Wrinkles · Acne· Burns· Surgical Scars·

What is Erbium Yag Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, is the perfect non-surgical choice for those looking to safely and effectively repair damaged skin while stimulating new collagen growth.

It can be used on the face, neck, chest and body. It is the only laser that can safely be used on the periorbital (around the eyes) and perioral areas (around the mouth). These areas are often the first to show signs of aging and can be the most difficult to treat.

Erbium is a laser skin-resurfacing module that ablates the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin.

The treatment uses laser technology to create tiny microscopic holes similar to that of fractionated CO2 laser treatments.

How does it work

The process of microscopically damaging a fraction of the skin, also known as tissue vaporization, induces the production of new skin. This process allows the undamaged areas of the skin to provide anatomical support towards the healing of the injured epidermis. Erbium fractional laser treatments have the same function as CO2 lasers. They remove the top layers of the skin, causing new skin to be produced. The new skin has increased qualities in the smoothness and firmness of the skin on the face.

What does Erbium Yag Laser correct?

Treatment

Acne Scars

The Fractional Laser tool is the leading resurfacing solution for improving the appearance of wrinkles and skin imperfections caused by acne, burns, surgical scars and trauma to the skin.

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Treatment

Wrinkles

Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove surface-level and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, or chest. This laser causes fewer side effects — such as swelling, bruising, and redness — so your recovery time should be faster than with CO2 laser resurfacing. In some cases, recovery may only take one week. If you have a darker skin tone, erbium laser resurfacing may work better for you.

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Recovery Notes

Healing will take approximately 1 week. Typically the recovery of an erbium laser treatment will be around half the time of a CO2 laser ablation. There will be some mild swelling and discomfort in the first 1-2 days althouhg redness may persist for several weeks. Antibiotic ointment or pills as well as antiviral pills may be given to prevent any infection.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for erbium laser resurfacing has a lighter skin tone and wishes to target localized areas of wrinkles around the mouth or eyes, for example, may with to utilize a technique with the precision of a laser compared to other options such as chemical peels. Erbium laser ablation is ideal for someone with more mild to moderate lines and sun damage that would prefer an easier recovery compared to CO2 laser ablation.

Not Recommended

Erbium laser resurfacing is not recommended for use on darker skin tones due to risk of hypopigmentation.

Side Effects

Side effects from erbium laser skin resurfacing may include burns or other injuries from the laser’s heat, scarring, changes in the skin’s pigmentation (including areas of darker or lighter skin), reactivating herpes cold sores, bacterial infection, and milia may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing.