All You Need to Know About Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Our daily skin care routines are now more important than ever. Skincare products, such as scrubs, exfoliators, and serums, are everywhere. They fill up our medicine cabinets. You aren’t getting the results you want even after months of consistent use? This is normal. While a well-designed, consistent skincare regimen can yield desirable results, there are some issues that may require a dermatologist to address. Chemical peels, for example, are popular options for skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation or acne.

Laser treatments are an alternative to treating hyperpigmentation and sun damage. There are many laser treatments available, but we want to tell you about Erbium Laser Resurfacing. This treatment can treat everything, from sun damage to acne scarring. Continue reading to find out more about Erbium laser-resurfacing from the pros, Dr. Sunitha Posina and Dr. Hadley King.

What is Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

King shares that Erbium laser resurfacing can be used to remove wrinkles and lines on the neck, chest, face, neck and hands. The Erbium laser heats the tissue in a smaller area than other laser skin-resurfacing techniques. This allows for a more targeted removal of the old skin cells layers. This means that Erbium laser resurfacing has a reduced risk of burning surrounding tissue. There are also fewer side effects like swelling, bruising and redness. The recovery time is faster than CO2 laser.

Benefits of Erbium Laser Treatment:

• Requires no downtime
• Helps reverse sun damage
• Treatment of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation
• Can be safer for deeper skin tones

How to prepare for Erbium Laser Resurfacing

First, you should arrive with already clean skin. You should avoid excessive sun exposure for at least four weeks prior to your treatment. This applies to chemical peels, microdermabrasion and other laser resurfacing options. For more information, consult your doctor about topical treatments such as Retin-A and glycolic acid.

Who Should Try Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Talk to your doctor to determine the best laser option for you. Erbium lasers are safer for darker skin tones. Patients with darker skin tones may want to look into other options for skin resurfacing, such as microneedling or radio-frequency treatments. In addition, Posina says, “It is important to be done with caution in Fitzpatrick types 4 to 6 due to risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation or avoid all together.”

What to Expect during Erbium Laser Resurfacing

The skin must be cleansed and numbed before the treatment can begin. The appointment may take up to 2 hours depending on the treatment area. The treatment areas are covered with a nonstick treatment for 24 hours after it is completed. After the dressing is removed, you will not be able to go back to your regular skincare routine.

Instead, you’ll be cleaning your skin with saline or a diluted solution of vinegar, depending on what your doctor recommends. This will then be followed by an emollient cream like Aquaphor to moisturize your skin and prevent it from scabbing. Posina says that there will be mild redness, bruising and mild swelling for a period of one to three weeks. Then, you’ll experience some skin flaking for two to three more days. “Usually, the recovery/healing process takes between three and four weeks depending on the type of problem.”

How much time needed to see results?

Although results will vary depending on the person, Posina has some good news. Although significant results can often be seen with just one treatment, others may require multiple treatments depending on their desired results. These treatments can be repeated within 6-12 months.

Possible side effects

There are always potential side effects to any cosmetic procedure. You should be careful if you smoke or have cold sores. King recommends that you tell your doctor if cold sores develop on your face. Laser resurfacing can cause outbreaks. Your doctor will prescribe antiviral medication that you should take before and after the procedure. To improve healing, stop smoking at least two weeks prior to the procedure. You might also be asked to discontinue any medications or supplements that may increase bleeding such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and vitamin E.

The Cost

The average cost of laser skin surgery is $1,445 for non-ablative and $2,509 for ablative, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The cost of the treatment will depend on where it is performed, the area being treated, and the doctor performing the service.

The Final Takeaway

Talk to your dermatologist if you are ready to address skin issues that your current skincare regimen cannot. You will be able to decide if the treatment is right. Consult your doctor if you have deeper skin tones before you book your appointment. This will help you find the right practitioner for you.