Erbium:YAG Laser

The erbium laser removes skin in a very precise, controlled way with less heat spread to the surrounding tissue than a CO2 laser, which means it heals faster and is less likely to cause darkening or pigmentation changes. It's a particularly good option for people with medium or olive skin tones who would be at higher risk of discolouration with a CO2 laser. The tradeoff is that it stimulates less collagen per session, so more treatments may be needed for full correction.

Erbium YAG causes less thermal damage than CO2 but the ablative wounding still disrupts melanocytes. Darker skin types require significant pre-treatment and experienced practitioners; outcomes are less predictable.