What You Should Know About Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing

Woman (model) holds a hand to her face while smiling in the mirror.

As we age, our skin loses its smooth texture, even coloring, and elasticity. Fortunately, advancements in cosmetic laser technology give us options to restore a more luminous complexion.

Erbium laser resurfacing is an excellent option for those who want to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime.

Here’s what you need to know about a Sciton® erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment.

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of the skin. The process works by removing the outer layer of damaged skin and stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Why Choose Sciton Erbium Resurfacing?

The Sciton erbium laser is designed to be more precise than other types of lasers, making it ideal for treating delicate areas like the face and neck.

During a treatment, the laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the water molecules in the skin, causing the outer layer of damaged skin to vaporize. This process promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells and stimulates collagen production, which can improve the skin’s texture, tone, and elasticity.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

A good candidate for erbium laser skin resurfacing is generally someone looking to improve the appearance of their skin—particularly wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots, mild scarring, enlarged pores, or uneven texture.

Individuals with active skin infections, cold sores, or a history of keloid scars may not be good candidates for the procedure.

Before undergoing laser skin resurfacing, consult a qualified professional who can assess your skin and determine if the procedure is right for you.

What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Sciton erbium laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Sun damage
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Lip lines
  • Birthmarks

What Are Treatments Like?

You’ll be provided protection to shield your eyes from the light while receiving your laser resurfacing treatment. Using a handpiece, your technician will scan an erbium: YAG laser beam across the treatment areas to precisely remove a layer of skin while the computer controls the laser beam’s depth.

Following treatment, your body will grow a new, healthy layer of skin to replace the old, damaged one. Treatments can be shallow—suitable for removing fine lines, sunspots, and tired-looking skin. Or your laser treatment may be deep—frequently used to improve skin tone and texture and get rid of deep wrinkles, such as upper lip lines and crow’s feet. Sometimes, a combination of both superficial and deep treatment is required.

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The comfort level will depend on the patient and the depth of the treatment itself, but generally, most people do not find the treatment painful.

What Will Skin Look Like After Laser Resurfacing?

After the procedure, your skin may be red and slightly swollen, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week. Follow post-treatment instructions and avoid sun exposure until your skin has healed fully.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

The number of treatments needed varies depending on your skin condition and desired results. In general, 1 to 3 treatments may be recommended to achieve the best results. Treatments are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and for new skin to regenerate.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

Laser skin resurfacing is generally considered safe, but like all medical procedures, it does carry some risks. These risks can include scarring, infection, changes in skin pigmentation, and temporary or permanent changes in skin texture. Choosing an experienced provider will help minimize the risk of side effects while maximizing your results.

How Much Downtime Is There With Sciton Erbium Resurfacing?

The amount of downtime associated with Sciton erbium laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the individual’s skin condition and the intensity of the treatment. However, most patients can expect some downtime following the procedure.

After the treatment, the skin may be red, swollen, and sensitive for several days to a week. Patients may also experience some peeling and crusting of the skin. During this time, it’s important to keep the skin clean and moisturized and avoid sun exposure or other sources of heat, such as saunas or hot showers.

Follow the post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare professional for proper healing and to avoid complications.

Request a Consultation

Browse our before-and-after gallery to see the results we’ve achieved for our patients. And if you’re interested in talking about laser resurfacing with an experienced licensed medical aesthetician at Coastal Plastic Surgery, call my Boston office at (781) 740-7840 or request a consultation.

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