As a plastic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, Dr. Robert Cristel has seen skin resurfacing technologies evolve over the years. Among the various options available today, he trusts erbium laser resurfacing for its excellent safety record and proven success.
Here, he explains erbium laser resurfacing, its benefits, and, most importantly, its safety profile.
Types of laser resurfacing
When you start looking into laser resurfacing, the first thing you’ll notice is that it’s an umbrella term for several distinct technologies. Here’s an overview of the different treatments that fall under the laser resurfacing category:
Ablative lasers
Ablative lasers remove thin layers of your skin. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium lasers are the most common ablative lasers.
Nonablative lasers
Unlike ablative lasers, nonablative lasers don’t burn off skin. Instead, they stimulate collagen growth and tighten the skin underneath. Examples include pulsed dye, ND:Yag, and Alexandrite lasers.
Fractional lasers
Fractional lasers treat only a fraction of your skin’s surface, leaving the surrounding area untouched. This approach, which can be either ablative or nonablative, allows for a faster healing process.
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
While not technically a laser, IPL works similarly by emitting light pulses. Dermatologists often use it for treating sun damage, dark spots, and rosacea.
Erbium lasers
Erbium laser resurfacing removes surface-level and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on your face, hands, neck, and chest.
One of the primary benefits of erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burning of and damage to the surrounding tissue. This laser causes fewer side effects — swelling, bruising, and redness — so your recovery time should be faster than with CO2 laser resurfacing.
Get to know erbium laser resurfacing
Erbium laser resurfacing uses the power of light to remove the outer layers of your skin that have been damaged by aging, sun exposure, or scarring, and Dr. Cristel uses the latest erbium laser technology.
During your treatment session, he hovers the handheld device over your problem areas, where it directs pulsating beams of light that penetrate the layers. The light energy damages targeted tissues only and removes the skin layer by layer.
The best part about this technology is its ability to limit heat damage to the surrounding skin while promoting collagen remodeling, which tightens your skin.
The most common risks associated with erbium laser resurfacing
While erbium laser resurfacing has proven effective and generally safe, like any medical procedure, it comes with potential risks and complications, so it’s wise to understand them before deciding if this procedure is right for you.
Scars and infection
Although rare, there’s a risk of scarring after erbium laser resurfacing, particularly in areas where your skin folds. Infections are also possible but are usually preventable with proper aftercare.
Changes in skin pigmentation
Some people with darker skin tones have reported post-procedure hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) or hypopigmentation (skin lightening).
Other risks
You may notice some temporary redness, swelling, itching, or pain after your treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin. Also, laser resurfacing may trigger a flare-up if you’re prone to cold sores.
How to ensure the safety of erbium laser resurfacing
To guarantee a safe and effective erbium laser resurfacing experience, choose a qualified and experienced provider like Dr. Cristel.
Next, make sure you follow Dr. Cristel’s pre-procedure preparation instructions. For instance, you may need to apply topical tretinoin 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks before your appointment.
Aftercare is equally important. Following Dr. Cristel’s post-procedure instructions helps you prevent infection and promote healing.
You can rest assured that your face is in good hands with Dr. Cristel at Synergi Facial Surgery. Book an appointment online or call us in Chesterfield or O’Fallon, Missouri, to learn more about erbium laser resurfacing.