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Erbium Laser Vs Fraxel Laser for Skin Damage?

I'm 34 years old and had a consultation for large pores, fine lines, and minor sun damage. The physician stated that his (Venus) Erbium yag laser was just as good, if not better than Fraxel. He went on to say the results were mainly dependent on the user of the device. How true is this?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by socalgirl in Long Beach, California

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Erbium vs. fraxel

I would place the Erbium:YAG microlaser peel and the Fraxel in the same category in terms effect. The deep Erbium:YAG is in another category all together and would be a different discussion. Below is a list of pros and cons. Fraxel Pros minimal downtime (3-5 days) can be done in the office with topical anesthesia (still hurts like a mother!) mild to moderate effect on wrinkles Low risk of causing scarring or pigment irregularities... more

John Bitner, MD

18 reviews

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drjohnbitner.com

Erbium Yag v Fraxel

These are very different lasers and are difficult to compare. The ideal study would be one where one half of the side of the face is treated with one laser and the other side with the other laser. This is unlikely to happen in a IRB approved study due to the inherent differences in the lasers. What you should know is that they are different wavelengths and so their properties are not the same. It is well known scientifically that erbium yag has a higher affinity for... more

Erbium vs. Fraxel

Generally speaking, we would agree with the recommendation. The reason we prefer the Erbium over Fraxel is that it resurfaces 100% of the skin. Fraxel resurfaces only a portion of the skin. We have met with many patients that have undergone Fraxel treatments and most of them are disappointed with the results. Whether this is because of the expectations that were set prior to the treatment or because of the actual results, we are not sure. We do know one thing for sure. Those patients that... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

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Erbium versus Fraxel laser

The Fraxel and Erbium lasers are very different and each have it's place. The Erbium is much more aggressive and has many more side effects and down time. I much prefer my Fraxel laser for what you are describing. If you have minor sun damage and fine lines and pores that you want treated you will have amazing results with almost no down time. I love the Fraxel laser. I agree that you must find someone very experienced in cosmetic dermatology to obtain the best results! more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Yag Laser: Q&A