Laser Treatments
Erbium Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face. Recent studies have shown that the Erbium laser stimulates the production of collagen, creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin. It is designed specifically for superficial skin ablation resulting in skin dermabrasion and the treatment of wrinkles.
The erbium laser targets water in the skin tissue leading to controlled vaporization of superficial cells and thermal injury in the dermis that results in collagen remodeling and healing. The Erbium is performed in a similar manner to other laser treatments. The wavelength of the laser is 2,940nm and is absorbed much more efficiently by water in tissues. This results in less associated thermal damage to surrounding tissues to achieve tissue ablation, which then results in faster re-epithelialization and faster recovery times.
Erbium Laser skin resurfacing is used to reduce skin imperfections. Sun damage, fine lines or wrinkles, skin laxity, brown spots, blotchiness, and scars can be addressed with laser skin resurfacing. Typically the recovery of an erbium laser will take approximately 1 week. There will be some mild swelling, redness, and discomfort in the first 1-2 days althouhg redness may persist for several weeks.
The ideal candidate for erbium laser resurfacing has a lighter skin tone. It is not recommended for use on darker skin tones due to risk of hypopigmentation.
Side effects from erbium laser skin resurfacing may include burns, 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.
