Fractional resurfacing lasers: Erbium laser

There are two types of fractional lasers: The more gentle and more superficial erbium laser resurfacing. The more aggressive fractional CO2 lasers. In general, the erbium glass fractional fiber laser 1550nm machine treat more superficial changes and are better for younger patients (under 50), mild to moderate acne scarring, and fine wrinkles. The CO2 systems are better for older patients, deeper wrinkles, some skin tightening, deeper acne scarring, and other scars. The fractional CO2 lasers can treat more deeply, but they also can require more downtime than the erbium lasers. ​

What are fractional Erbium lasers best for?

These erbium glass fractional lasers treat the following:

1.Sun damage, fine wrinkles, and aging on the face, neck, chest and hands but also on the arms, legs, and back.

2.Certain cases of melasma.

3.Certain kinds of acne scarring and surgical scars.

4.To improve the crepiness and fine lines around the eye and on the eyelids.

5.To improve skin texture and tone.

6.To reduce precancerous lesions by replacing sun damaged skin with new skin.​

How does fractional erbium laser resurfacing work?

The erbium laser machine creates tiny “microthermal” zones (think pixels) deep into the skin which the skin repairs by pushing out the old sun damaged skin (the tiny pixels) and replacing it with new skin. Each treatment replaces about 15-20% of the sun damaged, scarred or wrinkled skin. It triggers the body's natural healing process accelerating the production of collagen and new, healthy skin cells. 1,000-2,000 microthermal zones per are created each centimeter squared. The depth of of the erbium lasers is less than that of the CO2 lasers. Specialists often perform erbium laser treatments in combination with botox and fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, etc).

How long does the effects of an erbium laser treatment last?

That depends on how well you protect your skin from the sun and your genetic aging process. If you apply sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing, your skin will look good longer than if you are tanning, including tanning booths, or spend a lot of time outdoors. If you are careful with your skin, your skin may continue to look good with annual maintenance treatments.

When will you see results after Erbium laser treatment?

Many people notice results within a week after their first treatment. Their skin feels smoother, looks less blotchy, and has a glow to it. The results depend on what your issue is that you want treated. If you are doing a series, you may need to wait the full length of the series, which can be 5-6 months, to see the complete and best results. Usually, collagen will continue to develop even up to 3-6 months after your last treatment.

What is the process for erbium laser eyelid treatment?

Patients should try to arrive with a clean face, including all eye cosmetics, and you should inform your clinician if you have any permanent makeup before beginning the treatment. Numbing eye drops are placed in the eye to aid in the insertion of a contact lens-like eye shield to protect the eye. The shield fits comfortably within the eye. The eye treatment is then performed on the upper and lower eyelids. Erbium laser eyelid treatment may be performed at the same time as Erbium face treatment. Remember, it is normal like all areas treated, some swelling and redness for 2-3 days after the treatment.

What do prior to your erbium laser treatment?

Stop use of Accutane 6-12 months before any treatments

1-2 Week Before Treatment:

1.Buy several bags of ice packs.

2.Buy Cetaphil or another gentle cleanser.

3.Stop use of Asprin, Advil and Aleve if possible. Tylenol is ok.

4.Stop use of all Retinols/Retin-A.

5.Stop Renova, Tazorac, “anti-aging” products.

6.Stop use of all glycolic acid treatments.

7.Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks prior to your treatment (use sunscreeb).

8.Stop minocycline, doxycycline and tetracycline.

9.Stop waxing.

10.Stop abrasive scrubs and microdermabrasion treatments.

11.Call your doctor if you have a history of cold sores- you may need a prescription for Valtrex or Famvir to begin the day before your treatment.

What will you look like right after erbium laser treatment and what is the healing time?

1.During the first 24 hours after treatment, your skin may feel as though it is sunburned. Ice packs are used 5-10 minutes per hour for the first 5-6 hours after the treatment.

2.Please apply a moisturizer four times a day to the treated skin, and more often if the skin feels dry.

3.Your skin will look very red immediately after the treatment and will fade over the next 1-3 days. Usually you can go back to normal activities including work, with make-up, within 1-3 days (we will estimate for you). Occasionally, the redness may take longer to resolve. Make-up can be worn to reduce the red. Rarely, bruising may develop, which can take up to two weeks to resolve. Allow 2-3 weeks for weddings, reunions, family pictures, etc just to be safe.

4.Within a few days after each treatment, a “bronzed” look to the skin is common, which can last 1-2 weeks. Your skin may flake and exfoliate a little. Use a moisturizer three to four times a day to the lasered areas: this will help reduce the appearance of dry flakes. Remember, it will take several treatments to obtain optimal results.

Instructions for care after erbium laser treatment?

1.Ice for ten to fifteen minutes every hour for the next 5 – 6 hours to reduce swelling.

2.Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated skin, do not put adhesive dressings over treated areas.

3.Men may shave 1-2 days post-treatment but be gentle. Best to use an electric razor for the first few days!

4.Avoid all saunas and hot tubs. Showers can be taken, but avoid hot water and direct shower spray to treatment area for 3 days following treatment. However, You may shower and get the face and treated areas wet the day after the treatment.

5.Avoid strenuous exercise for 48-72 hours (this includes all yoga, especially the upside down, inside out Bridge-Lion pose.

6.Avoid ic beverages for 24-48 hours.

7.Sleep with 1-2 extra pillows at night to keep head raised for the two nights.

8.Avoid direct sunlight for a minimum of 4 weeks after your treatment and wear a sun block with 10% zinc or titanium for the next 4 weeks. If actively outdoors, you should reapply your sunscreen every 2-4 hours and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

9.Do not use any retinoid, Retin-A or glycolic products for 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Do not use any non-prescription creams without checking with us first.

10.Refrain from any chemical peel treatments or microdermabrasion (or deep facials!) for 4 weeks post-procedure.