Laser Skin Resurfacing
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
The Most Advanced Skin Rejuvenation Treatment!
Erbium Laser, like CO2 carbon dioxide laser, 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 treatment recover twice as quickly as those who have had CO2 laser.
Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Unlike traditional lasers which use a solid beam, our medical grade Erbium:YAG Fractional laser, use a matrix of microscopic beams to penetrate the skin which means only a proportion of the skin is treated with each shot of the laser. This allows uninjured skin within the treatment site to act as a barrier which promotes quicker healing and a faster recovery. The stimulation of a healing response leads to the formation of new collagen in the treated area. In addition to this ‘ablative’ effect on the skin’s surface, there is a tightening effect on collateral collagen fibers and a resulting smoothing effect.
The results of laser resurfacing are both immediate and progressive. Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer and smoother, look brighter, show a more even skin tone and a radiant glow. Over the next 3-6 months new collagen continues to develop.
Advantages Of Skin Resurfacing
Erbium lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. Their biggest appeal is that they are highly attractive to water and therefore able to quickly deliver wavelengths of laser light into the dermal layer to vaporize skin’s water content. The Erbium laser ability to target a specific treatment area of concern means Erbium lasers are regularly chosen for skin aging concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. This increased accuracy in the treatment area is also why Erbium lasers are often favored over CO2 lasers.
Erbium YAG laser produces a laser beam that has a very high affinity with the water contained in the tissues, higher than CO2 laser; indeed, the Erbium 2940nm wavelength has the ability to absorb water 16 times more than CO2 laser, so its penetration into the skin, although lower, Erbium is still an intensive clinic laser treatment for dramatic rejuvenation results, performing at the same time, a less aggressive action with much faster recovery time.
Laser resurfacing is effective in treating both superficial and deep skin problems, such as:
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scars of any origin
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acne scarring
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surgical scarring
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stretch marks
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sagging skin
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wrinkles
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pigmentation
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melasma
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sun damage
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large pores
Why use laser skin resurfacing treatments?
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Long-pulsed erbium lasers are the most efficient lasers for the ablation of skin and they can create very significant skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction without many of the downsides and inconveniences of the more traditional CO2 lasers.
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Laser skin resurfacing can decrease the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone and complexion, and treat scars and sun damage.
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 long does a treatment take?
Average treatment takes approximately 20-30 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?
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.
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.
