Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing

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WHAT IS LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is a vigorous anti-aging and anti-blemish laser treatment that is able to effectively and powerfully rejuvenate, tighten, and balance the skin. Erbium is an ablative laser, meaning that it removes layers of damaged cells and heats the underlying dermis to trigger collagen production, tightening of skin, and smoother skin. This improvement in overall skin tone and texture will leave you looking beautifully refreshed.

HOW DOES LASER SKIN RESURFACING WORK?

Erbium is a YAG laser, and it achieves its excellent results by using a 2940 nm wavelength laser setting. It is designed to treat the dermis at a superficial or moderately deep depth, and utilizes the power of heat for robust treatment of irregularities. This light and heat is absorbed by the water in targeted damaged cells and effectively vaporizes them, which leads to new cell and collagen production.

WHAT CAN THE LASER TREAT?

Erbium is able to target fine lines and wrinkles, skin imperfections such as scarring, and other skin ailments successfully through successive treatments. Whether these blemishes may be on the face, neck, chest, or hands, Erbium is able to adapt to the occasion.

Erbium can proudly treat a wide range of different skin types, including lighter skinned and darker skinned clients, with little risk, unlike other laser resurfacing options.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM LASER RESURFACING TREATMENT?

It is comforting to know what to expect with a treatment that includes an intense and deeply pentrating laser, so we have detailed pre- and post- treatment instructions below so our clients can come into their appointments confident and ready.

It is highly recommended to consult with one of our aesthetic professionals here at Lavande prior to booking your laser skin resurfacing appointment, where a personal evaluation synthesizing your medical history and aesthetic goals should be completed. This is to determine the best course of action for your aesthetic needs, determine what treatment is best for your skin type, and to prepare you for your what is to come. We here at Lavande want to make sure you are a candidate for this treatment as well as confident about your decision to proceed.

In preparation, we may ask that you abstain from taking or applying any harsh medications (such as Accutane or Retinol), so as to avoid the occurrence of poor healing, pigmentation, or scarring from laser treatment. We may also ask that you abstain from taking bloodthinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as alcoholic drinks, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and others) to lower the risk of post-procedure bleeding. We will also ask that you refrain from getting direct sun exposure for about a week prior to treatment.

The treatment area will be examined by our skilled and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment, and private “before” pictures will be taken for comparison purposes and kept in your profile. Once examined, the treatment area will be prepared by being cleaned with antiseptics, and a topical BLT (Benzocaine, Lidocaine, Tetracaine) numbing agent will be applied to sit for 30 minutes.

During treatment, our provider will begin by determining the most strategic treatment plan that will adhere to your aesthetic goals and needs. Both you and the treatment provider should be equipped with the appropriate eye-wear before proceeding. Next, our provider will begin to gently glide the Erbium laser handpiece over targeted treatment areas, stopping to occasionally allow your skin to take a break from the heat of the laser.
Finally, an ice pack will be provided to clients to apply until they get home, in order to minimize pain and swelling. In total, the treatment should take about 15-30 minutes, but we will book the full half hour in order to assure that all client needs are met and all questions answered.
Recovery time following Erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment can be anywhere from 4 days to 1 week. The deeper the treatment, the longer the recovery. Most people can resume daily activities following treatment, although you will need to take the proper skincare precautions until your skin fully heals. You should refrain from direct sun exposure to treated areas for about 2 weeks, and apply a strong SPF at all times, because your skin will be quite sensitive. Immediately following treatment there may be some slight redness and lingering heat in the skin that will fade within hours. For the first 3 or so days, only water and a mild cleanser should be used to wash the treatment area. After 5 days to a week, your normal skincare regimen may be resumed. The healing process will likely include skin peeling, which is quite normal.

WHEN WILL I SEE TREATMENT RESULTS?

While clients will be able to immediately see a vibrant glow to their skin following treatment (due to the quick removal of damaged skin cells), it will take about 4 weeks for new skin and new collagen to grow in its stead. It is after the passage of this time that another treatment may be performed as well.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

Studies have shown that clients enjoyed consistent improvement of skin ailments for up to 6 months after treatment. It should be noted, however, that treatment of targeted ailments are permanent, but the skin is constantly being exposed to the same conditions that it was prior, so the process of damaging and aging continues. At any rate, multiple sessions are recommended for purposes of maintenance and upholding our enhanced beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

While Erbium is known to be a gentler ablative laser as compared to its counterparts (such as CO2 laser), there is still some discomfort associated with the treatment due to the heat of the laser. Most people say that every zap of the laser feels like the snap of a rubber band, but nobody has reported intense pain from treatment.

Due to the known discomfort associated with the intense heat of the laser, our providers provide a topical anesthetic prior to treatment and a cold pack post treatment.

Preparation includes avoiding direct sun exposure for a week or 2 prior to treatment, abstaining from taking or applying harsh products (such as Accutane or Retinol), and avoiding bloodthinners. These precautions will ensure that the recovery process is smooth and devoid of unwelcome side effects such as bleeding, discoloration, or scarring.

Clients will be able to resume daily activities immediately following treatment, but recovery time can take up to a week. There might be slight redness at treatment sites immediately after, but these usually subside within hours.

Clients should actively avoid direct sun exposure, and be sure to apply a strong sunscreen at all times. Further, clients should not get facial treatments for up to 2 weeks, or until the treatment settle.

It is highly recommended to have multiple treatments to attain optimal results. While a single session will impart great results, most clients have not met their aesthetic goals with just a single session.

Our knowledgeable providers here at Lavande Spa can sit down with you and create a regimen that is right for you in order to make sure you achieve and maintain that flawless skin you’re looking for.

Side effects may or may not be experienced following Erbiumtreatment, but are not abnormal. Normal side effects include redness, slight swelling, inflammation, lingering heat, and peeling. Less common, but still expected side effects include blistering, discoloration (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation), scarring, and infection. Please contact us here at Lavande Spa if you have any concerns about side effects.