Advantages Of Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Erbium laser causes minimal burning of surrounding skin tissue and is suitable for treatment on the face, hands, chest or neck areas. Earlier, the CO2 laser treatment acted on the entire skin area and the skin recovery time takes at least 2 weeks for time. Besides, CO2 lasers also damaged the pigment cells in the skin which caused the skin to lose its colour after the treatment.

The wavelength of the erbium lasers used falls within 1450 and 1540 nanometers (One nanometer is equal to one millionth of a meter) and do not break the skin. Though this technique is introduced about three to four years ago, it has since very popular earlier and are non-ablative in nature. Non-ablative lasers are not invasive and do not break the skin and therefore shorten the recovery period.

For those who are looking at removing moderate deep lines or wrinkles with lesser pain and side effects, erbium laser resurfacing is an option that you can seriously consider. As compare with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, erbium laser resurfacing is a non-ablative technique designed to remove light or moderately deep facial line with minimal side effects and faster recovery time.

However, since non-ablative treatments are milder and gentler, patients might need around 4 sessions scheduled about 4 to 6 weeks apart for better results. With erbium laser resurfacing, a small and specific skin area is targeted with the laser that vaporizes damaged skin cells, resulting in an increased of collagen production.

Depending on the patient's needs, the procedure lasts from 15 minutes to an hour and is performed in an outpatient facility. To minimize any pain or discomfort, local anesthetic may also be used.

After the treatment, a bandage may be applied on the treated area and replaced by the dermatologist in a few days. For the next 7 days, an ointment will be applied to prevent the possibility of skin scarring. In fact, there is not so much worries on the post-treatment skin care since a responsible dermatologist will provide you the detailed aftercare instructions to promote faster skin healing. Usually, 10 days after the treatment, you can resume your normal activities.

Generally, the recuperation period is between 7 to 10 days and applying make-up is possible after the first week. Also, patient's is advised to use a sunblock to prevent skin damages. Upon the recovery period, the skin will be pinkish in colour but will fade back to original skin colour gradually, with a smoother and younger appearance.

Patients who have already undergo the treatment claims that their skin complexion is greatly improved with smoother and younger-looking skin. This is due to the fact that erbium laser is effective in stimulating the skin's collagen production which is the main element in smoothing out and tightening of the skin.

Good candidates of erbium laser resurfacing include African-Americans, Asians and Latinos who has the least chance of getting prolonged skin redness and uneven pigmentation.

Before you commit to erbium laser treatment, you should consult a professional dermatologist in your area for a consultation. Based on your skin care needs or conditions, the dermatologist will determine if laser facial resurfacing is suitable for you.