Erbium laser: skin resurfacing, scars, stretch marks and fine wrinkles

How it works

The erbium laser emits a wavelength that is strongly absorbed by the water in skin cells. When it reaches the skin, the energy vaporizes microscopic layers of the surface precisely, with little heat spreading to the neighboring tissues.

In fractional mode, the laser treats the skin in microscopic columns, with small islands of intact skin between them, which speeds up recovery. The skin responds by renewing its superficial layers and producing collagen, which improves texture, fine wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

The same laser, with other settings, is used to remove superficial lesions such as xanthelasma and sebaceous hyperplasia.

Indications

• Dull skin, texture and poresUneven texture, pores and dull skin.
• Wrinkles and expression linesFine wrinkles, including around the eyes and mouth.
• Acne scarsDepressed scars and skin irregularities.
• Stretch marksWhite and red stretch marks.
• Eyelids and tired lookThin skin with lines on the eyelids.

Treated areas

What a session is like

After the skin is cleaned, a numbing cream is applied. The patient and team wear protective glasses. The doctor passes the handpiece over the area with the settings defined at the evaluation. The sensation is of heat and slight pricks. A session lasts about 1 hour.

Recovery

Right after the session, the skin is red and warm, as after sun exposure. Over the following days, small crusts or fine peeling form and come off within three to seven days, depending on the intensity of the treatment.

Sessions and results

The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern. The improvement in texture is noticed after peeling, and the effect on wrinkles, scars and stretch marks develops over the months, with collagen production. The response varies from person to person.

Contraindications

The erbium laser is not recommended during pregnancy, over tanned skin, wounds, infections or active herpes, or for people prone to keloids or with diseases that cause light sensitivity. Recent use of isotretinoin and darker skin require careful evaluation.

At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.