While both CO2 and erbium YAG lasers have their distinct characteristics and applications, it's possible to adjust the parameters of a CO2 laser to mimic some of the effects achieved by an erbium YAG laser, particularly when considering the depth of penetration and the extent of tissue ablation.
Lowering the energy output or density of a CO2 laser can reduce its depth of penetration and thermal damage, making it behave more similarly to an erbium YAG laser in terms of tissue interaction. This can result in shallower ablation of the skin's surface layers, similar to what is achieved with an erbium YAG laser.
However, it's essential to note that even with lower doses, CO2 lasers still tend to have a deeper penetration depth compared to erbium YAG lasers due to their longer wavelength. Additionally, the specific parameters used during the laser treatment, such as pulse duration and spot size, also influence the extent of tissue interaction and the overall outcome.