Erbium Laser Resurfacing: Before and After, Treatment Process and Results

What is Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

Erbium laser resurfacing is a type of cosmetic procedure that uses a beam of laser energy to remove damaged outer layers of skin. The erbium laser precisely targets water in the skin cells, causing very controlled evaporation of the outer epidermal layers. This allows for new, healthy skin cells to come to the surface. Erbium lasers are considered gentler than CO2 lasers and result in less downtime for patients.

Benefits of Erbium Laser Resurfacing

There are many benefits to choosing erbium laser skin resurfacing:

• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightens sagging or loose skin
• Reduces acne scars
• Improves skin texture and pore size
• Reduces age spots, sun spots and other discoloration
• Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin

Because the erbium laser allows for a more superficial peel than a CO2 laser, there is less risk of scarring or permanent pigment changes in the skin. The erbium laser can safely treat thinner and more delicate areas like the skin around the eyes and mouth.

Who is a Good Candidate for Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing can benefit both women and men who are bothered by:

• Wrinkles, crow's feet or forehead lines
• Frown lines or furrows between the eyebrows
• "Smile" lines around the mouth
• Vertical lip lines
• Loose or sagging skin on the face and eyelids
• Uneven skin pigmentation, brown spots, melasma or blotchiness
• Acne scars or chicken pox scars
• Dull, rough skin texture

Those in their 30s up to their 60s make ideal candidates for erbium laser resurfacing. However, its important to have realistic expectations about results. While lasers can improve the overall appearance of your skin, they cannot stop the aging process completely.

What to Expect During Treatment

On the day of your erbium laser treatment, youll be given a topical anesthetic cream to numb the areas being treated. You may also receive oral medication or local blocks to keep you comfortable. Goggles will protect your eyes during the procedure.

Your provider will then precisely direct pulses of erbium laser energy onto the areas of your skin being treated. Most patients describe the laser as feeling like a light rubber band snapping on the skin. A single full face erbium laser treatment usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes.

Recovery After Erbium Laser Resurfacing

In general, the recovery time is shorter with erbium laser resurfacing compared to more aggressive ablative lasers. Side effects like swelling, redness and minor scabbing are common and typically last 1-2 weeks. Your provider will recommend skincare products to help soothe and protect the skin as it heals.

Here are some additional tips for recovering from erbium laser skin resurfacing:

• Apply cold compresses as instructed to reduce swelling
• Avoid picking or scratching at any scabs that may form
• Use sunscreen religiously to protect your healing skin
• Stay well hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to promote healing
• Take over-the-counter pain meds as directed by your provider
• Follow your recommended skincare routine diligently
• Wait a full two weeks before applying makeup and resuming your normal activities

Your underlying raw, pink skin may be sensitive for several weeks to months after erbium laser treatment. It typically takes about 3-6 months to see the full results.

Before and After Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Seeing erbium laser resurfacing before and after photos can help you get a better idea of potential results. It also helps to have realistic expectations about the improvements lasers can (and cannot) provide.

Improvements You Can Expect

Here are some common improvements seen in erbium laser resurfacing before and after photos when treating wrinkles, scars, and sun damage on the face, neck, chest and hands:

• Smoothed out fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, cheeks and forehead
• Reduced appearance of vertical lip lines
• Diminished crows feet, acne scars and chicken pox scars
• Lessened appearance of age spots and brown spots
• More even skin tone and reduced blotchiness
• Minimized pores
• Healthier, brighter and rejuvenated look to the skin

What Lasers Can't Do

While erbium laser resurfacing can produce significant improvements, they cannot:

• Tighten loose or sagging skin (a skin tightening procedure like Ultherapy may be recommended in conjunction)
• Get rid of broken capillaries
• Treat puffy eye bags, dark circles or jowls
• Lift drooping eyebrows or eyelids (a brow lift may be recommended)
• Remove deep furrows between the eyebrows (an injectable wrinkle relaxer may be recommended)
• Slim a wide or bulbous nasal tip (a rhinoplasty is required)

By understanding the limitations of laser skin resurfacing, you can have reasonable expectations about your results.

Factors that Influence Results

Results from erbium laser skin resurfacing vary from patient to patient. The following factors play a role in your outcome:

• Skin type and tone
• Degree of sun/UV damage
• Severity of wrinkles and scars
• Depth of pigmentation problems
• Age and health of your skin
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption

To maximize and maintain your results, its important to commit to consistently practicing proper skincare and sun protection after your treatment.

How Long Do Results Last?

While results from erbium laser resurfacing are not considered permanent, most patients enjoy improvements that last several years. Typically, results last about 5 years or longer before a maintenance session is recommended.

However, results still fade gradually over time as the normal aging process continues. New lines and wrinkles, sunspots and loose skin will eventually form.

But an erbium laser can be done repeatedly as needed over your lifetime to combat new signs of aging. Just be sure to space treatments out by about 5 years to avoid over-resurfacing the skin.

Be diligent about sunscreen use and skin care to make results last as long as possible. Annual touch-up sessions with lasers, fillers or other treatments help sustain a youthful appearance.

Am I a Good Candidate for Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

The best way to determine if youre a good candidate for erbium laser skin resurfacing is by consulting with an experienced cosmetic provider. They will evaluate your skin type, condition and goals to see if an erbium laser is right for you.

In general, good candidates for erbium lasers have light to medium skin tones. Darker skin is at higher risk for hyperpigmentation or other complications. Ideal candidates dont smoke, and are committed to sunscreen use and proper skincare after treatment.

Its important to choose an experienced laser specialist for the procedure. More sessions or alternative treatments may be recommended for maximum anti-aging results.

The Takeaway

Erbium lasers can safely and effectively improve many common signs of facial aging and sun damage. When performed correctly by a qualified provider, erbium laser skin resurfacing results in significant improvement in wrinkles, scars and discoloration with minimal downtime.

By understanding what to expect before and after treatment, you can decide whether erbium laser resurfacing is right for achieving your aesthetic goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.