Erbium laser resurfacing is removes superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, or chest. There is MINIMAL burning of the surrounding tissues. This laser causes fewer side effects (swelling, bruising, redness), which allows for much faster recovery., typically less than 1 week.
Errbium laser resurfacing is especially helpful for people with darker skin (Latino, Asian, black).
Erbium laser utilizies fractional photothermolysis, which has revolutionized cutaneous laser resurfacing (introduced by Manstein et al in 2004). Using a nonablative, 1550-nm Er-doped fiber laser, full-thickness columns of thermal injury (termed microthermal treatment zones or MTZs) are created in a pixelated pattern just below the level of the stratum corneum, with the surrounding skin left intact. Because epidermal barrier function is intact, healing is rapid, without oozing or crusting. A series of treatments is recommended for best result for sun-damaged or scarred skin.
Patients can achieve facial rejuvenation by stimulating new collagen growth, resulting in better skin texture and finer wrinkles.