Erbium and CO2 fractional lasers are both popular treatments for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation, but they differ in terms of their specific properties, applications, and the results they produce. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Laser Type and Wavelength
Erbium Laser: This laser uses an Erbium-doped crystal as its medium and typically operates at a wavelength of 2940 nm. The wavelength is well absorbed by water in the skin, making it very precise for targeting superficial layers of the skin.
CO2 Laser: This laser operates at a wavelength of 10,600 nm and is also highly absorbed by water. However, it penetrates deeper than the Erbium laser, affecting both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin.
2. Depth of Penetration
Erbium Laser: The Erbium laser is less penetrating compared to CO2. It primarily affects the epidermis and upper dermis, making it suitable for treating fine lines, mild wrinkles, and superficial skin issues.
CO2 Laser: The CO2 laser penetrates deeper into the skin, making it effective for more significant skin issues such as deeper wrinkles, scars, and more severe sun damage.
3. Effect on Skin
Erbium Laser: Because of its more superficial action, it generally causes less thermal damage to surrounding tissues, leading to less redness, swelling, and quicker recovery time.
CO2 Laser: The deeper penetration of CO2 laser means it creates more thermal damage, which can result in a longer healing process but also more dramatic results, particularly for deeper skin issues.
4. Recovery Time
Erbium Laser: Recovery time is typically shorter, ranging from a few days to a week. The milder nature of this laser makes it a good option for those who cannot afford a long downtime.
CO2 Laser: Recovery time is longer, often ranging from one to two weeks or more, depending on the depth of treatment. The skin may be red and swollen for a more extended period. With effective post treatment skin cooling recovery time can be accelerated.
5. Pain and Discomfort
Erbium Laser: Generally, the Erbium laser is less painful than CO2. Topical anesthesia is usually sufficient for comfort.
CO2 Laser: The CO2 laser can be more painful due to its deeper action, and a more substantial form of anesthesia (like local anesthesia) may be required. With effective topical or local anaesthesia patients should not feel pain during treatment. Post treatment cooling reduces the immediate heat sensation and minimises discomfort and downtime.
6. Indications
Erbium Laser: Best suited for treating fine lines, mild wrinkles, superficial scars, pigmentation issues, and sun-damaged skin. It’s often chosen for patients with lighter skin tones.
CO2 Laser: Ideal for treating more severe wrinkles, deeper scars (such as acne scars), skin laxity, and more significant sun damage. It can be used on a wider range of skin types, but care is needed with darker skin tones to avoid hyperpigmentation.
7. Results
Erbium Laser: Provides more subtle results with less risk of side effects. It’s suitable for patients seeking moderate improvement with minimal downtime.
CO2 Laser: Offers more dramatic results due to its deeper penetration, making it the choice for those with more significant skin concerns and who are willing to endure a longer recovery.
8. Side Effects
Erbium Laser: Lower risk of side effects like hyperpigmentation, scarring, and prolonged redness. It’s considered safer for lighter skin tones.
CO2 Laser: Higher risk of side effects, especially for darker skin tones, which may include hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scarring. Proper post-treatment care is crucial.
Conclusion
The choice between an Erbium and CO2 fractional laser depends on the specific skin concerns, the desired outcome, the amount of downtime you can manage, and your skin type. For milder, superficial concerns with a quick recovery, Erbium is often preferred. For deeper skin issues and more pronounced results, CO2 is usually the better option, albeit with a longer recovery period.
What is SmartXEL laser?
SmartXEL is a fractional C02 laser that offers both full fractional treatment and also a low pain mode (often called Cool laser) which is similar to Erbium laser treatment. It offers great versatility in terms of treatment setting and applications from skin rejuvenation for lines and wrinkles, sun damage, skin tightening, acne scars, surgical or traumatic scars, stretchmarks, non surgical blephoplasty, vaginal rejuvenation and ENT applications.