Erbium Resurfacing

ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING IN LOS ALTOS, CA

The Erbium laser is one of the latest developments in laser skin resurfacing treatments. The laser rejuvenates the skin with minimal discomfort and provides a more rapid recovery period in comparison to earlier laser skin resurfacing methods. Although results vary from person to person, patients can expect a dramatic improvement in the texture and overall health and appearance of their skin. Men and women come to Mittelman Plastic Surgery from San Jose, Palo Alto and the surrounding communities of California to have their skin resurfaced by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Harry Mittelman, MD, with the innovative Erbium laser.

WHAT IS ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING?

Erbium laser resurfacing is a skin resurfacing method that uses a cool light beam to restore a softer, even, and more youthful appearance to the skin. The Erbium laser has proven effective for removing mild to moderate lines and wrinkles on the face, as well as acne and other scars. The laser also stimulates the production of collagen, resulting in tighter, smoother skin. While the laser can be safely used in many areas of the body, the face, neck, hands, and chest are the most commonly treated areas.

CANDIDATES FOR ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING

Healthy individuals who want to improve the appearance of acne and other facial scars or reverse the signs of aging or sun damage, such as lines and wrinkles, are ideal candidates for Erbium laser resurfacing. The Erbium laser can safely treat darker skin tones with much less risk of burning and scarring in comparison to older lasers, making it the ideal laser resurfacing method for candidates with darker skin types. While Erbium lasers can be used on a wide range of patients, they are not suitable for everyone, and for some patients, the fractionated CO2 laser may be a better option. During a one-on-one consultation, Dr. Mittelman will thoroughly examine your medical history, current condition, and desired outcome to determine which laser is ideal for you.

WHAT MAKES ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING DIFFERENT?

The Erbium laser is non-ablative, meaning it bypasses the surface of the skin and treats the layers underneath, leaving the skin’s surface and surrounding tissues intact. Because the Erbium laser isn’t as aggressive as the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, it’s gentler on the skin and results in quicker recovery times. While the CO2 laser can remove deep lines, wrinkles, and scars from layers of the skin, the Erbium laser provides optimal results for surface-level skin damage. The microlaser is an even gentler laser skin resurfacing option that works well at slowing premature signs of aging. A personalized consultation with Dr. Mittelman is the ideal way to determine which option is best for you.

BENEFITS OF ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING

With Erbium laser resurfacing, patients can completely erase or noticeably diminish wrinkles and improve the overall tone and texture of the skin on their face, neck, and hands. Erbium laser systems are primarily used to treat the following concerns:

• Fine wrinkles
• Uneven skin tone
• Sun damage
• Acne scars
• Sun and age spots

Many patients undergo laser resurfacing to enhance the results of earlier facial plastic surgery procedures, such as a brow lift , facelift, or eyelid surgery. If you plan on having additional facial procedures in the future, it’s important to notify Dr. Mittelman during your laser resurfacing consultation.

THE ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING PROCEDURE

The cool light beam of the Erbium laser has a high affinity for water and is readily absorbed by the water in the skin cells. As the laser passes over the treated area, the skin cells vaporize instantaneously, which results in less heating and damage to the surrounding tissue. These unique properties give Dr. Mittelman more control, allowing him to remove thin layers of skin (as little as 30 millionths of an inch of tissue) with each pass of the laser. Additionally, Dr. Mittelman can greatly personalize and adjust the depth of resurfacing required for each patient or sensitive treatment area. The damaged skin will heal rapidly and reveal newer, more even skin in its place.

On average, patients who are treated with an Erbium laser experience slight discomfort throughout the procedure and only require topical numbing agents or anesthetics. Because the Erbium laser produces less heating on the treated area and surrounding tissues, patients can heal completely in as little as a few days, instead of the months of healing associated with older or more aggressive laser skin resurfacing methods.

RECOVERING FROM ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING

Dr. Mittelman will provide detailed aftercare instructions depending on the laser resurfacing method used and the specific areas of treatment. Following these instructions closely and carefully will mitigate the risk of infection and optimize your results. Laser-resurfaced skin is highly sensitive and susceptible to sun damage, so it’s important to protect your new skin by avoiding prolonged sun exposure when possible and wearing sunscreen as prescribed by Dr. Mittelman in the weeks and months following treatment.

HOW MUCH DOES ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING COST IN SAN JOSE?

The majority of insurance companies consider skin rejuvenation to be an elective procedure, therefore, most policies do not extend benefits for Erbium laser resurfacing.

Harry Mittelman, MD, is recognized as a pioneer in facial plastic surgery. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializing in both surgical and non-surgical or non-invasive cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Mittelman provides his patients with exceptional skills and results that last. For more information on Erbium laser resurfacing or to schedule a private consultation at Dr. Mittelman’s office, please contact us today. We serve the entire Southbay and Bay Area including Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Mountain View, San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and the surrounding areas.

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