ERBIUM:YAG LASER

THE ERBIUM:YAG LASER IS USED TO TREAT/PERFORM:

• laser peel
• vertical lip lines
• lower eyelid lines
• crows feet
• facial wrinkles
• acne scarring
• removal of a variety of benign and precancerous facial lesions

Today skin resurfacing is now possible with the Erbium:YAG laser at a level of precision unmatched by past lasers. Treatment with the Erbium:YAG laser is much less painful and allows for quicker healing than resurfacing with the CO2 laser. Conditions treatable with this laser include facial wrinkles, acne scarring, precancerous lesions of the face and lips, and certain facial growths. Laser peels can also be done.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT TREATMENT WITH THE ERBIUM:YAG LASER:

• How much improvement will I have?
• How long before I see results?
• Is the process painful?
• What should I do before treatment?
• What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
• How long does it take to heal and are there any side effects?
• Are there any contraindications?

Most patients will obtain significant improvement. Improvement rather than perfection is the goal. Improvement will vary on an individual basis. Realistic expectations are essential. In some cases, additional forms of treatment may be helpful in conjunction with resurfacing.

Your appearance will fluctuate onver the initial phases of healing. Final results are not evident for several months. Most patients require 1 treatment with this laser. In some cases additional treatments are helpful. Re-treatment is generally not done for 6 months. The standard fee is charged for additional procedures.

Treatment is routinely done in the office using only topical anesthesia. Patient discomfort during the procedure is usually modest. Valium may be used pre-op.

You will be given a written handout detailing pre-treatment instructions. Prophylaxis with an antibiotic and/or an antiherpetic medication may be recommended. Tobacco, alcohol, and aspirin are best avoided for 2 weeks prior to the procedure. Sun exposure should be minimized. We may prescribe Retin-A and/or other topical medications prior to your treatment. Please don't apply mousse to your hair or make-up the day of treatment.

Written instructions will be given to you before your treatment. A healing ointment will be applied to the treated areas upon completion of the procedure. Good sun care is important after treatment.

Facial laser peels usually heal in a day or so. Deeper resurfacing generally takes about 7 days but may take longer. This is much quicker than what is usually found after CO2 laser resurfacing. You will be most comfortable staying off work, school and social engagements for about 7 days. Make-up can usually be applied by day 7. Redness typically clears in about 2-3 weeks, but may take longer. Patients with darker skin types may develop pigmentation. This typically resolves with time, bleaching agents and Retin-A. An acne flare can occur. Milia (tiny cysts) can also occur. Scarring and skin lightening is uncommon. Infection is rare. Other complications are possible but uncommon.

Patients on blood thinners, a history of facial irradiation, diabetes, HIV or other serious illness generally are not candidates for treatment. Patients with a history of keloids are usually advised not to undergo this procedure. Patients should not have resurfacing for at least 1 year after taking Accutane.