Laser technology has revolutionized how aesthetic professionals, medspa owners, and healthcare professionals provide effective skin resurfacing treatments. Among the multitude of options available, Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasers are two common options found in the industry. Continue reading to explore the differences between these advanced laser technologies and determine the most suitable option for your aesthetic practice.
Importance of Laser Wavelengths
A primary distinction between Er:YAG and CO2 lasers is their wavelength, which plays an important role in the laser’s interaction with skin tissue. Erbium:YAG lasers, such as the Asclepion DermaBlate®, backed by Astanza, operate at 2940 nm. Meanwhile, CO2 lasers have a 10600 nm wavelength.
Erbium:YAG lasers are well-suited for skin resurfacing and ablative laser procedures because they are more efficiently absorbed than longer wavelengths, such as the 10,600 nm wavelength of CO2 lasers. Between 2,500 and 3,500 nm, there is a significant increase in water absorption, which then drops down at 7,500-20,000 nm. As a result, Er:YAG lasers are more precise in treating fine lines and wrinkles without causing thermal damage to the skin.
Treating Skin Types
Due to the longer wavelength in CO2 lasers, practitioners can increase their patients’ chances of hyperpigmentation. Darker skin tones are difficult to treat with CO2 lasers as they run the risk of pigmentation changes and scarring.
In comparison, Er:YAG lasers consider every patient’s skin type while delivering impressive results. As mentioned, their wavelength and precision minimize the risk of causing damage to the surrounding skin and create less thermal damage in the treatment area. The DermaBlate® is FDA-cleared to treat all skin types (Fitzpatrick scale I-VI), allowing you to offer skin resurfacing treatments to a larger clientele.
Versatile Treatment Capabilities
While Er:YAG lasers shine in skin resurfacing, their versatility extends to other treatments. They can be used to treat acne scars, remove pigmentation, and treat other skin concerns like benign lentigines. Since the thermal damage can be controlled in Erbium:YAG lasers, practitioners can specialize the protocols for each patient, administering unique treatments each time. The DermaBlate® has been said to be “the most powerful, versatile, and controllable Erbium:YAG laser in the world”, making it the gold standard for dermatological treatments. In addition to performing skin resurfacing treatments, the DermaBlate® also performs correction of periorbital wrinkles, lentigines, café-au-lait spots, and other pigmentation correction treatments.
CO2 lasers have some versatile treatments, like skin resurfacing and surgical procedures. However, this type of aesthetic laser device causes extensive tissue necrosis that leads to longer recovery times than Er:YAG.
Discover More About The DermaBlate®
Astanza Laser has a complete resource guide with a depth of information on each laser device, graphics, marketing materials, and more for aesthetic business owners. On November 15th at noon central, come join us at our Inside the Laser: The DermaBlate® webinar. Our team of experts will provide more details on the DermaBlate® laser, listing out treatment capabilities, accessories, and new revenue streams for your business.
Register today! If you can’t make it for our LIVE webinar, we will send you a copy of the recording once the webinar is complete.
