Erbium Laser Vs Fraxel Laser for Skin Damage?

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 are happy with their Fraxel results report 5-7 days of redness and swelling. This is the same recovery time for the Erbium resurfacing procedure. For the same amount of downtime, we suggest resurfacing 100% of the tissue (Erbium) vs. a much smaller % (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


Cons


see above, hurts like a mother

expensive

mild to moderate effect on wrinkles

need to repeat, often sold in packages of 3 because of this

no effect on pigment irregularities because of the entire surface is not covered


Erbium:YAG microlaser peel

Pros


minimal downtime (3-5 days)

can be done with topical anesthesia in the office (much less painful than Fraxel)

mild to moderate effect on wrinkles (probably slightly less effective than Fraxel, but not much different)

low risk of causing scarring or pigment irregularities (can even be done on those with a darker complexion)

inexpensiver ($400 in my office)

better effect on pigment problems because the entire surface is resurfaced


Cons


mild to moderate effect on wrinkles

often sold in packages of 3 because of this


Hope this list helps to figure out the best choice for you.  Both modalities have minimal effect on pore size.

Thank you for your message! Both options are great to help with overall skin rejuvenation but they do work differently. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing only targets portions of the skin, leaving healthy skin behind to help heal the targeted skin. The Erbium laser treats the entire area and typically multiple treatments are required.