The erbium-YAG laser – erbium laser for short – is a medical laser that is used to reduce signs of aging skin such as wrinkles, fine lines and age spots and to improve the appearance of the skin. The laser is named after the element erbium, which acts as the active medium in the laser device. Compared to the CO2 laser, it is less painful and also has the advantage of shorter convalescence phases.
Erbium-YAG laser treatment is offered in our practice in Stuttgart.
Duration
Fit for social life
Follow-up check
As required
Durability
Side effects
Post-treatment
Pregnant women / nursing mothers
Other
For the best possible result, 1-3 sessions are recommended.
Erbium laser treatment uses laser energy to treat the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, as well as the dermis underneath. The laser energy vaporizes small areas of skin, which stimulates the skin’s healing processes. These healing processes also stimulate the production of collagen, the protein responsible for skin structure and stability.
There are two modes for using the erbium laser: ablative and non-ablative. In ablative erbium laser treatment, the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, is removed, whereas in non-ablative treatment the top layer of skin is not removed.
ABLATIVE LASER TREATMENT
The erbium-YAG laser can be used in an ablative mode to precisely remove layers of skin tissue. It is particularly suitable for treating skin problems such as deep wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage. The erbium-YAG laser can also be used in non-ablative mode to stimulate collagen production and treat mild to moderate wrinkles, fine lines and irregularities in skin texture. The ablative treatment usually requires a longer recovery time, as the skin needs time to heal and regenerate.
NON-ABLATIVE LASER TREATMENT
With non-ablative treatments, on the other hand, the outer layer of the skin remains intact, which leads to a shorter recovery time. Non-ablative laser treatments target the deeper layers of the skin without removing the surface layer. This approach is less invasive and requires less downtime than ablative treatments. Non-ablative treatments often require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, as they gradually stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes over time.
Erbium-YAG lasers are often referred to as “cold” ablation lasers because they have a higher affinity for water absorption in tissue and cause less thermal damage compared to some other lasers. This leads to a more controlled ablation process, which reduces the risk of overheating and promotes faster healing. The term “cold” in this context does not mean that the treatment is literally cold, but rather that the thermal effects are minimized compared to other types of lasers.
Ablative as well as non-ablative erbium-YAG laser treatments offer different advantages. The choice between the two depends on the patient’s specific skin problems, desired results and tolerance for downtime.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
The erbium-YAG laser is used for
- laser peels
- deeper pigment spots/age spots
- wrinkle reduction
- smoothing skin
- skin renewal
- reducing pore size
- acne and (acne) scars
- other moderate scars
Depending on the size of the area to be treated, the treatment can last from 30 minutes to an hour. Temporary redness, swelling and tenderness may occur after the treatment , but these side effects usually subside within a few days.
Costs from €300 (based on the German Medical Fee Schedule, or GOÄ), depending on the treatment plan or area
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