Laser Skin Resurfacing with Erbium Laser
Serving patients in: Paramus, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Allendale, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Westwood, Ho Ho Kus, Park Ridge, Rivervale, Old Tappan, and surrounding areas.
Erbium laser skin resurfacing is an excellent solution for moderate to deep wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and rosacea. While it is mostly used on the lips, eyes, chin, cheeks, forehead and neck, it can also be used on the hands.
At The Breslow Center, we use Sciton’s erbium laser resurfacing technology, which is widely recognized as the best skin resurfacing laser on the market due to its high ablation efficiency, shorter healing times, and outstanding results.
Along with reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles, erbium laser resurfacing also stimulates the body’s collagen production for up to six months, increasing the skin’s natural firmness and elasticity.
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Erbium laser resurfacing is a specialized treatment that removes the outer layer of damaged skin with pinpoint accuracy. Often called a laser peel, this ablative laser works through laser vaporization, where the skin absorbs the laser energy, allowing the surgeon to remove a thin layer of skin at a time. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen production and the growth of new collagen fibers to create a firmer, more youthful cellular foundation.
The procedure is performed in the clinic using local anesthesia (topical or site injections) and generally takes 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on the areas being treated. Although most patients experience only mild discomfort, sedatives can also be administered to ensure that you are fully comfortable throughout the procedure.
Unlike CO2 lasers, erbium lasers only penetrate the top layers of the epidermis, removing one 30-millionth of an inch of skin with every pass. Working at a wavelength of 2940 nanometers, the erbium laser is drawn to water in the skin, which allows it to target and vaporize skin cells with great accuracy while minimizing excess heat and leaving surrounding tissue intact.
Laser resurfacing treatment offers a definitive solution for a variety of skin concerns.
It effectively treats:
While most commonly used for skin resurfacing on the face, this technology is gentle enough for the neck, chest, and hands. It is particularly effective at addressing skin laxity on the delicate skin around the eyelids and upper lip, where lines and wrinkles tend to settle.
Laser skin resurfacing with erbium effectively “resets” of your skin’s biological clock. By inducing collagen growth, the treatment doesn't just mask imperfections; it physically rebuilds the skin's foundation. Because erbium is more precise than other fractional lasers, there is significantly less patient discomfort and a shorter recovery time. It is a versatile choice for various skin types, providing a significant improvement in skin texture and a visible reduction in sagging skin.
A good candidate for erbium laser resurfacing is a person with fair, non-oily skin and wrinkles around the cheeks, eyes, and lips. People who are very dark-skinned, who’ve used the acne drug Accutane in the past, who are subject to keloids, or who have active acne or other skin conditions aren’t ideal candidates.
Furthermore, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait before they undergo erbium laser resurfacing.
While in some cases it is possible to treat patients with skin herpes or bacterial infections, our doctors may suggest taking retinoids, a skin medication derived from vitamin A, or hydroquinone for about a month before undergoing erbium laser treatments.
This will help uniformize the skin’s thickness, remove excess amounts of melanin, and lower the risk of complications such as uneven pigmentation. Patients with cold sores should take their medication 24 hours before the procedure and then continue with the medication for 7 to 10 days afterwards.
The skin will appear red and swollen to varying degrees immediately following the treatment, and you may experience some pinpoint bleeding. This is perfectly normal and indicates that the treatment has been performed successfully. You will wear a dressing to cover the areas treated for up to 2 days.
Some patients choose to take a few days off from work after the procedure, or schedule it before a long weekend or over the holidays.
Makeup can be used to cover the redness after the procedure. Our team will provide you with detailed skincare instructions to ensure that you are using the right products to expedite the healing process and make sure that you achieve the best possible results.
It takes about a week to 10 days for new skin to develop. During that time, the old skin dries out and begins to peel. After it has completely peeled, the areas treated may remain pink for several weeks. The patient should avoid direct sunlight during that period, wear hats outside, and use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Although it can take several months to fully appreciate the procedure’s effect on the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes, most patients agree that the results are definitely worth waiting for. Some wrinkles may reappear sooner than others, but the benefits are relatively long-lasting.
The improvements to your skin’s quality and texture will make your complexion appear younger and fresher for many years to come.
You will see an immediate improvement in skin texture once the initial peeling is complete (usually in 7–10 days). However, the real magic happens over the next few months as new collagen fibers continue to remodel the skin.
The results of laser resurfacing can last for years. While it cannot stop the natural aging process, it permanently removes the damaged skin layers. Maintaining a medical-grade skincare routine and strict sun protection will help keep your healthy skin vibrant.
Laser surgery is a science of precision. Dr. Gary Breslow and our team of cosmetic surgeons combine 20 years of plastic surgery expertise with the latest in aesthetic technology. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatments; we create a bespoke treatment plan that respects your skin's unique needs.
At The Breslow Center, we provide a luxury environment where safety and high-definition results go hand-in-hand.
Interested in finding out more about laser skin resurfacing at our Paramus, New Jersey practice? Call The Breslow Center today at (201) 444-9522 to schedule a complimentary skin consultation!
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Ablative lasers (like erbium) remove the top layers of skin for more dramatic results in a single session. Non-ablative laser treatments work by heating the tissue without removing the surface, requiring multiple treatments but offering nearly zero downtime.
Yes. Erbium is one of the most effective laser treatments for acne scarring because it can precisely reach the dermal layers to break up scar tissue and encourage healthy skin to grow in its place.
Erbium is generally safer for a wider range of skin types than CO2 lasers, but those with darker skin may still be at risk for pigment changes. A consultation is essential to determine your safety.
Many patients see a noticeable difference with a single erbium session. However, depending on the severity of sun damage or wrinkles, we may recommend a series of lighter fractional laser treatments.
We use a combination of topical and local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Sedation is also available for added comfort Most patients describe the sensation as a light snapping against the skin, with numbing options ensuring minimal patient discomfort.
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