The skin is the largest organ in our bodies. It protects us from infection and shields us from harmful substances. However, as we age, the effects of the sun, wind, time, and hormones begin to show. At first fine lines appear around our eyes and lips. Then, as the collagen beneath our skin wears out, deeper wrinkles begin to appear. Surface irregularities such as pigment discolorations and acne scarring may also occur.

In the past, the treatments of choice for those conditions were dermabrasion or chemical peels. In dermabrasion, layers of skin are actually sanded away and in chemical peels, layers of skin are burned away with an acid solution. The Erbium laser is the latest advance for the treatment of aging and sun-damaged skin. The Erbium laser provides a safer, more accurate and less painful method of restoring a softer, smoother, more youthful appearing skin. In most cases, patients can have their procedure performed in the doctor's office and be home that same day.

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is a procedure specifically designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face. The Erbium laser produces less heating or burning of surrounding tissues than other lasers used for resurfacing. This allows your doctor to gently and comfortably vaporize the damaged skin cells layer by layer. Recent studies have shown that the Erbium laser stimulates the production of collagen, creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin.

What about the recovery?

Skin resurfacing with the cool light of the Erbium laser results in less post-operation redness, less swelling and provides a more rapid healing than with other skin resurfacing methods. In most cases, patients are fully recovered and back to normal activities within 7 -10 days. Following the procedure, the treated areas are kept moist with ointment and/or occlusive dressings for the first few days. Post-operatively, there is a period of healing which is generally completed within five to seven days. Sunblock should be applied when in the sun. Make-up can be worn after the first week. Over the next few weeks, your fresh, new, pink skin will fade to a normal tone revealing a softer, smoother, younger look.

What are the benefits of Erbium laser skin resurfacing?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is a safe, reliable out-patient procedure. Resurfacing with the Erbium laser produces fewer unwanted side-effects and complications. Erbium lasers can sometimes be used on the neck, chest and hands. With the Erbium laser it is often possible to treat darker pigmented skin tones. Treatment with the Erbium laser produces minimal heating and burning of surrounding tissue. Healing is more rapid because the Erbium laser causes minimal redness, swelling and bruising.

Is Erbium skin resurfacing for you? What else can lasers treat?

Lasers are one of the most significant advances in medicine today. A variety of lasers may be used to treat a wide variety of other skin conditions including the removal of warts, tattoos, Port Wine stains, stretch marks, age spots, freckles, benign moles, scars and small blood vessels called telangiectasias or spider veins, on the face and legs.