 What is Erbium Laser Therapy? Erbium Laser Therapy Er:Yag by Sciton is a laser treatment in which fine wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring and age spots are greatly decreased or diminished. The erbium laser is generally less invasive than CO 2 resurfacing and has less down time.
How does the treatment work?
The laser light is absorbed by the water in the skin cells, causing the instantaneous vaporization of the cell. As the laser passes across the skin, a small amount of tissue is removed at a time, allowing for the physician to treat only as deeply as needed.
What are the benefits of Erbium Laser Therapy over other treatments?
The physician has more precise control because of the small amounts of skin removed at a time.
The effects are less devastating and less painful than Laser CO 2, which has a recovery time can
last for weeks to months. Erbium Laser Therapy is less harsh and causes a sunburned
sensation that clears up in a few weeks.
How many treatments are required?
Significant benefits will be seen with just one treatment, but a series of treatments is often
prescribed for maximum results.
Is Erbium Laser Therapy safe? Erbium Lasers are safer than CO 2 and other laser therapies because of its less intensive nature.
Are there any possible risks?
Risks may include possible infection, temporary or permanent pigmentary changes and scarring.
Will there be any downtime?
Depending on the depth of the peel, recovery takes from two to seven days. Some clients come in on
a Thursday, recover over the weekend and are back at work by Monday. After a deep, full facial
resurfacing you may not feel aesthetically ready to return to work for two to three weeks.
What can be expected post-treatment?
After treatment, a sun burned sensation may occur, and slight burning, tingling or redness may
appear on the treated area. This will diminish in a few days, and normal skin pigmentation will return.
How soon will results appear?
Noticeable results can be seen in a few days with complete healing appearing in a few weeks.
Who are candidates for Erbium Laser Therapy?
If you have unwanted lines and wrinkles, acne scarring or sun damage on your chest, hands,
neck or face, you may be a candidate for Erbium Laser Therapy.
How does the treatment feel?
The treatment is easily tolerable and feels like a sunburn.
How long do the results last?
The results will last for many years if the skin is properly cared for. Smoking and excessive sun
exposure will lead to damage, and new wrinkles can appear.
What are the alternative treatments?
Alternative treatments include chemical peels, collagen injections, Botox® and CO 2 laser therapy.
Instructions for before treatment:
Avoid sun tanning or tanning creams four weeks prior to treatment, and avoid Accutane® for six
weeks prior to treatment. Aspirin and other blood thinners should also be avoided for at least three
days before treatment. Do not have any open sores or skin infections in the area to be treated, and
shave area before your appointment. Do not apply makeup or moisturizers.
Instructions for after treatment:
If necessary, over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may be taken. Cold compresses and
Aloe Vera gel may be helpful in reducing pain, redness and swelling. Avoid the sun after treatment.
If sun exposure is unavoidable, cover treated area with protective clothing and SPF 35 or higher.
For Erbium Laser Therapy in the Bay Area, Blackhawk, Central Valley, Manteca, East Bay, Danville, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Livermore, Dublin, Tracy, Modesto,
Stockton, and Tri Valley Areas, consult with facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Gray.
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