Erbium Laser
ERBIUM LASER TREATMENT LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Reveal younger, smoother, and more radiant skin with Erbium laser skin resurfacing.
An Erbium laser is an advanced, near-infrared laser that can treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, scars, sun damage, epidermal lesions, and more. Suitable for most skin types, Erbium laser can treat various areas, including the face, neck, chest, and hands. The ideal laser resurfacing option for clients seeking visible skin rejuvenation with gentle precision.
With a wavelength of 2940nm, Erbium lasers boast a very high water affinity. For near infrared or infrared lasers, water affinity is inversely proportional to depth of penetration. This allows for ultra-precise, “layer-by-layer” resurfacing with less thermal damage and downtime than CO2 laser treatments. The superficial depth of penetration makes treatments highly precise, which is useful for targeted treatment of delicate areas or localized areas such as acne scars or epidermal lesions. High water affinity means that Erbium laser treatments have less heat diffusion in treated tissue, which helps reduce risk of complication (such as hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin types). Treatments can be combined with other lasers or treatments for synergistic results.
For targeted, Erbium laser resurfacing treatments, look no further than DSC. Our medical providers are highly experienced in tailoring laser treatments to your skin type to help you achieve your skin care goals. If you have mild to moderate fine lines, sun damage, raised lesions (e.g., sebaceous hyperplasia or seborrheic keratoses), or acne scars and want noticeable results with minimal recovery, book your Erbium laser treatment today!
Before and After
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of Erbium laser?
Erbium laser treatments are high-precision and tissue-selective. They also minimize residual thermal injury to underlying tissue, leading to less chance of persistent post-treatment redness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when compared to CO2 laser treatments. This also minimizes comparative downtime after treatment. Because of this, Erbium laser resurfacing treatments are generally more suitable for a wider range of skin types than are CO2 laser resurfacing treatments. At DSC, our medical director Dr. Tony Shum will choose from either laser (or both) depending on desired outcome, acceptable downtime, and individual skin type.
Erbium lasers are also highly useful for precise tissue ablation, such as on the face or other visible areas where precise treatment and reducing scarring is of high importance. This is beneficial for treating or removing lesions such as raised nevi, sebaceous hyperplasia, or seborrheic keratoses while minimizing risk of scarring.
What is an Erbium laser treatment like?
Topical numbing will be applied to clean and dry skin. For acne scar treatment or other more aggressive treatments, local anesthetic may be injected as necessary. Eye protection will be applied to the eyes in the form of metal goggles or metal intraocular eye shields if treating close to the eye area. Treatment feels and sounds like the snapping of a rubber band. For large treatment areas, cooling is done during and after treatment to calm skin. There can be some pinpoint bleeding depending on treatment depth and intensity of treatment.
How to prepare for an Erbium laser treatment?
Avoid sun exposure, illness, other aesthetic treatments (chemical peels, injectables, etc.) and vaccinations for a minimum of two weeks prior to laser treatment. Reschedule treatment while cold sores are active until after they have healed. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen will ensure best treatment results. It is recommended to use a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen on the face and neck for each application, with reapplication as necessary. Discontinue use of active topicals (e.g. retinoids, chemical exfoliants like AHA’s, pigment-inhibiting products) a few days before treatment to reduce chance of skin irritation. Treatment is not recommended within six months of Isotretinoin (Accutane).
For more aggressive treatments, pre-treatment with hydroquinone, retinoids, SPF, and more may be recommended for best results.
How many Erbium laser treatments do I need?
The number of necessary treatments will depend on skin concern being treated and skin type. These will inform the intensity of treatment as well as the number of necessary treatments. For resurfacing purposes, more than one treatment is generally necessary. This is especially true for more severe acne scarring or for those with darker skin, as more conservative treatment settings are necessary to prevent unnecessary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. When treating elevated lesions, size and height of the lesion will inform the number of necessary treatments, especially if the lesion is pigmented as well. Repeat treatments should be scheduled at least four weeks apart. As always, for individual treatment plan recommendations, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with our experienced staff.
Is there any downtime after an Erbium laser treatment?
Downtime will depend on treatment type and settings. For more ablative treatments, such as resurfacing or acne scar treatment, the healing process can take several days as the skin scabs and heals. There may be swelling, redness, oozing, and pinpoint bleeding immediately post-treatment. Individual metabolism, autoimmune conditions, and lifestyle will influence how long this process takes, which can be anywhere from a few days to ten or more days. Generally, the stronger a treatment is or the larger the treated area is, the longer the downtime.
Is there any aftercare for an Erbium laser treatment?
As with all laser treatments, proper aftercare will ensure the best results. Avoid steam, sauna, and exposure to very hot water for 24 hours immediately post-treatment to prevent risk of heat-induced blistering, regardless of treatment intensity. Avoid sun exposure and discontinue use of active topicals, exfoliants, and any potentially irritating skincare products (e.g. vitamin C, retinoids, pigment-inhibiting products) for a few days pre- AND post-treatment, especially if undergoing a more aggressive treatment. A gentle cleanser, bland moisturizer, and broad-spectrum SPF are recommended for use post-treatment as necessary. Products to reduce irritation like hydrocortisone or to speed up wound healing can be used as needed. Specifics will be discussed pre- and post-treatment by DSC providers.
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