What is the difference between CO2 and Erbium lasers? The CO2 lasers create more heat during the laser treatment. By doing so, the skin is tightened and texture improves as it heals. Erbium lasers are less aggressive – recovery time is shorter, and there is less redness.
Erbium type lasers are designed for surface-level scars and wrinkles and have fewer side effects. CO2 lasers heat tissues better than erbium lasers, causing more skin contraction and collagen stimulation; however, downtime is longer and there is more risk of side effects.