Laser skin resurfacing with Spectrum Erbium Yag can improve some of your most common skin concerns and blemishes, helping you achieve younger, more radiant skin.
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What is the Spectrum Erbium Yag Laser?
The Erbium Yag is an innovative laser system that is attracted to water in the skin. Through this water, the laser light energy is absorbed within the skin’s deeper layers, causing them to heat up and stimulating the healing process along with new collagen production. Collagen is the key to strong, healthy skin, and as you age your body begins to produce less of it. With more collagen produced, you can expect skin that looks and feels younger. At the same time, the Erbium Yag laser removes the outer layer of skin to reveal a more even complexion.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
We will perform laser skin resurfacing on skin types up to Fitzpatrick V. A skin assessment will be done at your consultation to determine if you are a candidate for Erbium-Yag Laser skin resurfacing. Candidates for laser skin resurfacing are those who experience blemishes such as sun spots, age spots, and acne scarring or signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. While laser skin resurfacing can treat mild signs of aging, more severe signs of aging and skin laxity may require a more invasive procedure. Many individuals choose laser skin resurfacing to maintain the results of a past facial procedure. Laser skin resurfacing can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
If you have taken Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 12-months or are currently on Minocin or Doxycycline you cannot receive laser resurfacing. If you have healing disorders caused by diabetes mellitus, connective tissue disease, have received radiation/chemotherapy, or have a history of hypertrophic scarring or keloids, this should be discussed with the doctor prior to treatment. If you have an active herpes simplex outbreak in the treatment area, you should wait to have a treatment. An anti-viral will be prescribed for your next treatment to minimize the chance of another outbreak. We do not recommend laser skin resurfacing for patients who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
How do I Prepare for Treatment?
To receive laser skin resurfacing, you cannot be tanned, use self-tanners, or be sunburnt. If you shave, shave 24 hours before the procedure (you will not be able to shave for 10 days after the procedure). If you are using aggressive skincare products such as Retinols, skin exfoliants, or other aggressive products, discontinue use 2 weeks prior to treatment. Your skin must be completely clean and free of any lotions, perfumes, makeup, or deodorants on the day of your treatment. Pre-treatment skincare protocol must be completed for a minimum of 3 months.
To maximize your comfort during the treatment process, a strong, specially compounded topical numbing cream is prescribed for the patient. The triple anesthetic cream, also known as TAC is shipped directly to your home from Pioneer Compounding Pharmacy. There is a fee associated with this prescription. The numbing cream is applied one hour prior to treatment.
What is the Treatment Like?
Before laser skin resurfacing, you will be given glasses to protect your eyes and the treatment area will be cleansed and a cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area. The Erbium Yag laser handpiece is then directed at the skin, delivering pulses of laser energy. In addition to the numbing cream, a chiller is used during the procedure. The chiller blows very cold air at the treatment site to protect the skin and minimize discomfort.
In some cases, one treatment session might be enough to show skin improvements, however, most patients will require multiple treatment sessions to show results. Sessions will be spaced out to ensure the skin heals properly between sessions. Several variables will dictate how many treatments you will need for optimum results. The extent of pre-treatment skin damage combined with how aggressively you treat will determine how many sessions it will take for optimum results. Keep in mind that post-procedure skin care and genetics can impact the longevity of your procedure. You will continue to age, therefore, occasional future procedures will be needed to maintain the results.
What are my Post-Treatment Care Instructions?
After laser skin resurfacing, expect 7-10 days of downtime. Redness, swelling, and peeling will be experienced after the procedure. Ice can be applied if there is swelling or discomfort and Tylenol or Motrin can be used if necessary. Proper skincare is important after laser resurfacing. Keep the skin clean and covered with Aquaphor several times a day for 10 days. It is very important not to pick or peel your skin and to let it peel on its own. Picking or peeling can cause scarring. Avoid hot water, hot tubs, saunas, chlorine, lakes, rivers, and pools for 1-month following this procedure. You should also avoid aggressive skincare products such as Retinols, skin exfoliants, or other aggressive products for 1-month following laser resurfacing. Avoid shaving the area for at least 10 days. You should sleep with your head elevated as long as you have swelling. Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup can be used after the skin returns to normal (10-30 days). Avoid direct sun exposure for 1-month following the procedure, as your skin will be extra sensitive during this time. Use a good sunblock containing a minimum of 9% zinc when instructed by the doctor.
What Results Can I Expect?
In the days following treatment, patients can expect the outer layers of skin to flake away, revealing new skin beneath with faded spots and blemishes. Over the next several weeks, your skin will continue to improve as new collagen is created. Results are long-lasting, but future aging can occur. Maintenance sessions can be performed in the future to keep your skin looking young and rejuvenated.
This procedure must be performed by a physician. Dr. Stanislaw is a physician, board-certified in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He has been practicing medicine since 2000 and has extensive experience performing laser treatments. To schedule your consultation with us and determine if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing, contact our office today.
At the time of your consultation, you will be provided a quote which will be honored for 1-year.