Erbium lasers, like carbon dioxide lasers, are powerful ablative lasers designed to remove the outer layers of the skin using a burst of energy. Erbium 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 Resurfacing Work?

The Erbium glass 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 erbium laser results in collagen shrinkage and stimulates the formation of collagen which will tighten the skin further. As healthy skin cells are mostly composed of water, the heat produced by the erbium laser light is scattered over the skin. The object is to damage the skin to stimulate it just enough to promote healing. This damage will be similar to a burn and afterward, the skin will ooze and weep. Deeper wrinkles require more treatment, while shallow scars and wrinkles may be completely erased after just one treatment.

What is the Erbium laser used for?

The erbium glass fractional fiber laser 1550nm machine can treat various skin conditions, rejuvenating the skin and clearing the face of blemishes. The treatment can be used to:

1.Eliminate hyperpigmentation from the skin, including sun damage, dark spots, and age spots.

2.Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly those around the eyes and mouth.

3.Reduce the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and injury scars.

4.Correct skin texture irregularities.

5.Tighten the skin by decreasing skin laxity.

6.Eliminate lesions on the skin, including malignant lesions.

7.Depending on the skin condition and the patient’s skin tone, the Erbium laser can achieve different treatment depths, making it very versatile.

What are the side effects of Erbium laser resurfacing?

As with any ablative laser, there are side effects associated with the erbium laser procedure that may persist for days or weeks post-treatment. Patients often experience redness and swelling in the treated area in the first couple of days after the procedure. In the following days, the skin may start to peel and become itchy, but it is essential to avoid scratching or rubbing at the area. Applying a moisturizer to the treatment site will be vital in creating a hydrated environment for the treated area to heal. Even after the outer layer of skin has recovered, redness may persist for as many as three months post-treatment.

Other potential side effects of the Erbium laser treatment include:

*Bleeding.

*Redness.

*Swelling.

*Scarring.

*Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

*Acne breakouts.

How long does it take to heal from the Erbium laser?

With an ablative laser, the healing process can take some time as the epidermal layer of skin reforms. Specific side effects, such as redness and swelling, may persist for as many as three months after treatment, remaining red even after the skin has healed. The Erbium laser takes advantage of the body’s natural healing response to trigger collagen production, which helps to improve skin tone and texture for a rejuvenated, youthful appearance. Patients should start to see full treatment results within three to eight weeks post-treatment as new collagen production increases.

How long to recover from the Erbium Laser?

Following all of the aftercare skin care instructions is essential to ensure the healing process goes smoothly, minimizing any discomfort or potential for infection. Immediately after treatment, doctor will apply a bandage to the treated area, which should be left on the face for 24 hours. Once the wound dressing has been removed, patients should cleanse the treated area with a saline solution 2-5 times daily before applying a moisturizing cream or gel, such as Aquaphor, to keep the site hydrated. The skin starts flaking or peeling, resembling a sunburn, so using a moisturizer is essential in healing. Total recovery time may vary from patient to patient, but it is vitally important to follow the aftercare instructions to prevent the development of any severe side effects.

How long does the Erbium laser last?

Erbium laser resurfacing treatment is a long-lasting solution that results in as few as one treatment session. Patients looking to eliminate the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, improve skin tone and texture, and tighten the skin can turn to the Erbium Laser for dramatic results. The number of treatments necessary will depend on the patient’s specific aesthetic goals, as some may require additional treatment sessions. The Erbium laser resurfacing treatment can be repeated once every six to twelve months to maintain the treatment results.

Does the Erbium laser really work?

The Erbium laser is an effective treatment for various skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, coarse skin texture, acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin tightening. Compared to the CO2 laser, Erbium Laser has a shorter recovery time associated with the treatment and a lower risk of severe side effects. In a study comparing the CO2 laser and Erbium Laser, researchers found that the Erbium laser is just as effective as the CO2 laser with as little as half the needed recovery time.

Is the Erbium laser worth it?

The Erbium laser is an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other scarring, eliminating hyperpigmentation in the form of sun damage and dark spots, tightening the skin, and improving skin tone and texture. The treatment is safest for patients with lighter skin that fall into the Fitzpatrick skin types I and II, as patients with darker skin are at a higher risk of burns and the development of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While the Erbium laser resurfacing treatment does require some downtime, the results are dramatic, and many patients only need one treatment session to achieve their desired cosmetic effect.

All Lasers Are Not Created Equal

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.

A partial laser abrasion, treating specific areas such as wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, or forehead, may last 30-45 minutes. The full-face treatment takes an hour and a half to two hours. After treatment, the skin is kept moist with a topical emollient. Staying home from work for a week is suggested, but by day four or day five, the skin will look almost normal with some redness similar to the appearance of a sunburn.

Erbium Laser FAQs

#What Does Erbium Laser Do?

The Erbium laser is a treatment commonly used for patients with uneven skin texture irregularities, uneven skin tone, aged skin, and other average skin concerns. It is effective in addressing moderate lines and wrinkles, as well as overall skin issues related to sun damage and aging. The laser works by emitting light that is absorbed by water in the skin, vaporizing tissue and stimulating collagen production. This results in tighter, smoother skin with improved texture and tone solving a variety of skin concerns.

#How Long Do Erbium Laser Results Last?

The majority of patients can expect to see results lasting for several years after an Erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment. However, individual results may vary depending on factors such as age, skin type, and sun exposure. To maintain the results, it is important to follow a consistent skincare routine and protect the skin from sun damage. Regular follow-up treatments may also be recommended to prolong the effects of the Erbium laser treatment.

#How Many Erbium Laser Treatments Are Needed?

The number of Erbium laser treatments needed varies depending on the severity of skin concerns. For mild issues, one treatment may be sufficient. However, for moderate to severe concerns, two or three treatment sessions may be recommended. These sessions are typically spaced out to allow for proper healing and collagen production. In some cases, monthly Erbium laser resurfacing sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal results. It is important to consult with a skincare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and goals.

#How Much Is Erbium Laser Treatment?

The cost of Erbium Laser skin resurfacing treatment can vary depending on several factors. These factors may include the extent of the treatment needed, the specific skin concerns being addressed, the experience and expertise of the provider, and the geographic location of the practice. Additionally, consultations for laser skin treatments may also play a role in determining overall costs. During a consultation, the skincare professional will assess your individual needs and goals, recommend a personalized treatment plan, and provide an estimate of the total cost involved. It is important to discuss pricing and any potential financing options with your provider before undergoing Erbium Laser treatment.