Erbium Laser Resurfacing is one of the latest and most exciting advances in cosmetic technology. This medical-grade laser removes layers of skin to improve flaws such as sun-damaged skin, acne scars, and other imperfections. Erbium laser treatments penetrate the skin with great precision to achieve the desired results.
How Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment Work?
Because erbium lasers penetrate deeper layers of skin, the sensation can be uncomfortable. For this reason, the dermatologist will likely apply a topical or local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment. The dermatologist will then use the erbium laser on the specific area and skin depth to address concerns.
In fact, the erbium lasers interact with water in the body to intentionally damage the skin cells. This jump-starts the body’s healing processes, increases collagen and elastin production, and generally triggers the production of healthy, new skin cells. After treatment, the patient may be given bandages or dressings that need to be applied to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of side effects.
Does Laser Treatment for Skin Work?
Laser treatment for skin works, but who performs it will influence how well it works. It’s always best to go with the experts regarding the face. A highly skilled and well-trained professional will provide safe laser resurfacing with dramatic results.
Because a laser can be dangerous in the wrong hands, someone with experience with Erbium laser resurfacing treatments will be able to provide peace of mind. When it comes to laser resurfacing, choose the provider based on their experience and testimonials from past patients.
As indicated, Erbium Laser Resurfacing promotes the body to produce collagen over the next 9-12 months while it tightens the skin, helps with draping, smooths and removes superficial lines to moderately deep wrinkles, and has fewer side-effects and a more rapid recovery than the next option: a CO2 laser, which basically “burns the face off” and is done in an operating room. After that, the other options all require going under the knife.
What Can Erbium Laser Resurfacing Address?
It has been mentioned that erbium laser works by stimulating the new skin cell’s growth and collagen production, which is a protein that gives skin its structure. Due to age, collagen decreases, and the body loses the ability to build new collagen, so laser skin resurfacing can help the skin appear plumper by stimulating its production.
In addition, here is what erbium laser skin resurfacing can address:
- age spots
- large pores
- scars, including from acne
- fine lines and wrinkles
- warts
- some types of birthmarks
- sun damage
What to Expect During From The Treatment?
Before the treatment, the skin is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic. Depending on the area being treated, the appointment can take between 30-45 minutes (for isolated facial treatments) and up to 2 hours for full-face treatments. After the treatment, a nonstick dressing is applied to the treatment sites for 24 hours.
After removing the dressing, the patient won’t be able to return to the normal skincare routine yet. Rather, it is advised to cleanse the skin two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution, depending on the doctor’s recommendation.
Who Are Good Candidates For Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The Erbium laser can eradicate mild to moderate wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage, acne scarring, and lesions on the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. Ideal candidates for skin resurfacing desire to look younger and more refreshed, but they should be realistic about their expectations. While Erbium laser treatment provides wonderful results and is found to be safe and effective by the FDA, patients should be informed about the benefits and risks.
Who Should Not Receive The Treatment?
Similar to other laser treatments, erbium laser technology also works best on lighter skin tones. However, the advanced precision of the erbium laser means that a darker skin tone does not necessarily mean patients won’t be candidates for erbium laser resurfacing.
Nonetheless, the dermatologist should discuss potential side effects before selecting this procedure to ensure this treatment suits best. Additionally, erbium laser treatment is not an ideal treatment for:
- Those with a history of cold sores or fever blisters
- People taking isotretinoin medication for acne
- Those who healed or scarred irregularly in the past
- People taking aspirin or blood thinners before treatment
- People with chronic health concerns like lupus, diabetes, and other conditions that impact the immune system and the body’s healing ability
- Those who smoke or use tobacco
Is Erbium Laser Painful?
The simple answer to this question depends on whom to ask. While professionals who offer the treatment refer to the immediate sensation as getting snapped by a thin band-aid, the sensation’s strength will depend on the laser calibration, penetration depth, and treatment area.
Some laser resurfacing treatments will be pain-free. Others will be a bit painful at the time of treatment, and then the treated area will remain sensitive for a day or two. However, there are good ways to manage and reduce the discomfort in the coming days after the treatment.
Are There Any Aftercare Tips To Follow?
Following laser skin resurfacing, aftercare is an essential thing to follow. Since the skin may be swollen and sensitive after a session, staying out of the sun is suggested.
Nonetheless, a dermatologist can provide detailed instructions on how to care for the skin as it heals. Immediately after a session, they may recommend the following:
- apply ice packs or cool compresses in case of swelling
- keeping the head elevated
- using petroleum jelly to protect the skin and reduce irritation
- bathing in salt water to aid in healing
- using dressings to cover the skin
- avoiding smoking, as it slows healing
They may prescribe a mild steroid cream for persistent inflammation, swelling, or irritation. Antibiotics may be needed if an individual develops an infection. Before applying anything to the skin, it is advisable to ask a dermatologist while the skin heals.
As mentioned, it is best to avoid sun exposure or being outside in sunny weather, wear wide-brimmed hats or other clothing to shield the skin, and wear an SPF of 30 or higher.
The Bottom Line
Erbium laser resurfacing is a treatment that uses advanced laser technology to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing new, refreshed skin cells below. MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center offers Erbium Laser, which is the treatment of choice for those who would like to achieve dramatic improvement in the appearance of their skin. Ultimately, the erbium laser removes superficial lines to moderately deep wrinkles with less pain, fewer side effects, and a more rapid recovery than other treatments.
