Why use laser skin resurfacing treatments?

• 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.

• Laser skin resurfacing can decrease the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone and complexion, and treat scars and sun damage.

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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. 

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 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. 

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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.