When it comes to laser resurfacing, everyone’s always talking about CO2 lasers like they’re the gold standard. But what about the Erbium laser? Here are 11 things nobody really tells you when you’re trying to decide between Erbium laser vs co2.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the ablative choices of Erbium laser vs CO2, including the specifics about the erbium yag laser, brands like profractional laser vs co2, the erbium laser before and after pics, and finally what is the strongest laser for skin resurfacing.
It’s no secret that skin ablative laser resurfacing is one of the best ways to reverse signs of aging, in fact, check out the article specifically on one of the erbium devices called, “MicroLaserPeel” and “how to choose a laser for you”
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice contact a licensed healthcare professional.
The Most Important Differences Between The Erbium Laser vs Co2 For Skin Rejuvenation
What is an Erbium Laser?
Okay, spoiler alert! Let me tell you about one of my favorite laser treatments out there—the Erbium laser! It’s a resurfacing laser, designed to treat the skin by removing the outermost layers, which are often full of blemishes, wrinkles, or scarring and of course, YEARS OF SUN DAMAGE!.
Now, what makes it so special is the wavelength of light it uses. Unlike CO2 lasers that go deeper and can sometimes leave behind more redness and longer recovery times, Erbium lasers are more precise, targeting just the water in your skin cells.
This means it can vaporize those damaged skin cells with minimal heat damage to the surrounding tissue. The Sciton Contour TRL (Erbium device) is unique in its ability for tunable depth – meaning you can go just as deep as co2 if needed.
So, when the laser hits the skin, it causes controlled damage that encourages your skin to kick into repair mode. Your body starts producing more collagen and elastin fibers, which, in the world of skin treatments, is the holy grail! This collagen boost leads to smoother, tighter, and younger-looking skin over time.
Skin Conditions and Concerns Best Treated with Erbium Lasers
If you’re wondering, “What can this laser really help with?” let me break it down for you. Some of the top concerns Erbium lasers treat include:
- Fine lines and deep wrinkles: Around the mouth, eyes, or forehead, the laser softens these in one or two sessions.
- All types of acne scars: It can significantly reduce the appearance of mild to moderate acne scars.
- Sun damage: Those dark spots from too many sunny days can be lightened.
- Skin texture issues: Uneven texture? It smooths everything out beautifully.
- Stretch marks (to a degree): While not a cure-all, Erbium lasers can sometimes help fade them.
Basically, if you’ve got a little extra “texture” going on that you’d like to smooth out, Erbium’s the safer way to go.
Risks and Side Effects Associated with Erbium Lasers
Now, while Erbium lasers are generally considered safer with fewer risks than CO2 lasers, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Redness and swelling are almost guaranteed for a few days to a week, and if you’ve got darker skin, there’s a small chance of hyperpigmentation (although it’s much less common than with other lasers). Infection, though rare, is also a possibility if proper aftercare isn’t followed—so no slacking on the skincare!
A slight risk of scarring exists, especially if you’re prone to keloids or have a history of poor healing. That being said, if you go to a reputable provider who knows their stuff, these risks can be greatly minimized. It’s all about choosing the right professional and sticking to the recommended aftercare routine.
So, that’s the lowdown on Erbium lasers! They’re effective, have a shorter recovery time, and offer fantastic results for resurfacing. Just make sure you know what to expect before diving in, and you’ll be good to go!
What is a Co2 Laser?
The journey of CO2 lasers dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when researchers discovered that CO2 lasers could be used for surgical procedures, and soon after, they began to be utilized for dermatological treatments. Fast forward a few decades, and these lasers (Acupulse, Ultrapulse, became a staple in aesthetic medicine for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.
Who is really suited for CO2 laser treatments? Generally, individuals with fair to medium skin tones tend to see the best results. However, that doesn’t mean darker skin tones are excluded; it just means that additional precautions might be necessary to avoid complications like hyperpigmentation.
If you have deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or severe skin laxity you might find this treatment particularly beneficial.
Skin Conditions and Concerns Best Treated with Co2 Lasers
Some of the top concerns Co2 lasers treat include:
- Deep wrinkles: Around the mouth, eyes, or forehead, the laser softens these over time.
- Pitted acne scars: It can significantly reduce the appearance of mild to moderate acne scars.
- Sun damage: Those dark spots from too many sunny days can be lightened.
- Skin texture issues: Uneven texture? It smooths everything out beautifully.
- Skin laxity (to a degree): While not a cure-all, Co2 lasers are known for their tightening capabilities when used in the full ablation mode (“mowing the grass”)
Very similar to Erbium, both of these devices can change your skin for the long term.
I recently heard a popular “social media Dermatologist” say on instagram, “Fractionated Co2 laser does not tighten skin”. I have to adamantly disagree with her. It’s honestly like magic. Plus, the CO2 laser can help with larger pores and uneven pigmentation, making it a versatile option for many skin concerns.
But, let’s not sugarcoat things: the downtime after a CO2 laser treatment can be a bit of a bummer. Depending on the intensity of the treatment, you can expect some swelling and redness that may last for several weeks. You’ll likely be rocking a lobster-red face for at least a month or two.
In a nutshell, the CO2 laser is a powerful tool in the aesthetic world that can significantly improve your skin’s appearance. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons, consult with a knowledgeable provider, and take good care of your skin post-treatment. With the right preparation and aftercare, you could be on your way to smoother, rejuvenated skin that leaves you feeling like a million bucks!
Erbium Laser vs CO2: The Key Differences
Let’s break down the key differences that nobody tells you about erbium laser vs co2 to help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your skin.
1. CO2 Lasers Are More Intense, But That’s Not Always a Good Thing
CO2 lasers can penetratedeeper into the skin than Erbium lasers (unless you’re using Sciton’s Contour TRL which can go just as deep as co2). While this makes them great for serious issues like deep wrinkles and scars, it also means a more thermal damage to deeper layers of your skin which means longer recovery.
CO2 can be too much if you don’t need that level of resurfacing. Erbium, on the other hand, is more precise, targeting the surface layers without causing as much damage underneath. SO you can expect a quicker recovery.
I’ve personally seen many patients experience prolonged redness for up to 6 months.
Nowadays, technology is catching up by allowing settings to be less intense with devices like the UltraPulse co2
2. The Erbium Laser “Sciton Joule X” Is Arguably Just As Strong As Co2 Lasers
Internationally, Derms, Plastics and other skin providers all have their favorites but my experience with both has made me a little more partial to the Erbium. With the Sciton’s erbium device, I have a wider array of options in my settings to include more/less coagulation. This is extremely helpful and customizable for each individual.
5. Erbium Has A Lower Scarring Risk
Due to its targeted energy and lower depth of penetration, the Erbium laser is less likely to cause scarring. Because Co2 reaches deeper into the skin layers, has a slightly higher scarring risk—though still low when done by a skilled professional.
6. Fractionated Erbium laser vs Fractionated Co2
Both the Erbium and co2 can be set to treat either the entire surface of the skin or 30-50% of the skin by placing tiny fractionated laser beams into the skin.
What most people don’t know is that by using the fractional erbium on delicate areas like the neck or eyelids, the risks are cut in half (as long as you find an experienced provider) due to the higher precision and lower incidence for thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
It is important to treat the skin differently in these areas. With less blood flow on the neck and risk of ectropion on the eyelids, a customized treatment with multiple modalities and depths is crucial for best outcomes and of course, your satisfaction!
I really love the erbium around the eyelids! I feel more confident that my treatments will be safe and effective when treating in the thinner skin areas.
7. Fractional CO2 Lasers Are The Better Choice For Acne Scars
In my experience (both personal and professional) acne scars are no match for ablative lasers, subcision, cross tca and RF microneedling. If you’re on a budget and you want me split hairs on which one is best, Co2 is the winner for these specific acne scars in my opinion and according to this recent split-face study from the NIH.
In the case of acne scars, you want more thermal damage and deeper coagulation in order to resurface these scars effectively and fractionated co2 does just that!
8. CO2 Lasers Can Leave Behind That “Shiny” Look
Here’s something no one warns you about: after full surface CO2 treatments, some people end up with an unnaturally shiny, poreless, taut look to their skin. Similar to a mannequin. It’s a dead giveaway that you’ve had a laser procedure, especially with the line of demarcation between your face and neck. Of course that is less likely to happen with fractional co2 treatments.
With Erbium, the finish is much softer and more natural, so you’re less likely to look overdone.
9. Co2 And Erbium Do NOT Cause Fat Loss
There has been a lot of social media buzz around these ablative lasers causing fat loss. There is a large body of literature stating the exact opposite. Lasers (especially Co2 and Erbium) simply do not have the capability to penetrate the skin more than a few pieces of paper deep (100 microns = 1 piece of paper). So, if you understand the anatomy of the skin, you’ll know that it is simply not possible.
With the invention of new aesthetic modalities like Ellacor, Sofwave, Thermage, fat atrophy would theoretically be more of a concern due to the depth at which these devices target. I will be looking for more studies to share with you on this topic.
10. Erbium and co2 Lasers Are Ideal for People Who Want to Avoid Injectables
Not into Botox or fillers? Erbium and co2 laser treatments can give you a youthful look by resurfacing the skin and promoting collagen production, without the need for injections. Not only that, the results from one single treatment can last years.
For people looking for a more natural, holistic way to improve their appearance, these ablative lasers are a great option. I have seen patients years after their single erbium or co2 treatment and their skin still looks flawless. The longevity is unmatched!
Remember that filler injections should either wait until after your laser treatment or if you already have filler, it is best to wait 3-4 weeks before undergoing a fractionated co2 or erbium. Lastly, due to the excessive heat from full co2 or erbium resurfacing treatment, it is best to have filler removed to avoid potential complications.
Conclusion:
When choosing between Erbium laser and CO2, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. While CO2 lasers deliver more dramatic results, they come with a longer recovery period. On the other hand, Erbium lasers offer more precision with less downtime but might require multiple sessions for optimal results. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your skin type, treatment goals, and how much time you can afford to spend recovering.
Ready to take the next step toward smoother, younger-looking skin? Consult a qualified laser technician to find out which laser is your perfect match!
