What Is Erbium Laser Resurfacing?*

"Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, and chest," King explains. "The Erbium laser results in a narrower area of heating of adjacent tissues compared with other laser skin-resurfacing methods." This allows for a more precise and focused removal of old skin layers with minimal burning of the surrounding tissue, adds King. In turn, fewer side effects—swelling, bruising, and redness—are likely. "So the recovery time should be faster than with CO2 laser resurfacing," says King.

Benefits of Erbium Laser Resurfacing

• Helps reverse sun damage

• Treats fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation

• Requires minimal downtime1

The Best Candidates for Erbium Laser Resurfacing

To find the right laser option for your skincare concerns, talk with your doctor—especially if you have a deeper skin tone. "For lighter-toned Black, Hispanic, or Asian skin tones, Erbium laser resurfacing can sometimes be a good option, posing less risk for discoloration compared to some resurfacing lasers.. "Patients with darker brown skin may need to consider other skin resurfacing options, such as radio-frequency MicroNeedling. "It is important to be done with caution in Fitzpatrick types IV to VI due to risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation or avoid altogether."

How to Prepare

For starters, arrive at your appointment with clean skin. Secondly, you'll want to avoid heavy sun exposure and deep facial peels for at least four weeks before treatment. This includes chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other laser resurfacing options.

"If you smoke, you should stop at least two weeks before the procedure to improve healing," says King. "You may also be instructed to stop taking medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E." Speak with your doctor about the use of topical treatments like Retin-A, glycolic acid, and vitamin C before treatment, as well as acne medications containing isotretinoin, such as Accutane, which can impact healing.

If you get cold sores on your face, be sure to tell your doctor, advises King. "Laser resurfacing can trigger outbreaks, so they will give you an antiviral medication to take before and after the procedure," she says.

What to Expect

Before the Erbium Laser Resurfacing treatment begins, the skin is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic. Depending on the area(s) treated, the appointment can take between 30 and 45 minutes (for isolated facial treatments) and up to two hours for full-face treatments. After the treatment is complete, a nonstick dressing is applied to the treatment sites for a full 24 hours. Following the removal of the dressing, follow your doctor's aftercare instructions carefully.

Aftercare

Post-treatment, you will be cleansing your skin two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution, depending on your doctor's recommendation. Then, follow it up with an emollient ointment like Aquaphor to keep skin moist and prevent scabbing. "Usually, the total recovery/healing on average takes about three to four weeks, depending on the problem that was treated."

Potential Side Effects

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential side effects. According to Posina, "There will be some redness and bruising and mild swelling for about one to three days, followed by a few days of skin flaking for another two to three days."

The Takeaway

If you're looking to rejuvenate your skin, Erbium laser resurfacing can help to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. But before booking an appointment, speak to your dermatologist. They will best be able to advise whether the treatment is right for you based on your skincare concerns, skin type and tone, and lifestyle.

FAQ

• How much does Erbium laser resurfacing cost?

• According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin resurfacing is around $2000. The cost of the treatment will vary depending on location, area(s) of treatment, and the doctor who performs the service.

• When is the best time to get Erbium laser resurfacing?

• The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery notes that the fall is considered "laser season" because there is less chance of sun exposure after the treatment.

• How many Erbium laser treatments are needed to see results?

• "Usually, significant results are seen after even one treatment, but depending on the desired results, some may need several treatments and can be repeated in six to 12 months," says Posina. Still, results will vary.

*Bianca Lambert