Ebrium Laser Resurfacing Vs Co2 Laser Resurfacing?

You are absolutely correct in your evaluation. CO2 is very effective but carries more risk of pigment change, whereas erbium is more superficial.

Thank you for your question about laser procedures.  The Erbium laser treatment will definitely address texture concerns such as enlarged pores, lines and wrinkles.  You will experience an increase in collagen synthesis for up to three months following the treatment.  Collagen production allows the skin to have more elasticity and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Laser procedures actually aid the skin in maintaining a more youthful appearance. 
Laser procedures are safe for most skin types but it is important to have an in person consultation to make sure you are a candidate.  Acne scars are difficult to treat and often require several treatment modalities.  Erbium is definitely safer because the provider can control the settings to target your needs.  I would recommend an in person consultation to make sure you receive the best treatment.  I would also recommend using PRP (platelet rich plasma) immediately post treatment.  PRP is from your own blood and is full of nutrients and growth factors to jump start healing and collagen production.  A realistic expectation of healing time would be 7-10 days. 
To be sure you receive the best treatment, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment. I hope this helps.

Our office recommends the co2 laser for ablative resurfacing over the skin.  Most patients will also begin Melarase creams in addition to minimize PIH. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Typically, the fully ablative procedures take more time to heal and the Fully ablative CO2 tends to be done deeper than the ablative erbium laser unless the erbium is used for many passes. There is more tightening of dermal tissue with CO2 than Erbium. There is a greater tendency for permanent lightening of skin color with the C02 fully ablative than the fractional CO2 and that has a slightly greater chance of lightening than the fractional erbium which rarely, if ever, has been reported to cause permanent lightening. Any laser has a risk of scarring, especially if a secondary infection occurs post-operatively, but the risk is greater with fully ablative CO2.

It is not unusual that a series of fractional laser treatments cost more than one ablative treatment.

In consultation, a physician should determine which is the best laser to provide a good result while offering the patient the type of treatment plan that is best for them including the number of treatments and down-time per treatment.

The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Thank you for your question. The price should be very close, and the risks are similar.  If you are using fractional technology in both, and similar depth of treatment, the risks are similar.  We prefer the CO2 laser as we see a more profound tightening of the tissue.   To improve just the texture, they re both effective.  Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in laser surgery and darker skin types for the most effective and safe treatments. I hope this helps.

I think the question is really between 100% resurfacing methods with either Erbium or CO2 vs. fractional treatment.  I have performed all three over the years.  Erbium is better for superficial characteristics and does not cause enough contraction to improve the scars.  100% CO2 is very effective, but has prolonged reddness and downtime and about a 15% chance of permanent lightening of the skin.  In my opinion that is too high and only worth the risk if you are very fair.  Fractional CO2 gives you the ability to go deep, very low risk of hypopigmentation and easy recovery of about 8 days.  It can be repeated in 6 months to a year for better results.  I use the Candela CO2RE system and it is very successful but there are many good lasers out there.  

Nothing will take the place of a consultation face to face with you, but I hope this helps!

Erbium laser resurfacing is not as deep, but also has less down time and less risks. CO2 laser will go the deepest, give you the most down time, and carries greater risk of scarring and especially the loss of pigment ("depigmentation"). For this reason, fractionated laser resurfacing is significantly more popular and safer these days. Best to speak with your dermatologist about the best option for your particular skin type and problems, and to go to a reputable medical clinic for your treatments. Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

CO2 laser is still the gold standard for skin resurfacing.  The risk of hypopigmentation or skin bleaching is much lower with modern fractional laser techniques.  Traditional erbium lasers are not as effective as the CO2 laser.  The Sciton erbium laser makes the erbium laser behave more like CO2.  I prefer the DOT CO2 laser which allows the doctor to precisely control all aspects of the laser treatment.  In skilled hands, fractional CO2 laser is the gold standard for skin resurfacing.

Hi.

1)  CO2 can certainly cause bleaching.  The erbium laser made by Sciton which can deliver both long and short pulses is very safe and effective.

2)  It sounds like you need fairly deep resurfacing, so you should expect a recovery period as long as a week.