Hitwise Top 10 Medical Site
  Search for Doctors    specialty zip code  
Return to: Home » Health Articles : Is the Erbium Laser Right ...

Advertisement
Bookmark and Share

Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing (Er:YAG) Doctors Near You

Photo Channing Barnett, M.D.
New York
Photo Ran Rubinstein, M.D.
Newburgh
Photo Robert Rho, M.D., F.A.A.C.S.
New York City / Flushing
Photo David Shafer, MD
New York

Search: 

Is the Erbium Laser Right for You?


Advertisement

Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective procedures for getting rid of age spots, reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and rejuvenating the face. The procedure involves applying laser energy directly onto the skin to vaporize the skin tissue and heat up the skin’s deepest layers. This process breaks down dead skin cells and encourages collagen production so the skin becomes firmer and more toned, and the Erbium: YAG laser is one of the most popular ablative laser used for facial rejuvenation today.
 
The Erbium laser uses a low wavelength of energy to penetrate into the skin, and can be used to treat deep scars and skin discoloration. Are you a good candidate for the Erbium laser? Here’s a close look at how this laser skin resurfacing treatment works:

Erbium: YAG Basics

The Erbium: YAG laser works by stripping away the top layer of dead skin and also heating up the second and third layers of skin slightly. This trauma to the skin encourages rapid skin cell production which is essentially the body’s way of healing after the ‘injury’; within a few days and weeks, the skin will begin to repair itself and push up fresh skin cells to the surface. The Erbium laser effectively triggers this natural response.
The entire procedure can take up to an hour and a half as the doctor passes the laser gently over the treatment area. The length and power of the laser beam can be controlled, which means the doctor can adjust the laser to reach deeper in areas where they may be more scar tissue. After the procedure is complete, the skin will be covered with a light gauze to help with healing.

Best Candidates for Erbium Laser Procedures

The Erbium:YAG laser is often the best choice for individuals who have a darker skin tone and relatively strong, healthy skin. The patient must be in good health or the skin will not be able to heal quickly; in some cases, a nutritional supplementation plan is recommended for the post-op phase.
 
You may be a good candidate for the Erbium laser if you have
  • Deep scars or wrinkles
  • Superficial acne scars
  • An uneven skin tone
  • Brown spots
  • Facial skin laxity (sagging skin)
  • Sun damage of the lips
  • Enlarged oil glands
  • Precancerous spots
  • Age spots and extensive photodamage
The Erbium laser is often preferred over other types of laser skin resurfacing treatments because there is little to no swelling involved, and the treated area can be managed with some basic topical ointments during the healing phase. The procedure is typically performed with local or topical anesthesia, and has a track record of few complications and a low risk of burning of the surrounding tissues. In almost all cases, patients need to undergo just one treatment in order to achieve results.
 
Learn more about laser skin resurfacing in our information guide, or consult with an anti-aging specialist in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for the Erbium: YAG laser or other skin rejuvenation procedures.

 

Published: 03/13/2009, Last Updated: 03/13/2009

By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers

Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.





Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing (Er:YAG) Surgery Information Guide

Ready for Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing (Er:YAG)
"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
  1. Find Dermatologists around Mamaroneck, NY
  2. Find Dermatologists In Other Cities
  3. Patient Financing
    Think you'll need help paying for your surgery? Almost anyone is a candidate for easy financing of up to 100% of the surgery costs.
After Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing (Er:YAG)
  1. Recommend Your Doctor
Featured Articles & News Related to Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing (Er:YAG)
"What other related things might I like to know?"
  1. Is the Erbium Laser Right for You?
    The Erbium laser continues to be a popular choice for skin rejuvenation and scar removal. Are you a good candidate for the Erbium laser? Here's what you need to know.
Browse All Articles

Related Subjects and Keywords: erbium laser  yag laser  laser skin rejuvenation  facial rejuvenation  laser scar removal  yag  erbium laser rejuvenation  anti aging 


Search: 


Advertisement

Dissatisfied with our Health Articles? Have a health article suggestion?
Tell us how we can improve.