What is the difference between fraxel and erbium laser

However, more dermatologists, physicians, and patients are choosing Erbium:YAG technology over CO 2 lasers thanks to its impressive results and safe, gentle treatments. In this article, we'll examine numerous reasons why Erbium:YAG lasers, such as the Astanza DermaBlate , are the preferred choice for both fractional laser skin resurfacing and deep ablation.

An Erbium:YAG laser wavelength is optimal for skin ablation. Erbium:YAG lasers are optimal for skin ablation primarily because of the wavelength this technology generates. Chromophore absorption curves show a significant bump in the water absorption coefficient between 2,, nm and a drop down at 7,, nm. Erbium:YAG lasers have a very efficient beam to target water and relatively limited hemoglobin absorption.

Because water is such a critical component in the epidermal and dermal tissue, the 2, nm wavelength produced by Erbium:YAG lasers is capable of rapidly vaporizing water residing in the skin. This unique wavelength delivers an almost instant skin ablation while limiting heat damage in the surrounding area.

This thermal damage is the biggest difference between Erbium and Carbon Dioxide lasers. Carbon Dioxide lasers have been used to treat and ablate the skin since the s. However, because the absorption in skin tissue is relatively low compared to Erbium lasers in both water and hemoglobin , their result is substantial excess heat in the surrounding tissue.

The consequences of that are localized necrosis tissue death that leads to slower recovery time , more post-treatment discomfort, and greater instances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation PIH , all while not necessarily allowing for better results when compared to Erbium lasers. The erbium laser is usually more of a superficial treatment than a CO2 laser and will help treat fine lines, some hyperpigmentation and mild scarring.

The non-ablative type of Fraxel laser is similar to an erbium laser treatment. It helps to repair sun damage on the skin, reduce spots, and improve skin texture. Nd:Yag lasers are non-ablative.

They work by targeting specific skin cells without damaging the outer layer of skin. An Nd:Yag laser might be used to treat fine lines, uneven skin texture or redness. It can also be a good option for laser hair removal if you have dark hair or darker skin. Laser Genesis is an example of an Nd:Yag laser. It is often combined with other laser treatments to provide good overall results.

Erbium laser tends to target more superficial problems like fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity. In the treatment of rhytides wrinkles , fractional CO2 has slightly better improvements compared to Erbium:yag laser, but multiple passes of Erbium laser can mimic the effects of fractional CO2 in the treatment of rhytides.

In the treatment of acne scar however, the effects of fractional CO2 cannot be reproduced with Erbium. CO2 Laser is more effective than Erbium laser for improving deeper skin textural issues like acne scars.

This proves that Erbium:yag laser despite multiple passes is unable to remodel scarring tissue at the same level as fractional CO2. Studies also prove that the effects of collagen stimulating last longer in fractional CO2.

For the treatment of especially bigger discrete lesions such moles, warts and skin tags, the use of CO2 may be more appropriate as the ability to coagulate and stop bleeding is higher than that of Er:yag. With the use of numbing agents, the pain for both treatments is manageable.

The severity of your skin problem, the intensity and he number of passes required to achieve the desired effect will be the determining factor of how much pain you feel! Normally, the treatment takes about 30 minutes and may involve mild to moderate pain. A topical anesthetic may be applied prior to application of laser. Fraxel can accommodate light, moderate or deep laser resurfacing. Because it allows for deep penetration remodeling, it is highly effective for skin tightening, wrinkle removal and youth-enhancing collagen stimulation.

You may experience some redness, bronzing, dryness, and swelling for a day or two, but should be ready to resume normal social activities within five to seven days.

Because the Fraxel laser heats up columns of skin with actually perforating the skin, there is some redness and puffiness but little or no crusting. Please note that every patient is different. Thus, results may vary patient-to-patient. Please consult with one of our laser treatment specialists to discuss realistic outcomes for your particular situation.