TL;DR
- Fractional Erbium Laser is an optimal solution for acne scars
- Besides treating acne scars, you can also expect improvements in fine lines and wrinkles and overall skin tone and texture
- It provides faster healing, minimised downtime and fewer risks compared to Fractional CO2 Laser.
Table Of Contents
What is Fractional Erbium Laser Treatment?
Fractional Erbium Laser is a skin-correcting laser treatment that treats acne scars and smoothes skin with minimal downtime.
Through its Er:YAG erbium technology:
- Micron-thin layers of textured skin are ablated (vaporised),
- Revealing layers of healthy skin underneath (ablative skin resurfacing).
- Our skin’s natural wound-healing response is activated, and so are fibroblasts – a type of skin cell that lays down collagen proteins in the dermis.
- This leads to a surge in collagen production and skin tissue regeneration,
- And results in tighter, younger and healthier-looking skin.
Because of its precision, the Fractional Erbium Laser generates significant improvements in the skin while minimising damage to surrounding tissue.
This reduces the risk and duration of the treatment, shortens recovery time, and significantly improves skin tightness and youthfulness by boosting collagen and elastin production.
Benefits of Fractional Erbium Laser
Fractional Erbium Laser can effectively achieve the following improvements:
- Revise and improve the appearance of scars, including acne scars
- Reduce fine lines and mild wrinkles
- Rejuvenate sun-damaged skin
- Restore ageing skin with pigmented lesions (e.g. sun spots)
- Reduce skin laxity and discolouration
- Lessen pore size, stretch marks, and other surface irregularities
- Improve the appearance of scars post breast cancer surgery/mastectomy
Precision
- 81 identical microchannel spots in a single laser shot
- Frequency range adjustable up to 50 Hz
High efficiency
- Sharp and precise microchannels
- Spot size and depth penetration control
Safe
- Precise spots protect the surrounding tissue in the skin
- Avoid the typical risks of purely ablative procedures
Customised to your skin type
- Customisable options for individual skin types & concerns
- Optimises patient comfort
Minimally invasive
- Channelled and precise ablation instead of full-field ablation
- Less downtime and discomfort during the skin regeneration process
Am I Suitable for Treatment?
Fractional laser resurfacing is best suited for:
- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck
- Coarse skin texture
- Large pores
- Dull skin
- Sun damaged skin
- Smoker’s lines
- Pigment spots
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have keloid scarring or have been on Vitamin A medications (e.g. Roaccutane) in the past 6 months are not suitable for treatment.
Is Fractional Erbium Laser Painful?
The treatment may cause discomfort, commonly likened to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. The degree of discomfort varies based on individual pain tolerance, the specific area treated, and the treatment’s intensity. We use several pain management strategies, including numbing cream, to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Is The Erbium Laser a Fractional Laser?
Yes, the erbium laser is a fractional laser. Fractional lasers target a portion (or fraction, as its name suggests) of the skin at a time – this targets the layers of the skin with less ablation compared to the CO2 laser.
How is the Fractional Erbium Laser Different From Fractional CO2 Lasers?
Although the Erbium Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser are both ablative lasers, they have different strengths.
Fractional CO2 lasers are typically used to treat more profound skin flaws, warts, and deeper scars. The Erbium Laser targets more superficial acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles. There is significantly less downtime or discomfort involved. There is also a lowered risk of developing hyperpigmentation.
Erbium Lasers are a gentler alternative for those who would like a gentler approach with shorter downtime.
Is Erbium Laser or CO2 Laser Better?
While the erbium laser is better tolerated by most skin types and has lesser downtime than the CO2 laser, the laser that’s better for you will depend on your skin type and condition. Our doctors will assess your condition and use a combination of treatments if necessary.
FAQ
If you are considering getting treatment, ensure the doctor you choose has a worthy track record and a wealth of experience. Following laser treatment, please practise adequate sun protection and keep the treated area well moisturised. Your doctor may prescribe additional post-procedure care instructions based on your requirements to ensure optimal healing and results.
Some of the most common side effects after laser treatments include swelling, itchiness, numbness, and redness.
Healing may take one to two weeks, depending on the individual. As your skin begins to heal, you may notice some flaking or peeling reminiscent of sunburns.
Most patients experience visible improvements after their first treatment session, and their results continually improve over the next few months as new collagen is produced.
Full treatment results are often experienced between 3 to 6 months after your recommended treatment.
This depends on each person’s treatment requirements. Initially, a minimum of three treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart is recommended. More treatments may be required for severe acne scarring or skin texture concerns.
The Fotona SP Dynamis laser machine comes with two wavelengths/modes – Er:YAG for acne scars and Nd:YAG for acne. Both modes can be combined to treat your skin condition accordingly but if you are looking to treat acne together with acne scars, please reach out to our doctors for a customised treatment plan.
Yes, besides acne scarring, the Fractional Erbium Laser can also treat scars on the body including scarring from breast cancer surgery.
If you want to learn more about enhancing your skin with Fotona Fractional Erbium Laser, contact us today.
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