Erbium YAG Laser
This laser resurfaces the skin, much like its cousin the CO2 laser, but light penetration is not as deep. Generally, recovery is quicker with less downtime compared to CO2. Each serves its purpose depending on the severity of the condition(s) being treated. It works great on fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation, scarring, mild laxity by boosting collagen and elastin production.
What to expect during treatment?
A topical numbing cream is applied to the face for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you prefer, you can apply numbing cream before coming into the office. The skin will feel warm. The length of treatment varies on the size of the area being treated, but generally it takes about 20-40 minutes.
What to expect after treatment?
The skin will appear red and feel like a sunburn. While you are healing, some areas may crust over and peel. The skin may look bronzed and feel like sandpaper, this is normal and expected during the healing process. A fan may help soothe the skin. In some patients, mild swelling after the procedure may occur. As the skin continues to heal, it may be itchy and peel. It will change from shades of red, to brown, then back to your natural skin pigmentation.
How many treatments are needed?
Generally 3 treatments, one every 4 weeks with maintenance 1-2 times yearly. Downtime is generally 1 week.
When will I see results?
Improvement is seen immediately after healing and will continue 4-6 weeks after treatment as collagen production is occurring.
Risks associated with treatment
If the settings are too aggressive and delivery of heat is too high, scarring and pigmentation may occur. Pre and post treatment care is important for recovery. This type of laser is safest in skin types I-IV.
Erbium YAG laser improves the appearance of:
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Acne scars
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- Dull skin
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- Pore size
ERBIUM YAG LASER PRE TREATMENT CARE
GENERAL CARE
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to treatment.
- Stop exfoliating the skin 1 week before treatment.
MEDICATIONS
- Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications (ie: Ibuprofen aspirin) for 1 week prior to the procedure.
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Do not use medications that cause sensitivity to light such as Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline 1 week before treatment.
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If you have a history of labial herpes (cold sores) and are being treated around the mouth, we recommend starting Valacyclovir 24 hours before treatment and continue until completion (14 days) to prevent reactivation of the virus.
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Avoid laser treatment for 12 months after treatment with Accutane.
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Avoid retinoids and glycolic acid 1 week before treatment.
- Avoid fish oil, gingko biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, or any other supplements /herbals 1 week before treatment as it may lead to increased bleeding.
- Depending on your skin type or if you suffer from pigmentation issues, a skin bleaching agent may be prescribed to prep the skin before treatment. This reduces the risk of PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation following treatment.
SUN EXPOSURE
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Avoid direct exposure to the sunlight as well as self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment.
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Use a minimum of 30 SPF daily.
ERBIUM YAG LASER POST TREATMENT CARE
DOWNTIME
- Downtime is about 1 week.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas until fully healed.
MEDICATIONS
- Avoid retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin C, hydroquinone for 2 weeks following treatment.
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Itching may occur during the healing process and can be treated with Benadryl if needed.
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Tylenol is ok for pain, avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ie: ibuprofen, aspirin) for 48 hours after treatment.
GENERAL CARE
- Use Vaseline for the first 3-5 days post treatment. Moisturizer can be used twice daily after healing is complete and skin is smooth.
- We highly recommend post procedure care with Alastin Skincare’s Regenerating Skin Nectar. It immediately sooths the skin and really helps reduce post procedure redness and discomfort. Also works with your treatment to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
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Make sure to keep the skin hydrated at all times, drink plenty of water.
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A gentle cleanser is ok to use. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser and carry it in the office.
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Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
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Mineral based makeup can be applied around day 4-7 or until skin has completely healed, apply only to intact skin.
- Have a cold compress or a hand-held fan on hand to help soothe the skin.
- Sleep with your head elevated, this will help reduce swelling.
- Avoid exfoliating treated areas for 4 weeks after treatment and completion of healing.
SUN EXPOSURE
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks.
- If going outside, make sure to wear a hat and use a minimum of 30 SPF daily. If you need a good sunscreen we carry Alastin SilkSHIELD Mineral Sunscreen.
Real Self Score
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Worth it rating
Alle and Aspire Partner
The World of Fillers
Fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, which restores volume and improves the overall texture of the skin. As we age, we lose fat in the face, the muscle wears down and even the bone structure changes. This all contributes to an ageing face. In our youth, the face is shaped like an upside-down egg, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. As we age, this flip around. We become narrower up top having lost volume around the temples and wider at the bottom. This is because of the changes we mentioned above – loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and changes in bone structure.
When tackling volume loss, we start with the midface. It fills the cheeks, elevates the midface, and in doing so can improve the hollowing of the eyes and smooth the lines around the mouth. Filler can restore definition to the jawline. Not only can it plump the lips, but also restore its color and hydration too. Don’t forget the hands, always a dead giveaway of our age. The hands can also be filled, we use Restylane Lyft for this area. With the correct type of filler and amount used most won’t know what you’ve had done, just that you look rested, refreshed, youthful.
Prior to coming to the clinic there are a few things you should do to prepare. Avoid alcohol and Ibuprofen 48 hours prior to injection as this will minimize bruising. Of course, there still is a risk of bruising as we have hundreds of thousands of blood vessels in our face but taking this precaution will help. We locally anesthetize the area and in some, perform a nerve block. Other practices just use a topical anesthetic. We do not find this to be as effective. After your procedure you should avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Sleeping upright can help with swelling. Keeping hydrated and using a topical hyaluronic serum is great to support your treatment at home. By staying hydrated and using a good skin care regimen, we support and maintain our results following treatment.
We love Galderma’s Restylane line of fillers. Their line of fillers with XpresHAn technology integrates into the tissues and moves with the face keeping a natural look. We’ve included a list of Restylane’s line of filles and areas we like to use them:
Restylane Refyne – can be used anywhere on the face
Restylane Defyne – lower face such as nasal labial folds (laugh lines), chin
Restylane Contour – midface
Restylane Lyft – midface, temples, jawline, hands
Restylane – L – can be used anywhere on the face, lips
Restylane Kysse – lips, wrinkles around the mouth
We are happy to answer any questions you may have! Consultations are complimentary. Call or schedule online at themdskinclinic.com
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