What is Erbium YAG laser?

Erbium YAG (Er:YAG) lasers are solid-state lasers whose lasing medium is erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet(Er:Y3AI5O12).

The triply ionised erbium dopant (a substance added in minute amounts to another pure substance to alter its conductivity) typically replaces a small fraction of the yttrium ions in the host crystal structure, since the two ions are of similar size.

The erbium provides the laser activity in the crystal.

·Er:YAG laser typically emit light with a wavelength of 2940nm, which is infrared light.

·Unlike Nd:YAG laser, the output of an Er:YAG laser is strongly absorbed by water. This fact limits the use of Er:YAG laser in surgery, and in many other laser applications, to where water is present (healthy skin has a high water content).

How does Erbium YAG laser work?

Lasers work by emitting a wavelength of high energy light, which when focused on a certain skin condition will create heat and destroy diseased cells.

What is Erbium YAG laser used for?

. Atrophic acne scars Herpes simplex scars, smallpox scars

.Sun damaged skin

.Mild to moderate facial wrinkles

.Uneven pigment (brown age spots, freckles, melasma)

·Some vascular birthmarks (capillary vascular malformations)

Means of action

The Er:YAG Fractional 2940nm laser harnesses the power of absorbed water energy to deliver precise skin resurfacing. lts micron-level precision ensures minimal thermal damage during treatment, while the adjustable pulse duration and fluence allow for the creation of a tailored.cold or warm ablative effect. With a wide range of parameters to choose from, each patient can receive a personalized and effective treatment.

Advantages skin resurfacing and other cosmetic treatments

Superior absorption for precise and effective ablation Controlled ablation and coagulation levels. The ability to create a range of ablation effects, from superficial-cold to deep-warm

The option for full fractional ablation, enabling targeted, customized treatment

The dual mode Erbium allows the operator to fine-tune the ratios between Er:YAG ablation and coagulation all the way from ‘cold’ ablation to non-ablative coagulation. The versatile nature of dual-mode Erbium laser technology is now the standard of care for laser skin resurfacing.

Erbium laser resurfacing is best suited for patients with lighter Fitzpatrick 1 and 2 skin types. As part of a skin preconditioning routine, all patients must apply topical skin products 2–3 times per week for 4–6 weeks and stop seven days before laser treatment. A one-week course of 500 mg of antivirals four times daily is started one day before the procedure.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing using Erbium Glass laser is better suited for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types 3-5.

Am I Suitable for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Fractional erbium laser skin resurfacing is a suitable procedure for those who are concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture or acne scars. It is suitable for those who do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure and do not want to use any chemicals . You will need to be at least 18 years old to undergo the laser resurfacing procedure.

You will need to attend a consultation with one of our aesthetic practitioners, who will be able to assess whether or not you are a suitable candidate for laser resurfacing.

Good candidates for laser resurfacing

Patients with lighter skin types – Fitzpatrick types 1-3

Those who would like to reduce fine lines around the periocular or perioral region

Tightening of loose skin of the upper and lower eyelids as an alternative to a blepharoplasty

Those wanting to reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots or freckles

Treatment of facial scars, including all types of acne scars

Are in good overall health with realistic expectations of what laser resurfacing can achieve

Non-smokers