Erbium Laser for Acne Scars

While there is no shortage of skincare products on the market, there are times when cleansers, scrubs, physical exfoliators, and serums, simply won’t give you the results you want. Enter laser treatments, which can be an ideal alternative for treating hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and fine lines.

One type of laser treatment that treats everything from acne scars to sun damage is Erbium laser resurfacing, Never heard of it? We’ve asked two top doctors—Dr. Hadley King and Dr. Sunitha Posina—to explain everything you need to know.

Erbium Laser for Acne Scars Reviews

“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 results in a more focused removal of old skin cell layers. And this means that a benefit of Erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burning of surrounding tissue and fewer side effects such as swelling, bruising, and redness, so the recovery time should be faster than with CO2 laser resurfacing.”

How to Prepare for Erbium Laser Resurfacing

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. Finally, for specific guidance, speak with your doctor about the use of topical treatments like Retin-A, glycolic acid, and vitamin C before treatment.

The Best Candidate 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, because Erbium laser resurfacing is less risky for lighter skin tones, according to King: “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 treatments or microneedling.” In addition, Posina says, “It is important to be done with caution in Fitzpatrick types 4 to 6 due to risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation or avoid altogether.”

Things to Consider

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, people who are prone to cold sores or fever blisters should proceed with caution as laser treatments can cause breakouts. In addition, acne medications containing isotretinoin, such as Accutane, can impact healing from laser resurfacing.

In addition, smokers should kick the habit at least two weeks before the procedure to make sure they fully heal from the laser treatment,

What to Expect During Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Before the 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, you won’t be able to get back to your normal skincare routine.

Instead, 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, and that will be followed up with an emollient ointment like Aquaphor to keep skin moist and prevent scabbing. “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,” says Posina. “Usually, the total recovery/healing on average takes about three to four weeks, depending on the problem that was treated.”

How Many Treatments Are Needed to See Results?

Results will vary from person to person, but Posina has some good news. “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 6 to 12 months.”

Potential Side Effects

With any cosmetic procedure, there are potential side effects. For this procedure in particular, if you have cold sores or smoke, you will want to take special care. “Tell your doctor if you get cold sores on the face,” King advises. “Laser resurfacing can trigger outbreaks, so they will give you an antiviral medication to take before and after the procedure. If you smoke, you should stop at least two weeks before the procedure to improve healing. You may also be instructed to stop taking medications or supplements that can increase bleeding, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E.”

Erbium Laser Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin resurfacing is $2,509 for ablative and $1,445 for non-ablative procedures. The cost of the treatment will vary depending on location, area(s) of treatment, and the doctor who performs the service.

The Takeaway

If you’re ready to treat skin concerns that your skincare routine cannot address, talk with your dermatologist about Erbium laser resurfacing. They will help you decide whether the treatment is right for you. If you have a deeper skin tone, before you schedule your treatment, talk with your doctor about whether or not they treat or specialize in treating deep skin tones to find the practitioner that is the best fit for you.

Erbium Laser Before and After

A laser is a medical device that emits light in order to break up tissue. The body uses the light energy from a laser to kill cells, which results in the destruction of unwanted tissue. This is what makes lasers an effective treatment for acne scars.

Unlike other treatments, you do not have to worry about any type of downtime after undergoing this procedure. The Erbium laser can be used on both face and body areas without any adverse effects or side effects, making it a very safe option for those who are looking for a way to get rid of acne scars quickly and efficiently.

Erbium laser for acne scars is a new type of laser that uses microscopic light beams to treat acne scars. It aims to improve the appearance of scars, reduce their redness, and make them less visible.

Erbium laser for acne scars works by using ultrasonic waves to stimulate collagen production in the area. The increased blood supply that results from this stimulation helps to improve the appearance of scars by increasing the amount of collagen present in the skin.

The Erbium laser is one of the most popular lasers for acne scarring, and it’s easy to see why. It’s relatively safe, doesn’t require anesthesia, and can be performed in a doctor’s office. The only real downsides are that it’s not very effective—the results are often temporary—and that you need multiple treatments to see results.

Erbium laser is a light-based medical treatment that has been used to treat acne scars. Erbium laser is also used to treat sun damage, wrinkles, and other skin problems. The laser uses light energy to heat the target area of your skin, which helps stimulate collagen production and improves your overall appearance.

Erbium lasers use radiofrequency (RF) technology to target all types of lesions, including scars. You will feel the cooling sensation as the laser works on your skin. After about 20 minutes of treatment time, you will notice improvement in your acne scarring.

You should expect some redness or swelling after erbium laser treatment; this should go away within a few hours or days. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not have erbium treatment because it can harm their unborn babies or breast milk supply if they are exposed during treatment.

Erbium lasers are the most powerful type of laser, and they’re used to treat acne scars. There are two main types of erbium lasers: fractional and non-fractional. Fractional lasers have a smaller beam, which allows them to target deeper lesions and produce more precise results. Non-fractional lasers have a larger beam, which can be used to treat wider areas of the face at one time.

Due to their power and ability to target deep within the skin, these lasers are also great for treating facial skin discolorations. The procedure takes less than an hour, so you’ll only need to schedule it once every three months or so—unless your doctor recommends more frequent sessions if your acne is particularly bad!

Erbium Laser Before and After Acne Scars

Erbium laser is one of the most popular treatments for acne scars. It is effective in eliminating the yellow pigment in acne scars, which is responsible for the ugly brownish discoloration. The treatment can be performed on both face and body, as long as there are no other medical conditions that may cause problems with the laser’s healing capabilities. In this article we will discuss how erbium laser works to treat acne scars and what you need to know before getting the treatment done.

What is Erbium Laser?

Erbium laser is an FDA-approved treatment that uses light energy to destroy deep-seated pigmented lesions on the skin. It has been used by dermatologists for many years and has proved to be an effective treatment for acne scarring, as well as other types of pigmented lesions like melasma, freckles, age spots, and liver spots (known as solar lentigines). The technology behind erbium lasers was originally developed by physicists working at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey back in the 1950s; however it wasn’t until 1983 when these physicists applied their research findings into commercial

The Erbium laser is a powerful tool for skin rejuvenation. It can be used to treat wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks and other fine lines. The most common side effects from the Erbium laser are redness, swelling and increased pigmentation.

In regards to acne scars, many people see an improvement in the appearance of their skin after a few treatments with the Erbium laser. The treatment is generally performed over several weeks and may cause peeling or mild discomfort around the area being treated. It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using this treatment as it can produce complications if not done properly.

In a recent study, the Er:YAG laser was found to be effective in treating acne scars. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego and published in the Journal of Dermatology.

The Er:YAG laser is a type of light that is used to treat several skin conditions, including acne scars. In this study, researchers looked at how effective the laser was at reducing acne scars. They recruited 30 participants with mild to moderate acne scarring, who had been treated with topical medications or cosmetic surgery for their scars. Each participant received a series of four treatments with the Er:YAG laser over five weeks.

After treatment with the Er:YAG laser, all participants saw improvements in their acne scars and reported less discomfort from them. For example, 54% of participants reported that they were no longer bothered by their scarring after treatment with Er:YAG laser compared to only 29% before treatment.

When it comes to treating acne scars, there are a few options. The most common treatments include lasers and dermabrasion. Laser treatment is an effective way to reduce the appearance of acne scars and reduce their visibility. It works by destroying the top layer of skin that makes up the scarred area, which causes the skin below to thicken and tighten.

However, laser treatment is expensive and can have adverse effects on your health, so it’s not recommended for everyone. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, is an affordable treatment option that can remove rough surface skin without damaging healthy tissue underneath. It also doesn’t cause damage like other methods do — so if you’d rather avoid side effects like inflammation or scarring, this could be a good choice for you!

erbium laser for acne scars side effects

Erbium laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses advanced laser technology to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing new, refreshed skin cells below. This can be used to help smooth the texture of the skin and create an even skin tone. In addition to removing the outer layers of skin, erbium laser resurfacing also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which give skin youthful fullness. This procedure is similar to procedures like chemical peels or dermabrasion used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hypo or hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Erbium lasers allow for a range of treatment depths to address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. A combination or sequence of laser treatments may be used to deliver the desired results over the course of several visits.

While there are many lasers available to improve the appearance of the skin, erbium lasers are often relied upon for their precision. Because of the greater amount of depth control built into most erbium laser treatment systems, smaller areas can be targeted, and these lasers can be used safely on sensitive areas like the face, neck, hands, or chest. Because of the treatment precision, the dermatologist is able to minimize posttreatment discomfort and recovery time compared with CO2 laser treatments and other laser resurfacing options.

Who is a Good Candidate for Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

Erbium laser resurfacing is most often used to address surface-level and medium-deep lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, but it is equally effective in addressing a range of concerns. The precision laser technology can be used on the face, hands, neck, and chest. These procedures are most often recommended to address fine lines and wrinkles, but people may also choose erbium laser resurfacing treatment to address mild irregularities in the appearance of skin like uneven tone and texture, as well as issues like acne scars, surgical or injury scarring, dark spots, and other flaws. In most cases, patients choose this treatment due to the high levels of precision, so they, generally, are looking to treat a small area.

Like other laser treatments, erbium laser technology works best on lighter skin tones, but the advanced precision of the erbium laser means that a darker skin tone does not necessarily mean patients won’t be candidates for erbium laser resurfacing. However, they should take time to discuss potential side effects with their dermatologist before selecting this procedure to ensure it’s their best option.

How Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment Work?

Because erbium lasers penetrate into deeper layers of skin, the sensation can be uncomfortable. For this reason, your dermatologist will likely apply a topical or local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment. Your dermatologist will then apply the erbium laser to the specific area and depth of skin to address your specific concerns. Erbium lasers interact with water in the body to intentionally damage the skin cells. This jump-starts the body’s healing processes, increases the production of collagen and elastin, and generally triggers the production of healthy, new skin cells. After treatment, you may be given bandages or dressings that need to be applied to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk for side effects. Make sure to follow all aftercare instructions to achieve the best results.

At U.S. Dermatology Partners, we strive to incorporate a range of treatment technologies to ensure patients receive conservative dermatologic treatments that fit their specific needs. The Erbium laser is one technology that allows us to provide precise cosmetic resurfacing even in sensitive areas. If you’re interested in learning more about this treatment, don’t hesitate to contact the U.S. Dermatology Partners to get started.

Are There Side Effects to Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

The most common side effects are mild swelling and some discomfort in the first few days after your erbium laser resurfacing treatment. Some patients also experience redness, that can last throughout the healing process. Healing may take one to two weeks, depending on the individual. As the skin begins to heal, you may see some flaking or peeling, like what you would see after a bad sunburn. Take care to avoid pulling or scratching at any peeling areas, as you may unintentionally damage your skin, which leaves you at risk for scarring and infection. Instead, allow the skin to be shed naturally. Apply moisturizer regularly to improve comfort throughout the healing process.

Make sure to follow all instructions from your dermatologist, which could include using special facial cleansers, skipping your trip to the pool or gym, and foregoing makeup application to ensure fast, comfortable healing after treatment. Most importantly, the skin is likely to be sensitive to sunlight, so you’ll need to minimize your time outdoors and apply sunscreen regularly if you do need to be outside.

Some patients develop an infection after erbium laser resurfacing, so for those who are prone to skin infections, a dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic pills or creams to reduce this risk. In rare cases, often as the result of improper application, patients may experience burns, scarring, and hyper or hypopigmentation. These situations can be serious, and you should work with your dermatologist and other medical professionals as necessary to ensure you receive the right care.

How Long Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment Last?

Following treatment, it can take two to three weeks for patients to completely heal and see the unfolding results of their procedure. Depending on the treatment depth, some redness may also persist for two to three months. Most people will need to have more than one initial erbium laser treatment to achieve their desired result, and a dermatologist will work with patients to determine the best course of action. Once the patient achieves their desired result, additional treatments may be necessary to maintain these results. In the case of addressing specific areas of scarring or discoloration, maintenance sessions are unlikely to be recommended. However, for individuals who choose erbium laser resurfacing to combat the signs of aging or generally improve their skin’s overall appearance, regular retreatment sessions are essential to maintain the results. Unlike other resurfacing treatments, lasers go a little deeper into the skin, and the results will last a bit longer. Your dermatologist will likely want to monitor your body’s response before recommending a frequency for your maintenance sessions, but depending on the individual, retreatment is often scheduled once or twice a year.

erbium laser for acne scars cost

The cost of erbium laser treatment for acne scars can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the scarring, the size of the treatment area, the number of treatments needed, and the location of the treatment provider.

On average, a single erbium laser treatment session can cost between $500 and $1500, with most patients requiring multiple sessions for optimal results.

Given that it is a cosmetic procedure, it is crucial to be aware that insurance may not cover the cost of the procedure. However, some providers may offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable for patients.

It is recommended to consult with a qualified and experienced provider to discuss your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits within your budget.

Erbium Laser Benefits

Erbium laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses advanced laser technology to remove the outer layers of skin, revealing new, refreshed skin cells below. This can be used to help smooth the texture of the skin and create an even skin tone. In addition to removing the outer layers of skin, erbium laser resurfacing also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which give skin youthful fullness. This procedure is similar to procedures like chemical peels or dermabrasion used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hypo or hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Erbium lasers allow for a range of treatment depths to address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. A combination or sequence of laser treatments may be used to deliver the desired results over the course of several visits.

While there are many lasers available to improve the appearance of the skin, erbium lasers are often relied upon for their precision. Because of the greater amount of depth control built into most erbium laser treatment systems, smaller areas can be targeted, and these lasers can be used safely on sensitive areas like the face, neck, hands, or chest. Because of the treatment precision, the dermatologist is able to minimize posttreatment discomfort and recovery time compared with CO2 laser treatments and other laser resurfacing options.

Who is a Good Candidate for Erbium Laser Resurfacing?

Erbium laser resurfacing is most often used to address surface-level and medium-deep lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, but it is equally effective in addressing a range of concerns. The precision laser technology can be used on the face, hands, neck, and chest. These procedures are most often recommended to address fine lines and wrinkles, but people may also choose erbium laser resurfacing treatment to address mild irregularities in the appearance of skin like uneven tone and texture, as well as issues like acne scars, surgical or injury scarring, dark spots, and other flaws. In most cases, patients choose this treatment due to the high levels of precision, so they, generally, are looking to treat a small area.

Like other laser treatments, erbium laser technology works best on lighter skin tones, but the advanced precision of the erbium laser means that a darker skin tone does not necessarily mean patients won’t be candidates for erbium laser resurfacing. However, they should take time to discuss potential side effects with their dermatologist before selecting this procedure to ensure it’s their best option.

Some factors that may mean erbium laser treatment isn’t ideal for the patient include:

How Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment Work?

Because erbium lasers penetrate into deeper layers of skin, the sensation can be uncomfortable. For this reason, your dermatologist will likely apply a topical or local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment. Your dermatologist will then apply the erbium laser to the specific area and depth of skin to address your specific concerns. Erbium lasers interact with water in the body to intentionally damage the skin cells. This jump-starts the body’s healing processes, increases the production of collagen and elastin, and generally triggers the production of healthy, new skin cells. After treatment, you may be given bandages or dressings that need to be applied to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk for side effects. Make sure to follow all aftercare instructions to achieve the best results.

At U.S. Dermatology Partners, we strive to incorporate a range of treatment technologies to ensure patients receive conservative dermatologic treatments that fit their specific needs. The Erbium laser is one technology that allows us to provide precise cosmetic resurfacing even in sensitive areas. If you’re interested in learning more about this treatment, don’t hesitate to contact the U.S. Dermatology Partners to get started.

Are There Side Effects to Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment?

The most common side effects are mild swelling and some discomfort in the first few days after your erbium laser resurfacing treatment. Some patients also experience redness that can last throughout the healing process. Healing may take one to two weeks, depending on the individual. As the skin begins to heal, you may see some flaking or peeling like what you would see after a bad sunburn. Take care to avoid pulling or scratching at any peeling areas as you may unintentionally damage your skin, which leaves you at risk for scarring and infection. Instead, allow the skin to be shed naturally. Apply moisturizer regularly to improve comfort throughout the healing process.

Make sure to follow all instructions from your dermatologist which could include using special facial cleansers, skipping your trip to the pool or gym, and foregoing makeup application to ensure fast, comfortable healing after treatment. Most importantly, the skin is likely to be sensitive to sunlight, so you’ll need to minimize your time outdoors and apply sunscreen regularly if you do need to be outside.

Some patients develop an infection after erbium laser resurfacing, so for those who are prone to skin infections, a dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic pills or creams to reduce this risk. In rare cases, often as the result of improper application, patients may experience burns, scarring, and hyper or hypopigmentation. These situations can be serious, and you should work with your dermatologist and other medical professionals as necessary to ensure you receive the right care.

How Long Does Erbium Laser Resurfacing Treatment Last?

Following treatment, it can take two to three weeks for patients to completely heal and see the unfolding results of their procedure. Depending on the treatment depth, some redness may also persist for two to three months. Most people will need to have more than one initial erbium laser treatment to achieve their desired result, and a dermatologist will work with patients to determine the best course of action. Once the patient achieves their desired result, additional treatments may be necessary to maintain these results. In the case of addressing specific areas of scarring or discoloration, maintenance sessions are unlikely to be recommended.

However, for individuals who choose erbium laser resurfacing to combat the signs of aging or generally improve their skin’s overall appearance, regular retreatment sessions are essential to maintain the results. Unlike other resurfacing treatments, lasers go a little deeper into the skin, and the results will last a bit longer. Your dermatologist will likely want to monitor your body’s response before recommending a frequency for your maintenance sessions, but depending on the individual, retreatment is often scheduled once or twice a year.

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