ERBIUM LASER SKIN RESURFACING

Erbium Laser is less aggressive than CO2 fractional lasers but more aggressive than non-ablative fractional lasers. As such, they are able to deliver dramatic dermatological results (with less risk). Erbium lasers can diminish wrinkles, improve pigmentation, and resurface the skin. Keep in mind that you will need a series of treatments, on average.

  • Predictable results: Patented continuous motion tracking system delivers safe and uniform treatment results.

  • Simple to use: Intelligent touchscreen interface and precise dosimetry allow the physician to select optimal treatment settings.

  • Treatment versatility: Treatment of a variety of conditions on all skin types anywhere on the body.

  • Deliver superior results with less downtime than a superficial ablative treatment

Erbium lasers, like carbon dioxide lasers, are powerful ablative lasers designed to remove the outer layers of the skin using a burst of energy. Laser resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, has advantages over other methods of resurfacing. Some of these advantages include less bleeding, more precision with the ability to target tiny areas like moles, and most importantly, a shorter recovery time. Patients who have had Erbium laser treatments recover twice as quickly as those who have had CO2 laser treatments. There is little burning of surrounding tissues. Side effects may include swelling, redness, and bruising, but this lasts for just a week. The dramatic resurfacing results this laser treatment yields may last up to five years!

How does the Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

The Erbium laser emits light that is absorbed by water as the light hits the skin. The tissue that contains water is vaporized. The excess heat in the area that is generated by the laser results in collagen shrinkage and stimulates the formation of collagen which will tighten the skin further. As skin cells are mostly composed of water, the heat produced by the laser light is scattered over the skin. The object is to damage the skin to stimulate it just enough to promote healing. Deeper wrinkles require more treatment, while shallow scars and wrinkles may be completely erased after just one treatment.

Lasers are not all alike. The Erbium laser is useful in eradicating mild to moderate wrinkles caused by sun damage, as compared to wrinkles that are a result of facial expressions. Acne scars, scars caused by surgery or trauma, age or liver spots, and both epidermal (surface) and dermal (subsurface) lesions may be treated. This type of laser works wonders on darker skin types because it is less likely to cause hypopigmentation or lightening of the skin. Facial skin is the most suitable area of the body for treatment because of the abundance of dermal glands. These glands, such as the sweat and oil glands, provide the new cells that will migrate to the surface of the skin. Erbium lasers have been used on other areas of the body such as the neck, chest, arms, and hands, but with fewer dermal glands these areas are more likely to scar.

  • Disclose any new medications you may begin using during your treatment program.

    Treatments cannot be performed on areas with a suntan or sunburn. Avoid direct exposure to the sun, tanning beds 4 weeks prior to treatment. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be applied to any treatment area exposed to the sun.

  • Expectations Following Treatment: Mild erythema (redness) will be present in the treatment area and can last from a few hours up to a few days.

    Treatment areas almost always become erythematous. Immediately following the procedure, patients will experience a mild sunburn sensation that may include some mild discomfort. Most patients do not feel any significant discomfort, however, an ice pack (not direct ice) maybe applied to help soothe areas with discomfort.

    A cooling lotion or soothing gel may be used after Erbium Yag treatments.

    It is important to protect your skin from environmental elements; therefore, a lotion with a SPF protection of at least 30 should be used daily.

    A few days post procedure, patients will experience mild peeling of the skin. The peeling is similar to the effects of sunburn. Continue to follow the skin care regimen offered by your physician. Do not pick at the peeling skin, as it may lead to scarring.

    General Skincare:

    Proper skin care is important to protect the new refreshed skin. Your physician will discuss a proper skincare regimen following your Erbium Yag treatment.

    Clean the treated area daily with a mild cleanser. Apply a thin layer of mild moisturizer to the area several times a day until evidence of dryness, blistering or swelling has dissipated.

    Shower as usual but be aware that the treated area may be a little temperature sensitive.

    Avoid chlorine, hot tubs and swimming pools during the treatment program.

    Avoid direct contact in the sun during your treatment program. Always use a topical sun protection of SPF 30.

    Avoid the use of exfoliants, loofah sponges and aggressive scrubbing to the treated areas.

    Precautions:

    Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds for 30 days prior to the treatment.

    Do not rub, scratch or pick at the treated area. Treat the area gently. Pat skin dry after bathing or showering.

    An antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin may be applied. Neosporin and Polysporin are not recommended.

    Makeup may be applied over the treated area 24 hours after the treatment

    Avoid shaving the treated area for 48-hours after the procedure.

    If patients have any questions, please call our office.

  • - What is Erbium? -

    Erbium:YAG uses a 2940nm wavelength for skin resurfacing. The Erbium:YAG on the Spectrum is fully ablative and customizable, having the ability to resurface skin from 10 to 100 microns.

    - What is unique about Erbium? -

    Because water is such a critical component in the epidermal and dermal tissue, the 2940 nm wavelength produced by Erbium:YAG lasers is capable of rapidly vaporizing water residing in the skin. This unique wavelength delivers an almost instant skin ablation while limiting heat damage in the surrounding area. Unlike CO2, Erbium is a more superficial skin resurfacing tool for polishing the skin. The Erbium:YAG laser is capable of achieving superior resurfacing results, while offering many advantages to the patient, e.g., reduced anesthetic requirements, shorter healing time, reduced erythema, less risk of pigmentary change, and more flexibility for facial skin resurfacing.

    - What are some indications for Erbium? -

    Erbium-YAG lasers have been used for laser resurfacing of skin. Example uses include treating acne scarring, rhytids, skin texture, and melasma. An Erbium Laser Peel can be very successful at reducing or eliminating these conditions, and, in fact, it is the best way to address the problematic lines that occur around the mouth and eyes.

    - What does it do? -

    Erbium:YAG laser skin resurfacing is an effective technique for minimally invasive and effective management of many cutaneous conditions and lesions. Its main indications include treatment of photoaging, rhytids, wrinkles, and solitary benign and malignant cutaneous lesions.

    - How does Erbium differ from other laser treatments? -

    Unlike a CO2 laser, an erbium laser is a gentler approach to the skin, hence why it is named the “micro laser peel.” The erbium laser is usually more of a superficial treatment than a CO2 laser and will help treat fine lines, some hyperpigmentation, and mild scarring.

    - Does it help anti-aging / stimulate collagen? -

    Ablative and non-ablative Erbium laser resurfacing stimulate collagen reorganization and fibroblast activation in photoaged skin. Ablative resurfacing, as on the Spectrum laser, will yield more significant results in a shorter period of time.

    - What to expect? -

    Topical numbing cream is typically used to help mitigate any discomfort. Mild erythema (redness) can last a few hours up to a few days depending on the severity of the treatment. Mild sunburn sensation that may include some mild discomfort may persist for up to 24-48 hours. Patients may use ice to sooth areas of discomfort. A few days after mild peeling of the skin will begin, do not pick.

    - How does it feel? -

    The Erbium laser provides a safer, more accurate and less painful method of restoring a softer, smoother, more youthful-appearing skin. Patients can have their procedure performed in the doctor’s office and be home that same day.

    - Pre-treatment -

    Cannot be performed on tanned skin, please stay out of the sun. Avoid direct exposure to the sun / tanning beds 4 weeks prior to treatment. Wear broad spectrum SPF, pretreat if prone to cold sores.

    - Post-treatment -

    Clean the skin with a gentle cleanser and apply recovery balm several times a day until evidence of dryness, blistering, or swelling has disappeared. Can be a little temperature sensitive. Avoid exfoliants, scrubbing, chlorine, hot tubs, and swimming pools while healing.

    - How long does a treatment take? -

    Average treatment takes approximately 20 minutes.

    - Will I need to take time off? -

    Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment. Skin should start sloughing off 2-3 days after the treatment, a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks. Make-up may be applied to minimize redness. Generally, 2-3 days off should be sufficient, 3-5 days for more aggressive treatments.

    - When will I see results? How long do they last? -

    The top layer of skin will re-grow and can be covered with makeup within about one week, at which time you will see noticeable improvements in your skin’s texture, tone, and wrinkle appearance. Deeper laser treatments also stimulate the growth of new collagen over the next four to six months.

    - How many treatments will I need? -

    Number of treatments vary depending on desired results. Recommended 1-3 sessions, treatment once per month.

    - Can I exercise? -

    Use soft cloth and soft towels to avoid any scrubbing. When showering, avoid getting shampoo directly on the treated area. Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating until after skin has healed.

    - Are there any side effects? -

    Mild complications of Erbium:YAG laser resurfacing include milia, acne exacerbation, contact dermatitis, or perioral dermatitis. Moderate complications include prolonged erythema, transient post treatment hyperpigmentation, and delayed hypopigmentation.

    - Is it safe? -

    Yes, Erbium:YAG treatments have been proven to be safe and effective for the right patient.

    - How much can a procedure cost? -

    Treatment costs vary from $500 up to $1000 per session.

    - Who is a good candidate? -

    Patients with realistic expectations and mild to moderate skin conditions. If you have fine lines or wrinkles around your eyes or mouth or on your forehead, shallow scars from acne, or non-responsive skin after a facelift, then you may be a good candidate for Erbium Laser Resurfacing.