Erbium Laser Treatment

As we age, signs of the passing of time can appear on the face, such as the development of fine lines and wrinkles, the appearance of age spots, and increased skin laxity. Scarring from infected acne breakouts or severe injury can mar the skin, and benign and malignant lesions may develop on the skin due to sun damage. Previously, many patients falsely believed that to achieve complete facial rejuvenation, you needed to visit a plastic surgeon for a facelift, which can have significant side effects and risk for major adverse events. Luckily, a safe and effective alternative to plastic surgery is available at Dr. Michele Green’s dermatology office, which helps reverse the signs of the natural aging process with limited downtime necessary: the Erbium Yag skin resurfacing laser treatment.

The Erbium Yag is a fractional ablative laser designed for laser resurfacing and skin rejuvenation. The ablative nature of the laser means that the outer layer of skin is removed, which triggers the natural healing process to promote skin cell turnover, revealing healthy, clear, and tight skin as the treated area heals. The light energy can also penetrate deep into the dermis, boosting the production of new collagen and treating skin conditions from the inside out. And, compared to other ablative lasers like the carbon dioxide laser, less recovery time is necessary post-treatment, and the risk of side effects is lower. The Erbium Yag laser may not be appropriate for everyone, so it is always best to consult an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, before receiving any laser treatment.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office for more than 25 years. An expert in all forms of laser treatment – both ablative and non-ablative – Dr. Green is very experienced in choosing safe and effective treatment options for patients of all skin tones and skin types. In addition to laser treatments, Dr. Green is an expert in various cosmetic treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, Microneedling, topical skincare, and much more. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been frequently voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.

What is Erbium laser resurfacing?

Erbium laser resurfacing is an ablative laser treatment option that removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and causes controlled damage to the inner layer of skin (dermis) to rejuvenate the skin for an overall more youthful appearance. Used with varying wavelength intensities, the Erbium Yag laser (Er: YAG) can be used for superficial resurfacing or medium-depth resurfacing on the face, hands, neck, and chest. The treatment can address several skin conditions to reduce hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of acne scars and injury scarring, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, tighten the skin, remove malignant lesions, and even out skin tone and texture. Compared to other ablative lasers, such as the carbon dioxide laser, the Erbium laser requires less recovery time and less risk of adverse events. Available at Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office, the Erbium Yag laser offers patients dramatic facial resurfacing results in as few as one treatment session.

How does the Erbium laser work?

The Erbium laser, also known as the Er: YAG ablative laser, works via the emission of light energy that affects the skin in two ways: skin resurfacing on the epidermal layer of skin and thermal damage to boost collagen production in the dermal layer of skin. On the skin’s surface, or epidermis, damage caused by the laser vaporizing the treatment area triggers the body’s natural healing process, leading to skin cell turnover and skin rejuvenation to improve skin texture and tone, reduce the appearance of acne scars and surgery scars, and eliminate hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. The light energy also penetrates the deeper layers of skin, with the penetration depth dependent upon the wavelength of energy emitted. At peak capacity, which is 2,940 nm, the laser energy is absorbed by water in the dermis, causing targeted tissue damage and increasing the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. New collagen production helps to tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone. With the fractional laser properties of the Er: YAG, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and scarring in the treated area can be explicitly targeted without damaging the surrounding tissue.

What is the procedure for Erbium laser skin resurfacing?

The first step of the Erbium laser resurfacing treatment is to schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green will begin by examining the treatment area and discussing your aesthetic goals to determine if the Erbium laser is the best treatment to meet your needs. Not all patients are good candidates for ablative laser treatment, as some patients may be at a higher risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or post-treatment cold sores. For Dr. Green, patient safety is the priority when undergoing treatment.

The Erbium laser resurfacing procedure will begin with Dr. Green cleaning the skin and applying a local anesthetic to the treated area. In the weeks leading to the treatment session, Dr. Green recommends reducing sun exposure and avoiding exfoliating treatments, creams, or serums, such as chemical peels and topical retinoids. Depending on the laser energy intensity needed, Dr. Green may employ other forms of sedation, such as general anesthesia, to ensure patient comfort during treatment. The amount of time necessary for the procedure will depend on the size and scope of the treatment area. If only a portion of the face is treated, the process usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. However, if the treatment session requires complete facial rejuvenation, the procedure may take up to 2 hours. Post-treatment, Dr. Green will dress the area with a lubricated bandage that should remain for 24 hours and provide patients with detailed aftercare instructions for recovery.

Who is a good candidate for the Erbium yag laser?

A good candidate for the Erbium Yag laser resurfacing treatment is a patient looking to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, hyperpigmentation, or sun damage, tighten the skin, and remove benign or malignant lesions. Generally, the Erbium laser is safest for use on patients with lighter skin types, such as the Fitzpatrick skin types I and II, as patients with darker skin are at a higher risk of burns, scarring, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is when dark spots form on the skin. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery recommends that patients prone to developing cold sores and fever blisters avoid Erbium laser resurfacing, as the treatment can exacerbate the conditions. Patients on acne medication, such as Accutane, should be cautious about receiving Erbium Yag laser treatment, as a medication containing isotretinoin can slow the healing process, prolonging recovery time. During your initial consultation with Dr. Green, it is best to inform her of any medication you are taking or any pre-existing conditions to ensure that Erbium laser treatment will be safe and effective.

What are the benefits of Erbium laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing treatment has many benefits and can help to address a range of cosmetic concerns, reversing signs of the natural aging process and improving skin tone and texture. Compared to other ablative lasers, such as the carbon dioxide laser (CO2 laser), the Erbium Yag laser has comparable cosmetic results with less downtime necessary and fewer adverse events, like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Erbium Yag laser can treat specific areas of the skin with fractional laser technology, allowing for a more targeted approach to treatment and leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. Studies have shown that this also decreases the recovery time, allowing for fewer side effects.

What does the Erbium laser do?

The Erbium laser was first FDA-approved in 1996 as a resurfacing procedure for the epidermal layer of skin. The system effectively treats various skin conditions, ranging from benign pigmentation on the skin to malignant lesions to fine lines and wrinkles. Different possible settings for laser energy intensity allow the Erbium laser to provide superficial resurfacing, which requires minimal downtime, and deep dermal resurfacing, which provides visible, long-lasting results with more recovery time. When the wavelength of laser energy is emitted at the treatment area, the light reacts with the water in the skin, causing controlled damage to the epidermis and dermis, triggering the body’s natural healing response. As a result, collagen production and skin cell turnover increase, revealing new, healthy, more evenly textured skin.

What is the Erbium laser used for?

The Erbium laser can treat various skin conditions, rejuvenating the skin and clearing the face of blemishes. The treatment can be used to:

• Eliminate hyperpigmentation from the skin, including sun damage, dark spots, and age spots
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly those around the eyes and mouth
• Reduce the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and injury scars
• Correct skin texture irregularities
• Tighten the skin by decreasing skin laxity
• Eliminate lesions on the skin, including malignant lesions

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

What type of laser is the Erbium laser?

The Erbium laser is a fractional ablative laser that uses light energy to cause controlled damage to the epidermis and the dermis, reversing signs of the natural aging process, such as wrinkles, age spots, and irregular skin texture. The treatment vaporizes the epidermis – or outer layer of skin – which triggers the body’s natural healing response and the production of new collagen. The damage done to the outer layer of skin is what categorizes the Eribum laser as “ablative” rather than “non-ablative.”

Is the Erbium laser ablative?

Ablative lasers are defined as lasers that remove the top layer of skin for total skin resurfacing. In contrast, non-ablative lasers do not remove or affect the outer layer of skin. Instead, non-ablative lasers generate thermal energy, which creates micro-injuries in the dermis, helping to improve the appearance of the skin without causing any damage to the surrounding tissue. Ablative lasers are highly effective at resurfacing the skin and provide patients with dramatic results in as few as one treatment session. On the other hand, non-ablative lasers often require several treatment sessions to be visibly effective. However, while ablative lasers will provide patients with immediate, dramatic results, the recovery time following ablative laser treatment is much more significant, whereas non-ablative lasers require minimal downtime.

Is the Erbium laser painful?

The treatment process for the Erbium laser involves the removal of the outer layer of skin to rejuvenate and resurface the skin, achieving a more even skin tone and texture. Due to the ablative nature of the Erbium laser procedure, there is a risk of pain and discomfort during the treatment and post-treatment during the recovery process. However, Dr. Green has many methods to increase patient comfort during the treatment, including localized or general anesthesia or sedative. Following the treatment, Dr. Green will provide patients with aftercare instructions, including skincare products like moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen, to keep the skin hydrated during healing.

Does the Erbium laser hurt?

The Erbium laser can be painful, but Dr. Green will apply or administer anesthesia before the procedure to minimize patient discomfort. Pain during and post-treatment will vary depending on the intensity of the laser treatment. A more superficial resurfacing in a smaller area will not require as much treatment time or downtime, and the side effects of a more superficial resurfacing are mild. A more intense treatment session with a more concentrated laser emission can cause more pain during the treatment itself, and Dr. Green will administer a more general anesthesia or numbing agent. Recovery time following the treatment may also be more significant, with redness and swelling lasting up to several weeks.

What are the side effects of Erbium laser resurfacing?

As with any ablative laser, there are side effects associated with the 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 the in-office treatment with Dr. Green, 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, Dr. Green 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 Yag 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 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 Yag laser, researchers found that the Er: YAG laser is just as effective as the CO2 laser with as little as half the needed recovery time.

Does the Erbium laser tighten skin?

The Erbium laser can tighten the skin to combat skin laxity. As we age, the production of the structural proteins collagen and elastin begins to decrease, leading to increased skin laxity and the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. The Erbium Yag laser causes controlled damage to the dermal layer of the skin, which boosts the production of new collagen, giving the skin more structure for a full anti-aging effect. Dr. Green may also use Thermage laser treatment for exceptionally high skin laxity. This non-ablative laser uses radiofrequency laser energy to gently heat the inner layer, tightening the skin without downtime.

Is the Erbium laser better than Fraxel?

The Fraxel laser is a fractional laser used to treat many skin conditions, including sun damage, stretch marks, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, actinic keratoses, and hyperpigmentation. The Fraxel laser has two different wavelengths for treating other conditions: the 1927 nm wavelength is most effective at addressing hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and stretch marks. The 1550 nm wavelength treats fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Dr. Green often combines the two wavelengths for complete facial rejuvenation. Similarly to the Erbium laser, the Fraxel laser is safest for patients with lighter skin tones and may cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin tones. As an alternative for patients with darker skin tones, Dr. Green recommends the Clear+Brilliant laser, sometimes called a “Baby Fraxel” laser. Neither the Erbium laser nor the Fraxel laser is inherently better than the other; instead, it is about choosing the laser treatment that will be safest and most effective for you.

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 Yag 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.

How to get started with Erbium laser resurfacing today?

The Erbium Yag laser is a fractional ablative laser providing patients with complete facial rejuvenation in as little as one treatment session. Patients struggling with the signs of the natural aging process can turn to the Erbium laser to erase fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate pigmentation like sun damage and age spots, reduce the appearance of acne scars and other scarring, and tighten the skin. At Dr. Green’s office, she offers a variety of laser resurfacing treatments for rejuvenation. The first step in the treatment process is a consultation to determine if the Erbium Yag laser is best for you.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including laser resurfacing. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that incorporates a combination of non-invasive cosmetic procedures and specially formulated skincare products to help you achieve and maintain your ideal aesthetic goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about Erbium and other skin rejuvenation laser treatment options, call the NYC-based office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online today.