Whether you struggle with acne scarring, sun damage, wrinkles, or rosacea – we know how difficult it can be. While many skin care products claim to offer solutions to these concerns, they often fail to deliver visible results in a short period of time. If you are looking for a more efficient, and effective solution to achieve naturally-perfected skin – laser treatments might be the answer. Laser treatments come in all shapes and sizes, and they all serve different purposes. With the amount of laser treatments available, it can be confusing to determine which laser will be best for treating your unique skin concerns.

One of our favorite lasers that treats everything in a single appointment, including sun damage, wrinkles, acne, acne scars and hyperpigmentation, is Erbium laser resurfacing. This post will cover everything you need to know about the Erbium laser skin resurfacing procedure, benefits, recovery time and more.

What is Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

Erbium laser resurfacing, also called Erbium YAG (ER YAG), is a deep skin resurfacing procedure that is designed to eliminate surface-level and moderately deep fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne, and acne scars. Unlike non-ablative lasers which do not destroy skin cells (like Clear + Brilliant), the Erbium laser is considered an ablative laser, which means intense heat is used to vaporize skin cells.

During the procedure, the laser is guided over the skin and delivers short pulses of energy that penetrate and remove the damaged outer layer of the skin while stimulating the production of new collagen fibers in the deeper layers of the skin. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, resulting in smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

How Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Work?

During the procedure, the laser is guided over the skin and delivers short pulses of energy that penetrate and remove the damaged outer layer of the skin while  stimulating the production of new collagen fibers in the deeper layers of the skin. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced, resulting in smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

What Are The Benefits of Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

The Erbium laser delivers dramatic results by erasing or diminishing the appearance of:

1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles
2. Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation
3. Skin Laxity
4. Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
5. Acne Scars and Acne
6. Rosacea

What Is The Difference Between Erbium Laser vs. CO2 Laser?

Although Erbium laser and Fractional CO2 lasers are both classified as ablative lasers – there are significant differences between the treatments. The Erbium laser is much less intensethan an ablative CO2 laser, and it causes less surrounding cell damage. Clients who have had Erbium laser treatments have fewer adverse side effects, and recover twice as quickly as those who have had CO2 (Fraxel) treatments. 

Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

The best candidates for Erbium laser resurfacing include clients that have moderate sun damage, fine lines and/or wrinkles, skin laxity, changes in skin texture and tone. It is important to consult with your provider prior to treatment to determine if the procedure is suitable for your unique skin.

When Will I See Results?

Erbium laser resurfacing results before(left) and one week after(right) the procedure at Flash Lab NYC.

Erbium lasers deliver dramatic results that last for years. After your treatment, you will notice dramatic improvements in tone, texture and wrinkle appearance in as little as one week.  The full results from an erbium laser resurfacing procedure will develop as your skin heals. Since the treatment stimulates the growth of new collagen, you will see improvements in tightness and resilience that increase over the course of four to six months.

How Many Erbium Laser Treatments Do I Need?

Compared to most resurfacing lasers, the Erbium laser requires less treatments overall to achieve your desired results. Ablative Erbium laser treatments deliver incredible results after just one treatment. Multiple treatments may be needed for more severe wrinkles, acne, scarring or pore size. 

What Is The Recovery Time?

Most clients experience one to two weeks of downtime following an ablative Erbium laser resurfacing.  Redness, raw skin, swelling, and itchiness are common following laser resurfacing treatments. Your service provider will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which will include things like an antibiotic ointment, hydrating emollients, daily SPF, and limited sun exposure. Following the aftercare instructions are critical to healing your skin and can reduce recovery time.

What Is The Cost?

The cost of Erbium laser resurfacing will vary depending on the size of the treatment area, the severity of the skin concerns, and the location of your service provider.

View the price for erbium laser resurfacing at Flash Lab Skin & Laser in NYC.

The Takeaway

Erbium laser resurfacing can deliver dramatic dermatological results with less risk than CO2 lasers. After one treatment, Erbium lasers can diminish wrinkles, improve pigmentation and resurface the skin.

Take the next step!

Schedule your free consultation with Flash Lab in NYC today! BOOK ONLINE or call our office at 646.998.5277 to get started! Our experienced team of aestheticians is committed to providing the highest quality of service and a personalized approach to every client.

New Client Promo: 20% Off Your First Treatment at Flash Lab Skin & Laser.