented lesions like melasma

Last verified: August 6, 2026 · How we verify

New: $90k–$120k|Used: $20k–$45kmarket estimate, no email required

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Bottom line

The most consumer-genericized name in fractional resurfacing — patients literally say "I want Fraxel" — and that demand still fills schedules nearly two decades after launch. But you're buying an aging platform: core tech from the late 2000s, slower per-treatment than modern rivals, needs a Zimmer chiller and single-use tips, and Bausch Health's aesthetics division has had a wobbly few years. Buy it used at the right price and brand equity alone can pay it off; buy it new and you're paying a premium for a name.

Overview

Still-current melasma/photodamage standard

How it works

The science

Non-ablative fractional laser with two wavelengths: 1550nm erbium fiber creating microscopic coagulated columns deep in the dermis (collagen remodeling, acne scars, wrinkles, texture) and 1927nm thulium working superficially — excellent for sun spots, dyschromia, and actinic keratoses. Nothing is vaporized; expect redness and bronzing/flaking for 3-7 days rather than open wounds. Protocols layer passes to a target density; results build over a series.

Patented tech

Fraxel is the foundational fractional-photothermolysis brand — the concept the whole category is named after; the Dual's differentiator is both wavelengths in one handpiece with Intelligent Optical Tracking metering microbeam delivery as the operator rolls the tip.

Origin

US-designed, historically built in Hayward, California (Solta/Bausch) — verify current site.

FDA & regulatory status

FDA ClearedCleared via 510(k)

What it's actually cleared for:

Fractional laser cleared for resurfacing including wrinkles, acne/surgical scars, actinic keratoses and pigmented lesions like melasma

510(k) numbers

K130193; K062303

Regulatory data is compiled from public FDA 510(k) records and may lag recent clearances. Always confirm status with the manufacturer before purchase.

Treatment economics

What practices charge

~$1,000-1,600 per full-face session (averages cluster ~$1,200-1,500); 1927-only "light Fraxel" sessions ~$700-1,000. Courses: 3-6 sessions for scars/wrinkles at 1550nm, 1-2 for pigment at 1927nm, packaged at 10-20% off.

Consumables & recurring cost

Single-patient treatment tips ~$100-200 per treatment (varies by contract), plus a Zimmer-style chiller (~$10k-15k if you don't own one). At 20 treatments/month that's ~$25k-45k/year in tips — a real margin drag Sciton and DEKA reps will happily mention.

Ideal for

Best-fit practice

Derm-led practices and medspas whose patients search "Fraxel" by name — 30-60, moderate photodamage, acne scarring, melasma-prone pigment — and practices treating darker skin types where non-ablative is safer than ablative. Less ideal for high-throughput spas: slow treatments, compounding tip costs.

Compliance

Medical director & delegation

Class II prescription device; typically physicians, NPs/PAs, or RNs under a supervising medical director, delegation varying by state.

Contraindications & screening

Pregnancy, recent isotretinoin, active infection/herpes history, keloids, and melasma expectations management (it can help or flare it); non-ablative is more forgiving on IV-VI but still demands conservative densities.

Ownership

Warranty & service

~1 year new; post-warranty Solta contracts ~$8k-15k/year; third-party service widely available given the installed base — but press Bausch on long-term parts support for an aging platform.

Resale & used market

Deep, liquid used market — Fraxel Duals everywhere at ~$20k-50k depending on shot count; slow downtrend as the platform ages, with the brand name keeping a floor under it.