Overview
There are two categories of lasers used for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative and each has its own specific use when recommended for individual patient treatments.
The Erbium Laser can be used as a non-ablative laser and has gained immense popularity in recent years because it requires little to no down time. At Dr Rich’s enRich Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Centre, we are now offering a new ‘cutting edge technology’ that is relatively new to Australia, Micro-dermabrasion by Erbium Laser.
Erbium Micro-dermabrasion uses low energy and offers relatively deep results without the ‘downtime’ of other deep peels or lasers. The Erbium laser can provide a partial to full epidermal peel (20-50 Microns deep), as opposed to Diamond Crystal Micro-dermabrasion, which acts only on the stratum corneum layer (the very outer layer) of the skin (10-15 microns deep).
What are the Differences
Diamond Crystal Micro-dermabrasion is a method of mechanically exfoliating the upper layers of non-viable skin cells. Abrasive particles are directed out through a handpiece and at the skin. As the handpiece is gently waved over the skin, the abrasive particles are guided out and suctioned back into the machine. This combination of abrasion and suction removes upper layers of dead skin. Minimal if any fibroblast activity is created, therefore little if any new collagen is stimulated.
Erbium Laser Micro-dermabrasion technique can be used to effectively treat more advanced signs of photo ageing including fine lines caused by sun damage, it can help to reduce or improve the appearance of age spots, improve mild acne scarring and surface imperfections, while also being valuable of rejuvenating the texture, tone, and sometimes colour in the skin of the face, neck and backs of hands, without the usually related ‘downtime’ of other laser treatments.
The low energy of the Erbium Laser produces a wavelength that gently polishes the outer layers and removes the old dead skin cells, while also penetrating into the skin causing the skin to respond to the laser as if it were repairing a wound, and new skin is regenerated. Recent studies have shown that the Erbium Laser stimulates fibroblast cell activity, which is responsible for the production of collagen within the skin. After treatment patients will see an immediate, visible improvement to the texture of the outer surface of the skin. Although the skin will appear red and sometimes look dry, the outer surface will be smoother.
The Procedure
A topical anaesthetic cream is applied one hour prior to treatment for patient comfort. Throughout the treatment protective eyewear is worn by both patient and professional team member. During the procedure the wand-like laser hand piece is passed over the skin, especially in areas of damaged skin cells and or wrinkles. The beam from the laser penetrates the upper layer of skin, removing only the outer dead skin cells. As the skin is numb it is normal for the patient to feel no discomfort, however a ‘popping noise’ from the laser can be heard. After treatment a cream will be applied to soothe the skin and to keep the skin from drying out.
Recovery Process
The skin usually appears grey or pink or red, depending on the number of passes over the treated areas. Any redness usually settles within 24 hours, allowing patients to resume their daily activities without interruption. Rarely slight scabbing may occur, if so it usually settles within a few days. After the first few days, non-irritating moisturisers may be used (staff will recommend a suitable cream). Sunscreen application is also important after any treatment. Makeup can usually be worn the following day after treatment.
Considerations
As results from Erbium Laser Micro-dermabrasion are less obvious than those which can be achieved with ablative laser resurfacing (where the surface of the skin is removed completely), patients must be aware multiple sessions would be required to achieve a deeper effect.
Risks and Complications
Although rare, Hyper-pigmentation (increased pigment) or Hypo-pigmentation (reduced pigment) can result after any laser treatments. This risk is assessed and discussed prior to any treatment. Pigmentation variances are usually more common in patients who have dark or olive skin tones. Sunscreen must be applied liberally for one month after the procedure to help minimise pigmentation occurring.
FAQs
What is an Erbium laser?
The Erbium is a YAG (Er:YAG) laser and has the unique ability to be used as an ablative and non-ablative laser depending on the power used. As a non-ablative laser, the Erbium offers patients new options for skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime and recovery time.
What are the benefits?
Benefits for aged and photo damaged (sun damaged) skin include improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of brown spots and scars, and an overall tightening of the skin. In addition to its beneficial effects to the outer layers of the skin, it also stimulates collagen production and remodelling in the deeper layers.
How do I achieve optimal results?
Multiple treatments would be performed usually at monthly intervals for the optimal results. Initial results will be an improvement in the texture and smoothness of the skin. Plumping of the skin occurs between eight weeks to six months after the first treatment as ‘fibroblasts activity’ (producing collagen), is not instantaneous.
