Erbium Laser Treatment: What You Need to Know

What is an Erbium Laser Procedure?

Erbium lasers are powerful devices that emit light to remove the outer layers of skin. They are used for laser resurfacing treatments, which involve peeling off skin. Those who undergo erbium laser treatments have a faster recovery time than people who undergo CO2 laser treatments. 

Erbium laser treatment is different from carbon dioxide lasers because of the lower risk of side effects. After a treatment the most common side effects for patients are redness, some swelling, and bruising that usually last for a week or up to 10 days before resolving. This is normal and subsides quickly.

How to Prepare

There are a few things to pay attention to and prepare well for your laser treatment: 

• Avoid long sun exposure or tanning 4 weeks before the treatment
• Avoid deep facial peels and treatments for at least a month 
• Avoid any chemical peels or microdermabrasion
• Avoid using medication causing photosensitivity 3 days before the treatment 

When Can You See the Results?

You can expect to see improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and the overall skin tone and texture after 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the skin should heal, but if the treatment is deeper, the redness may persist longer. 

How Long Does It Last?

The results of this treatment are long-lasting, usually 2 to 3 years, depending on your skin and the type of treatment. In most cases, the duration of the results varies from person to person because it involves stimulating the production of fresh collagen fibers.