Is the Fractional Erbium laser a good laser to improve enlarge pores, skin texture and orange peel?

Hello and thank you for your question.  Both CO2 and Fraxel lasers are great in achieving a smoother texture, tone as well as diminishing pore size.  Deciding which one is best for you depends on many factors such as skin type (the darker your skin color the less aggressive you should go) and the issues at hand.  Providing a photo can give me more of an idea which would best suit you and your needs. In my practice, however, we generally reserve the CO2 laser for those with moderate to severe acne scars, wrinkles and sun damage as it is the more aggressive of the two. Generally someone who has a fair to medium skin tone and would like to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, diminish pore size and give an overall improvement to tone and texture, 2-5 Fraxel treatments work wonderfully.  Pairing with PRP will enhance your results and is a great way to boost the collagen production that these lasers induce. Be sure you are seeing an experienced laser specialist who specializes in facial aesthetics for best results.  Good luck!

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.


Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hi Harry. CO2, Fraxel and Erbium would all give great results. I might suggest a Cosmelan peel as a preparation for treatment -- followed by CO2 laser resurfacing with microneedling/PRP. As always, a patient-tailored combination approach is going to give you the best outcome. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello and thank you for your question. Yes, Erbium YAG fractional laser is a good method of improving enlarged pores, skin texture, hyperpigmented areas, fine lines, orange peel skin. The micro injuries stimulate new collagen and elastin production for skin remodeling, ultimately smoothing the skin. It is for the best to have a consult with a board certified doctor to go over your concerns. Best, Dr Kipervas.

In my clinic, I work with fractionated CO2 using CO2RE by Candela. I have seen nice results using this laser for skin texture, scars, and enlarged pores. 

Really depends on the clinical picture. As a guide pore size reduction should be tailored. Erbium can be used, however in general Co2 gives more tightening. Devices are only as good as the practitioners behind them. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia .