What is Erbium Laser?
Erbium laser is a laser used on the skin with a wavelength of 2940nm. It targets the water in the skin. It vaporises the tissue in a controlled manner on the skin’s surface.
It can be used in the treatment of wrinkles, acne scarring, skin texture, pigmentation and for moles lumps and bumps on the surface of the skin
What conditions is Erbium Laser used for?
Wrinkles: Erbium laser can be used for mild to moderate wrinkles. It is used for resurfacing the skin. The laser ablates the skin surface to a chosen depth. Several passes can be used. The range of depths can include anywhere from 10 microns to 120 microns. The deeper the treatment, the greater the results and the greater the downtime and potential complications. Downtime can range from 5 days to 2 weeks
To improve skin texture and the appearance of pores: Removing the top 10-30 microns is a light resurfacing procedure and will require 5 days downtime. The uppermost layer of skin is removed and a brand new skin surface is created. This will stimulate collagen and the skin will appear refreshed
Mole, lump and bump removal: The erbium laser can be used to remove benign moles, lumps, bumps and skin tags on the skin surface. This treatment is superior to older methods of removal (eg excision) in terms of scarring.
Pigmentation: Superficial pigmentation may be removed with an erbium laser, by vaporising the tissue on the surface of the skin where the pigmentation resides. In general it is better to use a laser or IPL that targets the pigment to remove pigmentation while keeping the skin surface intact. The Erbium laser does not keep the surface of the skin intact.
Acne scarring treatment: Acne scarring may be treated by ablating the superficial layers of the skin. New skin is formed and collagen is regenerated and a smoother texture of the skin will occur
Rhinophyma treatment: rhinophyma is a enlargement of the nose and its skin tissue, which can occur as part of Rosacea. It is due to enlargement of sebaceous glands of the nose. It can cause an unsightly lumpy and bulbous appearance of the nose. The erbium laser can be used to remove the excess nose tissue, improving the nose shape and skin texture.
What are the side effects/risks of Erbium Laser?
Hyperpigmentation / PIH (Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Increased skin pigmentation. This tends to occur in patients with darker skin tones. If a patient is predisposed to PIH, then they should be on a lightening agent prior to and after treatment to reduce the likelihood of PIH occurring. Topical steroid may also be prescribed by the doctor after the treatment to reduce the likelihood of PIH
Hypopigmentation (decreased skin pigmentation) This is possible after Erbium laser. The deeper the treatment, the greater the likelihood of this occurring. This is uncommon in full facial resurfacing at mild to moderate depths. Hypopigmentation in a very small area is likely when removing a deep benign mole/naevus.
Scarring: Very uncommon
Infection: Cold sore (herpes virus) and bacterial infections are possible. Antivirals may be prescribed preventatively. Antibiotics may be required if a bacterial infection occurs
Acne erruption: This can occur after the procedure possibly due to the greasy ointment which is required for healing. It usually resolves quite quickly
THE PROCEDURE FOR FULL FIELD ERBIUM LASER
Consultation:
Consultation is required before erbium laser resurfacing treatment.
A history will need to be taken, including history of other treatments, complications, skin type and history of cold sores. The amount of downtime available will need to be discussed and also other treatment options
Examination of your skin and what needs to be required.
Photographs of your skin will be taken.
Consent form will be read and signed, with opportunity for further discussion
If the patient is predisposed to PIH, a lightening agent would be prescribed. Sometimes this is required for up to 8 weeks prior to procedure
The patient may be prescribed a retinoid to prepare the skin for resurfacing.
Appointment will be made for the procedure. Prepayment is required
The Erbium Laser Procedure
The patient arrives 1 hour before the procedure and may be given some Valium prior to the procedure. This is not required for single spot erbium or nano laser peels, or micro laser peels
Local anaesthetic may be injected to block the nerves
A topical anaesthetic will be applied for 1 hour prior to the procedure with glad wrap.
The patient’s face will be cleaned twice with medical grade acetone.
The Erbium laser will be used on the face with multiple pulses to pass over the face. Several passes over the face may be required
An ointment will be applied to the face eg Vaseline
The patient’s face will be very red and covered in a layer of ointment
Cost of Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Please see our pricing page,
Options for Erbium Laser Treatment
Single Spot Erbium: This is for removal of moles, lumps, bumps and any raised lesions on the face. The spot size here is 2mm, so it is a very precise option for mole removal with best cosmetic outcome
Nanolaser Peel: This is a full field resurfacing procedure that is very light with short downtime, it requires only a light layer of ointment for a couple of days before going back to work. This peel is under 10 microns
Microlaser Peel: This is a full field resurfacing procedure that is moderate and with a downtime of approximately 5 days. This is often combined with an ablative fractional laser or BBL.
Laser resurfacing: This is a deeper option, with an increased downtime to over 2 weeks and increased risks.
Get In Touch
The Manse Clinic Paddington and Uptown Sydney CBD is where beauty meets expertise. Rejuvenate with our Erbium laser service. Get flawless skin with our expert face laser treatment near you. Embrace refined beauty at The Manse Clinic, where innovation and confidence shine. Explore Erbium laser treatments and connect with us to unveil a more vibrant you.
