Skin Resurfacing

What is Deep Resurfacing with an Erbium Laser Peel?

As we age, the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants take their toll on our skin, creating wrinkles and pigment irregularities, especially on our faces. An Erbium Laser Peel can be very successful at reducing or eliminating these conditions, and, in fact, it is the best way to address the problematic lines that occur around the mouth and eyes.

How does the Erbium Laser Peel work?

The erbium laser safely removes a layer of skin to a depth determined by your physician. The depth of treatment will depend on the skin condition, your desired outcome and expectation for downtime. Because the Contour laser by Sciton can affect tissue with micron precision, your physician can treat your skin with the exact amount of energy needed—no more, no less. Treating skin with a laser stimulates the growth of new collagen, which improves the skin’s thickness and resilience. The skin surface will also re-grow with fresh, healthy cells, giving your skin a younger, rejuvenated appearance.

What conditions can be treated with the Erbium Laser Peel?

The Erbium Laser Peel is excellent for treating deep wrinkles, even in difficult to treat areas like around the mouth and eyes, scars, sun spots, actinic keratoses, and overall poor skin tone/texture.

How many treatments will I need?

Because the Erbium laser is capable of deep laser peels, excellent results are typically achieved after one treatment.

Will it be uncomfortable?

The comfort level of laser resurfacing varies from patient to patient and depends largely on the depth of treatment. For shallow treatments, the procedure is often tolerated with the use of a topical and subcutaneous local anesthetic. For deeper treatments, your physician may suggest that our anesthesiologist administer a twilight type of anesthesia at his or her practice.

What should I expect immediately following the treatment?

Immediately following the treatment, you may experience redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. Swelling may also occur in the treated areas. Your physician will advise you on specific after treatment care recommendations, which may include oral pain medication and application of an ointment to keep the skin moist.

How long will it take to recover?

Complete healing will depend on the depth of treatment. Healing times for shallow treatments are typically three to four days before patients resume normal activities. For deeper treatments, your physician will discuss realistic expectations for recovery.

What aftercare will I need?

You will be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. Your skin will be sensitive to sunlight after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. It’s recommended to always use a broadband sunblock to avoid sun exposure and premature aging of your skin.

When should I see results?

The top layer of skin will re-grow and can be covered with makeup in about one week, at which time you will see noticeable improvements in your skin’s texture, tone, and wrinkle appearance. Deeper laser treatments also stimulate the growth of new collagen over the next four to six months. During this time, the skin may show increasing improvements in tightness and resilience.