Is the CO2 Fractionated or the Erbium Fractionated laser better for large pores?

Question

I hear good things and bad things about both lasers. Which one is better for large pores? How about wrinkles? Also, can a doctor out there please suggest a good setting for the pores and a good setting for the wrinkles. I hope that by doing 3 lite treatments it would cut down on the possibility of problems. Is it better to do one deeper treatment?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there are no cure for pores, this will need life long treatment with peels, lasers, skin care and microneedling.  I suggest combination approach for facial reuvenation.

1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant regularly and a few times a year Fraxel, Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at restBest, Dr. Emer.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, there are substantiated studies  using either fractionated erbium or fractionated CO2. I have found better results with fractionated erbium although the results are close. It should be remembered that repeated treatments will need to be done at 6 to 12 months intervals. We have found that by adding PRP it speeds the healing as well as improves the results.

Is the CO2 Fractionated or the Erbium Fractionated laser better for large pores?

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Is the CO2 Fractionated or the Erbium Fractionated laser better for large pores?

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Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.