Erbium laser skin resurfacing removes or noticeably decreases wrinkles, and improves the overall color and skin texture of the face, neck and hands. Although treatment results will vary, with few exceptions you can expect an improvement in the texture and quality of your skin.

Like C02 laser skin resurfacing, Erbium laser treatments produce excellent results. However, C02 laser patients require intravenous anesthesia, experience greater pain and take a long time to heal. The Erbium laser offers the benefits of less pain during treatment and recovery, along with significantly faster healing time.

How does it work?

The Erbium:YAG laser produces laser energy in a wavelength that gently penetrates the skin, is readily adsorbed by water (a major component of tissue cells), and scatters the heat effects of laser light. When skin is treated with an Erbium laser, a clean layer-by-layer renewal of the skin occurs.

These unique properties allow your dermatologist to remove thin layers of skin tissue with exquisite precision while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. As your physician passes the laser light over your skin, a mere 30 millionth of an inch of tissue is removed at a time. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin quickly regrows in its place.

What should I do before erbium laser skin resurfacing?

You may not tan your skin for four weeks prior to treatment. Discontinue medicated creams for 72 hours prior to the procedure. Wear no make-up or contact lenses on the day of your procedure. Shower and wash your hair on the morning of your laser treatment. Do not wear a garment that must be pulled over your head. You may take an analgesic, such as Tylenol or Advil, 30 minutes prior to the procedure.

What happens during erbium laser skin resurfacing?

First, your face will be thoroughly cleansed.

Next, a local anesthetic is administered and oral medications may be given to help you relax and minimize discomfort. The laser light is then applied to the areas of your face that have been thoroughly discussed with you during consultations. Depending on the results requested and amount of skin damage to be corrected, one to four "passes" of the laser will be required. The procedure itself may take 30-60 minutes. A healing ointment is then applied to the treated areas and home care instructions are reviewed with you both verbally and with written information.

Many patients experience the discomfort during Erbium laser skin resurfacing as comparable to that of a sunburn, and require no pain medication. Other patients appreciate a topical or more extensive anesthetic.

Laser resurfacing may cause the skin to become raw, red or pink with mild to moderate discomfort for several days following the procedure. Although over-the-counter medication is usually sufficient, your physician may prescribe alternative pain relief options to keep you comfortable.

How will my skin look after treatment?

Noticeable results are typically seen in four to six days, with complete healing in only two to eight weeks. Light resurfacing around the eyes and lips generally heals in only a few days. Most patients can be treated before the weekend and be almost completely healed by the following Monday. A deep full-facial resurfacing may take up to two or three weeks before you feel aesthetically comfortable to return to your normal activities.

How should I maintain my skin after erbium laser skin resurfacing?

You may not expose your skin to direct sunlight for 60 days after laser treatment. Avoid removing flaking skin with your fingers. Do not apply make-up until all flaking has stopped. Wait at least eight week after your procedure to have a facial or other professional skin treatment.

If you follow your post-laser skin care plan, avoid sun tanning, eat well, and follow-up with regular dermatologic care, results of Erbium laser skin resurfacing should last for years. Remember, the laser can improve appearance and decrease photodamage and scarring, but cannot arrest the natural aging process.

Am I a candidate for erbium laser skin resurfacing?

Darker skinned people have an increased risk of pigmentary changes after laser treatment. Additionally, there is a small incidence of the reactivation of Herpes Simplex infection.

Final thoughts...

Erbium laser skin resurfacing does not serve the same function as a face lift, and cannot remove or tighten loose or sagging skin. Although Erbium laser treatments cannot change pore size, they can improve their appearance. Erbium laser treatments are not useful in removing deep scars.