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Erbium YAG Laser Guide

Written By Aesthetic Content Writer Emily Carter. Reviewed By Medical Director Dr Sumit Virmani

Published On: 12 July 20257 min read
Erbium YAG Laser Guide
So, you want to achieve a more youthful glow to your skin without going under the knife or long recovery times? Well, at The One Clinic, we have the answer in the form of Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing treatment.  This advanced laser treatment is one of the least invasive skin resurfacing options available. It works to target specific skin concerns and improve your overall skin tone and skin texture.  Whether you struggle with acne scarring, dark spots, or sun damage, find out how laser skin resurfacing can help treat these skin conditions with our Erbium YAG laser guide If you would prefer to speak to one of our doctors in person, contact our clinic to book a 1-2-1 appointment for Erbium YAG laser treatment.  CONTACT US

What is laser skin resurfacing?

If you want to make a significant improvement to the tone and texture of your skin, then laser skin resurfacing treatment is worth considering. Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of laser light energy to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. This allows new and healthy skin to grow in its place, which leaves you with a smoother and more radiant complexion.  It is an effective laser treatment to help address and treat various skin disorders. This includes lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin and atrophic facial scars (from acne or infection). There are different types of laser skin resurfacing treatments. At The One Clinic, we use the Erbium YAG laser. This is one of the most versatile and precise laser devices on the market. This means great results with less downtime and minimal thermal damage to the skin. 

Introduction to Erbium lasers 

The Erbium YAG laser (also known as Er:YAG laser) is a type of ablative laser, which removes the outer damaged skin layers. It does this by using infrared light to target and remove damaged skin while causing minimal thermal damage to the healthy surrounding skin.  It is one of the most advanced lasers in the range of erbium lasers med sci for treating various skin issues through skin resurfacing. It is one of the most effective laser treatments for tackling and reducing deep wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and age spots.  Erbium YAG laser uses power and precise laser energy to treat specific areas of the face such as around the eyes or mouth. Equally, it can treat the entire face or different parts of the body, including the hands, neck and décolletage.

Benefits of Erbium YAG laser resurfacing treatment

There are many benefits of having Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing, including: 
  • The laser device uses a wavelength of 2940nm (laser output) is absorbed by the water in the skin, which means much less heat damage to the skin compared to other lasers such as the CO2 laser.
  • We can customise the laser to treat individual skin concerns and match it to your skin type.
  • It is a non-invasive treatment which means it requires minimal downtime and allows you to return to normal activities much quicker than other lasers. 
  • It is an effective treatment for improving skin tone, skin texture, reducing wrinkles and treating acne scars and sun damage. 
  • Erbium YAG laser also stimulates collagen production in the deep layers of the skin. This helps to promote smoother and firmer skin. 
  • It can be used on darker skin tones by using a specific wavelength. This is why it is considered to be a safer alternative to a carbon dioxide laser for dark skin types. You will still need a patch test first.

How does Erbium YAG laser compare to CO2 lasers for skin resurfacing?

Both the Erbium YAG laser and CO2 lasers are known as ablative laser treatments. This is because they remove the outer layers of the skin.  One of the key differences is that CO2 lasers are more intense, which means that they can treat deeper acne scars and wrinkles. However, because they are more intense, they require a much longer downtime. They also run a higher risk of thermal damage and skin pigmentation issues, which is why they are not suitable for darker skin types.  The Er:YAG laser can help you achieve similar results but without a lot of the side effects you get from CO2 laser treatment. This makes it safer for sensitive skin types and those with darker skin.  The choice between the two laser skin resurfacing treatments will come down to your skin type, the skin issues you want treating and what results you want to achieve.  We know it can be confusing to decide what laser treatment is right for you, which is why we provide every patient with an in-depth consultation. During this appointment, our doctors will develop a tailored treatment plan based on your individual needs and skin goals.  CONTACT US
Dr Sumit Virmani

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How the Erbium YAG laser works 

Your doctor will use the erbium YAG laser to emit a laser beam of light energy to target the damaged skin on the surface. This action vaporizes or removes the outer layers of the skin.  The laser treatment works through stimulated emission, which produces a 2940 nm wavelength that is absorbed by the water in your skin.  Our doctors will use specific laser points and depths depending on your skin type and what skin concerns you are wanting to treat.  At the end of your laser resurfacing session, the treatment area will look slightly red and swollen. It can also feel tight and sensitive. This is normal and should only last for a few days. We will provide you with aftercare advice that will help your skin heal and ensure you see great results. 

The results from Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing treatment

The results you see from laser skin resurfacing will differ from person to person. Most patients will see visible improvements in their skin, including a more even skin tone within two weeks. This happens as the skin heals and any redness and swelling goes down.  Your skin will continue to get better over the next 2-3 months as the new collagen forms. This is when you should see a reduction in wrinkles, less pigmentation and smoother skin. The results from your treatment can last for up to a year. This will depend on your skin needs, skin condition and what skin care routine you follow after treatment.  You may require a top-up treatment once a year to maintain your results and help to prevent future skin issues from appearing. 

Book your Erbium YAG laser consultation today

If you are ready to see how the Erbium YAG laser can help transform the look and feel of your skin, start by booking a consultation with one of our doctors at our Leicester clinic. Whether you want to reduce your acne scars, reverse sun damage or achieve a more even skin tone and skin texture, we can help guide you with the right course of laser treatment.  Take your first steps to younger, healthier and more radiant skin today.  We use the advanced Erbium YAG laser device to treat all skin types with laser resurfacing treatment. Our doctors can also use it for:
  •       Non-surgical blepharoplasty 
  •       Laser scar treatment
  •       Laser treat for snoring
  •       Laser vaginal rejuvenation
  •       Laser for minor surgery including mole removal 
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