Erbium and Fraxel (fractionated C02) lasers are totally different lasers. The main difference between the two technologies is that Fraxel laser always produces “Thermal energy or Heat” while the Erbium: Yag laser may or not produce “Thermal Energy”.
In fact, Erbium:Yag laser technologies can be set to produce enough heat to match with Fraxel’s or it can produce no heat at all. Also, both lasers have different properties in terms of laser wavelength.
Erbium lasers are scientifically known to have a higher affinity for water than Fraxel and thus it can specifically target the cells you are treating with less collateral damage.
Below is a list of PROS and CONS of Fraxel and Erbium:Yag Microlaser Peel
Fraxel
Pros
- Compared to other lasers, fraxel offers a minimal downtime of 3-5 days.
- Fraxel can be conveniently done in the doctor’s clinic using topical anesthesia to lessen the discomforts.
- It has mild to moderate effect on wrinkles.
- It poses lower risk of creating scars and skin discolorations.
Cons
- Sometimes, the procedure can still be painful even with a significant dose of topical anesthesia.
- Fraxel is not effective for deeper facial lines and acne scars.
- It may require more sessions ( usually on the package of 3 sessions), and thus more money to spend.
- More expensive compared to other procedures.
- It has little to no effect on skin pigmentations because the entire surface is not covered.
- Has minimal effect on pore size.
Erbium:YAG microlaser peel
Pros
- Erbium Yag microlaser has a minimal downtime of 3-5 days.
- Known to be less painful compared to Fraxel.
- Typically done in the doctor’s clinic, and topical anesthesia maybe used to decrease discomforts.
- It works effectively on both lighter and darker skin complexions.
- With lower risk of causing scars and skin pigmentations.
- It’s less expensive compared to Fraxel.
- It has better effects on pigment concerns because the entire surface is being resurfaced.
- For some experts, Erbium lasers are more efficient in terms of removing skin tissues precisely.
- With availability of ablative fractional skin resurfacing.
Cons
- Compared to fraxel, it is less effective in treating mild to moderate wrinkles.
- Usually done in multiples sessions (3 sessions) for facial line and wrinkle treatment.
- has minimal effects on pore size.
Overall, always remember that in the right hands, successful results can be achieved with either of the two lasers. Everything should be discussed with the right doctor who knows how to use the right laser and who can vividly explain the right expectations. If possible, ask as many questions as you can. Also, you can gather information from the previous patients. Remember, proofs of results are very important in choosing the best facility and doctor. Good luck!
Hi dave. You have a very informative site. I would like to ask if erbium laser is better than fraxel when it comes to underarm whitening? Im seriously considering this because i want faster result. Bleaching and chemical peeling would take 10years for me to see the results.
do u have an idea where i can have it done? Thanks and more power to your site.
Thanks for this informative post about the pros and cons of fraxel treatment. I am afraid because someone told me that fraxel laser treatment is very painful. That’s the main reason I am afraid from this kind of treatments. But I really need fraxel treatment. Please help me to out of this.
hi smithmaria! you can talk it out with your doctor, i mean they can offer you options…Some docs would offer stong and potent anesthesia to numb your face. If you don’t really wanna feel anything, you can opt for IV sedation or general anesthesia… good luck!
Dave are you filipino, tell me if theres available erbium laser treatment here in the philippines
please email me the price list for the scars treatment urgent