Target Treatment Areas
Erbium laser treatments are versatile for treating signs of aging and skin damage on the face and body. By removing the outer damaged layers of the skin, erbium laser treatments can reduce wrinkles and discoloration on the face and soften rough or thickened skin. The most common treatment areas include:
Face
Chest
Arms
Hands
Legs
Feet
What to Expect
During the Procedure
During treatment, your doctor will move the laser over your skin, delivering timed pulses that vaporize the damaged skin. This triggers the body’s healing response, including collagen and tissue regeneration. This treatment can be painful, so it is performed with anesthesia. A series of treatments can reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, minimize pores and scars, and give the skin a smoother, rejuvenated appearance.
Recovery
Erbium laser resurfacing requires about 1-2 weeks of downtime for recovery. Results with an erbium laser are more dramatic than milder treatments like Fraxel, so your skin may be more tender during this recovery period. Peeling is common during the recovery process but should subside after one week. Immediately following an erbium laser treatment, the treated skin will be raw, slightly swollen, and reddened. There may be some oozing and crusting as the skin heals as well. Cold compresses, antibiotic ointment, vigorous hydration, and prescribed pain medications are recommended a few days post-treatment to manage any discomfort during the healing process.
After the Procedure
Some patients will need multiple treatment sessions to achieve their desired results. Full results are usually seen 2-3 months after the final treatment as the renewal continues. On average, the effects of erbium laser resurfacing can last several years. It is important to use proper sun protection and maintain your skincare routine after receiving erbium laser treatment to prevent any additional damage.
Is Erbium Laser Resurfacing Right for Me?
Erbium laser treatments are used to address surface-level and medium-deep wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Erbium lasers are also extremely precise, making them great for improving uneven skin tone, acne scarring, dark spots, surgical scars, and more. Consult with your physician if any of the following apply to you, as these can affect the results of erbium laser resurfacing:
- A history of cold sores or fever blisters
- Taking certain acne medications
- Chronic health concerns like diabetes, lupus, and other conditions that impact the immune system and the body’s healing ability
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Darker skin tone (in some cases)
The Beauty Benefits of Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Erbium lasers are extremely precise, allowing you to pinpoint specific imperfections on the face and body. Laser treatments can help you achieve the following:
Reduced fine lines and wrinkles - The laser ablation smooths out fine lines, creases, and wrinkles by promoting collagen production, which results in a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Improved skin texture - Resurfacing creates smoother, softer, glowing skin by removing the damaged outer layers.
Even skin tone - Ablation helps fade age spots, sun spots, and spots from old acne scars for a more uniform skin tone.
Tightened skin - Stimulation of collagen helps tighten loose, sagging skin on the face, neck, and body.
Scar reduction - The laser can reduce the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and other blemishes.
Removes precancerous lesions - Erbium can eliminate patches of actinic keratosis and precancerous growths.
Minimize photoaging - Reverses signs of sun damage like leathery skin, blotchiness, and pigmentation.
Neck/décolleté rejuvenation - Resurfaces delicate neck area to match your improved face.
