Which Laser is best?

Great question! The CO2 laser is the gold standard for laser resurfacing, however, the potential side effects (pigment changes and scarring) have limited its use.

There are a number of different lasers out there and a number of different lasers may be right for you...if your provider chooses correctly! This means that your goals, your skin type (fair complexion versus darker), your age and anatomy and your recovery expectations and price point are all critical factors.

Newer laser technology, ablative versus non-ablative and even new sublative as welll as fractional versus traditional non-fractionated lasers are available.

I suggest you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs a significant number of laser procedures who can assess your skin type and goals to help you make a decision as an educated consumer!

Good luck!

Dr. C

This question is like "What is the best hair style?". The answer is "It depends".

The gold standard laser for skin resurfacing used to be the CO2 laser. But because of its aggressiveness, long healing period, and eventual hypo-pigmentation, it is not very mainstream any more. Erbium resurfacing is more gentler and with repeated treatments, you can achieve similar results. At the same time, the old and time tested chemical peels are excellent less expensive way to re-surface your skin. Whatever method you choose, the doctor must know the different types of skins to avoid unnecessary complications.

The new fractional lasers are becoming very popular and rightfully so. These methods (be it Erbium based or CO2 based) offer much quicker healing time and recovery period but with serial treatments are required.

The best one is the one that suits your particular needs and your budget. Consult with a physician who has multiple lasers at his disposal. This is very important because if he only has one laser, he will obviously be very biased towards that particular laser he owns! One trick pony only knows one trick!