What Is Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is an ablative treatment that uses a 2,940 nm wavelength of light to remove damaged layers of skin one micro-layer at a time. The erbium:YAG wavelength is absorbed almost entirely by water in the skin, so it vaporizes with very little heat spreading to the surrounding cells. This laser provides precise resurfacing with a shorter recovery than traditional CO2 lasers.

How the Erbium Laser Works on Your Skin

The erbium treatment works on three principles: removing damaged skin, limiting residual heat and stimulating new collagen. The laser vaporizes the top layers, which are often sun-damaged and dull. This helps minimize fine lines and surface scarring. Because heat exposure is limited in the surrounding tissues, there is less redness and irritation than there would be with more intensive treatments like CO2 lasers.

In addition to removing damaged skin, the laser energy also prompts a renewal process. Over the following months, your body produces additional collagen and elastin, which helps to further soften lines and texture irregularities.

What Skin Concerns Can Erbium Laser Resurfacing Improve?

Erbium resurfacing can address concerns on the surface of the skin and in the layers beneath it, including:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles 
  • Sun damage and age spots
  • Acne scars and surgical scars
  • Rough texture and enlarged pores
  • Dull, tired-looking skin
  • Precancerous actinic keratoses

Who Is a Good Candidate for Erbium Resurfacing?

The best candidates are those who are in good health without skin irritation or infection in the treatment area, who want to see improvements in sun damage, lines, scarring or texture. Erbium produces less heat than CO2, so it is suitable for a wider range of skin tones. At your consultation, your provider will review your skin type, medical history, skin condition and goals to make sure erbium is the right fit. We also offer additional treatments for those who are not good candidates for erbium, including MOXI®, BBL® and VirtueRF microneedling.  

Your Erbium Laser Treatment at Austin Skin & Wellness

  • Your Consultation and Custom Treatment Plan: Every Erbium patient starts with a consultation. Your provider evaluates your skin and builds a plan around your concerns.
  • The Day of Your Treatment: Your skin is cleansed, and a topical numbing cream is applied for 30 to 45 minutes. Once your skin is fully numb, your provider passes the Erbium laser across the treatment area, adjusting depth and coverage as needed. Full-face sessions take 30 to 60 minutes.
  • What the Laser Feels Like: With numbing in place, most patients describe sensations as a warm prickling sensation. Cool-air technology is included in the laser to keep you comfortable.

Erbium Laser Recovery and Results Timeline

Expect to have redness and some swelling for the first three to five days, along with a sandpaper-like texture as the outer skin sheds and new skin takes its place. Most patients are back to normal activities and skin care routines in about a week. Collagen remodeling will continue for three to six months, so results will keep improving after your skin has healed. One session may be enough, or your provider may recommend a short series for deeper results.  

Why Choose Austin Skin & Wellness for Laser Skin Resurfacing

Austin Skin & Wellness is a medical spa in West Lake Hills led by Medical Director Dr. Eleanor Womack and founder Brandi McMurry, a skincare specialist with more than 30 years of experience. With our team, you can take advantage of over 73 years of combined experience. Our care is evidence-based and personalized, and we never push products or sessions you do not need. Because we also offer MOXI, BBL, VirtueRF microneedling, Ultherapy®, chemical peels, and injectables, we can layer Erbium into a complete skin plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Erbium laser results last?

Results from erbium laser treatments can last for a year or longer, depending on the patient and aftercare. Those who see the best and longest-lasting results are usually those who concentrate on consistent sun protection and a good skincare routine. Make sure to wear sunscreen, even on the days when you plan to be inside. We can recommend daily products that contain SPF30 or higher. You can also schedule yearly maintenance treatments with this or another device to keep your skin in good condition.

Is Erbium laser resurfacing painful?

Erbium laser resurfacing is usually well-tolerated with the use of topical numbing. Most patients feel warmth and prickling during the treatment, as well as some tenderness and sensitivity for several days after.

How many laser treatments will I need?

Depending on the patient and the severity of their skin concerns, we may recommend anywhere from one to five erbium sessions. If you and your provider decide to do more than one treatment, these sessions will be scheduled four to six weeks apart. In between each session, your provider can assess your results and discuss whether additional treatments would be beneficial.

Can erbium be used on darker skin tones?

Erbium laser resurfacing is suitable for a wider range of patients because of the reduced surface heat. However, it is still important for you to have a consultation to discuss your skin type and whether the erbium laser could be beneficial.

Can I combine erbium resurfacing with other treatments?

Erbium laser resurfacing may pair well with other cosmetic treatments like neurotoxins, dermal fillers, biostimulators like Sculptra® and skin tightening treatments like Ultherapy. However, everyone is different, and it is important to stage these treatments properly to avoid impacting the safety or results of any given treatment.

How much does erbium laser resurfacing cost in Austin?

Pricing will depend on the size of the area we are treating and other factors, such as the number of treatments in your plan. During your consultation, you can get a personalized estimate for your situation.

How soon can I wear makeup after treatment?

You can apply mineral-based makeup once the skin has calmed and has finished flaking and peeling. For most people, this is around five to seven days after treatment. In the meantime, focus on gentle products that keep the skin moisturized.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help you nurture both your skin and soul, and answer any questions you may have.

Schedule Your Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Consultation in Austin, TX

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective ways to address sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, and rough texture in a single treatment, with far less downtime than traditional CO2 lasers. To schedule your erbium laser consultation at Austin Skin & Wellness, call 512-551-8551 or request an appointment through our website.

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