Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Erbium YAG laser is indicated for skin lesions such as sun keratosis, atrophic facial scars (acne, chickenpox), dyschromia (melasma, freckles), facial wrinkles, striae ( stretch marks), sagging skin, large pores. Using pulses of variable depth, even patients with deeper wrinkles can achieve excellent results.

The treatment itself generally is well tolerated, however, heat usually starts to build up in the skin immediately following the procedure and the treated area may feel hot and sore much like moderate sunburn for 6-8hrs. Redness of the skin will occur and may last between 1-3 days; make-up can be applied the following day if desired. The skin may feel dry and tight and very mild peeling may be experienced which can last for several days. Unlike traditional skin resurfacing, blistering and crusting does not usually occur following the procedure. Dryness of the skin is treated using a series of bespoke cosmeceutical skincare products. A Biorevitalization treatment can be combined immediately and over the subsequent days to help with quicker recovery and more stimulation.

All areas of the body can be treated with Erbium:YAG Fractional skin resurfacing but it should be emphasised that these techniques work best on facial skin, neck, décolleté and back of the hands. Facial skin is the most suitable area of the body for treatment because of the abundance of dermal glands. These glands, such as the sweat and oil glands, provide the new cells that will migrate to the surface of the skin. Erbium lasers have been used on other areas of the body such as the neck, chest, arms, and hands, but with fewer dermal glands these areas are more likely to scar.

We are also using the treatment on other ares of the body where scaring has occurred. All types of skin colour can be treated except dark skinned Afro-Caribbean.

Local anaesthetic numbing cream is applied to the area and left on for 30 minutes. Sometimes numbing injections are also done. The laser is then gently passed over the selected site. One or more passes are made depending on how deep a treatment is intended. The laser feels warm as it passes over the skin. Cooled air can be used to reduce the warm sensation.

The skin looks pink afterwards ranging from slightly pink for a micropeel, to intense red for a deep peel. In the case of a micropeel the pinkness settles over a 1-2 couple of days. In the case of deeper peels the skin looks deep red and there may be some oozing and the redness settles over 7-10 days. It is important to use good sun protection as the skin recovers to protect the fresh new skin from being damaged again.

As the skin heals it reveals fresher, younger looking skin and reduces surface irregularities and brown spots. New collagen continues to develop over 3-6 months.

For best results, we recommend a series of 3-6 treatment sessions performed every 4-6 weeks.

There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that laser treatment can be linked to skin disorders or increased risk of skin cancer. However, as with any laser or light based treatment, there is a very small risk of potential side effects such as pigment changes and scarring. The risk of these occurring can be reduced to an absolute minimum by ensuring that patients follow the pre and post treatment advice given during the initial consultation.

Our medical laser practitioner, has 16 years of experience in providing various skin treatments. We are also members of the British Medical Laser Association ensuring the highest level of safety for our patients. We only invest in the highest quality laser systems from leading medical manufacturers with a comprehensive background in research, safety and development – you are in safe hands!

The Erbium: YAG Fractional Laser Resurfacing has long been established as a safe and effective treatment for acne scars, traumatic scars, pigmentation, sun damage, melasma, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven skin texture. The treatment is best suited to light to olive skin types. In some cases, darker skin types may be suitable for the treatment.

Yes, we require a patch-test at least 1 week prior to your treatment (even if you have had this treatment done previously elsewhere). The patch-test takes 10 minutes to do and can sometimes be done at your consultation appointment. We recommend stopping retinol 5 days prior and avoiding sun exposure 4 weeks prior patch-test.

For optimal results, most patients will require 1-3 sessions (approximately 1 session per month). In some circumstances, more sessions may be needed.

The results of this treatment are permanent. However, over time, concerns such as pores, pigmentation or fine lines may return. Thus you may benefit from doing Erbium: YAG Fractional laser again in the future.

With adequate anaesthesia, Erbium: YAG Fractional laser is not painful. We use a combination of numbing cream, and cool air, during and after treatment to minimise any discomfort.

There is some redness, swelling, sensitivity and possible crusting of the skin. Most people can be back to work within 5 days and back to normal social activities within 7 days. With more intense treatments, the recovery may be a little longer.

Laser treatments are carried out by our trained and experienced medical aesthetic practitioners.

We recommend that you pause any treatments like retinol, tretinoin, salicylic acid or glycolic for 14 days prior treatment. We recommend that you do not tan for at least 4 weeks prior to and for at least 6 weeks after this treatment.