Erbium lasers use the 2940 wavelength. This wavelength is primarily attracted to the water in the skin. This attraction to water causes controlled ablation of a very fine layer of skin that literally vaporizes a fine layer of skin. By ablating the superficial layers of the skin, new collagen and skin is regenerated, giving skin a more even texture.
Erbium lasers were among the first lasers used for acne scar reduction. They used to take approximately 1 to 2 weeks to recover from because the entire face had to be resurfaced. Newer treatments now combined with fractional treatment methods have drastically reduced recovery time.
Unlike the older erbium laser treatments, only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated by the laser during fractional laser resurfacing . The laser produces thousands of tiny microscopic treatment areas deep in your skin. Because there is so much less damage done during a treatment the recovery time can be a few of days instead of weeks.
The skin usually appears red and a little swollen after treatments. There may be some residual redness that lasts a few days depending on the severity of the treatment.
The most well known erbium fractional laser is the Starlux 2940. It is the most widely used for erbium laser treatments. You should be aware that there is small risk of skin pigment changes after erbium laser treatments. The risk of hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation is possible if the patient’s skin type is olive or darker. For this reason, erbium laser treatments are usually restricted to lighter skin types. People with dark complexions would be more suited to use a non ablative fractional laser treatment like the Fraxel or Starlux 1540.
Acne and acne scars can be devastating to a persons self esteem and confidence. Fortunately, laser treatments have come a long way in recent years offering people more options with less intrusive treatments and less side effects.
