Erbium Laser in Tampa & The Villages, FL
By Dr. Richard Castellano, Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
The Erbium laser is a powerful resurfacing treatment that can dramatically improve skin tone, texture, and other visible signs of aging. At ImageLift®, Dr. Castellano offers Erbium laser skin resurfacing as well as other laser treatments to residents of Tampa Bay. With locations in Tampa and The Villages, we’re proud to serve the residents of St. Pete, Avilla, Ocala and the surrounding areas of Central Florida.
What is the Erbium Laser?
The Erbium laser is a laser resurfacing treatment that uses targeted laser energy to remove the outer layers of damaged skin, revealing healthier and younger-looking skin below. The Erbium laser is often called the “lunchtime laser peel” because it provides results comparable to more aggressive laser treatments but with less recovery time. This laser is unique because it focuses laser energy into a narrower area compared to other laser treatments, which results in a more focused removal of old skin cell layers with much higher precision. It can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands to address the following concerns:
- Lines and wrinkles
- Scars
- Uneven pigmentation
The Erbium laser treatment also stimulates collagen remodeling in the deeper layers of the skin for further rejuvenation over time.
What are the Benefits of Erbium Laser Treatment?
The Erbium laser treatment is one of the most popular laser treatments available, thanks to its numerous benefits. These benefits include:
- Precision: The narrow and focused application of laser energy means that the Erbium laser reduces burning healthy tissue around the treatment area, which can reduce swelling, bruising and redness. This reduces downtime compared to treatments like CO2 laser resurfacing.
- Customizability: The Erbium laser is highly customizable for different skin types and cosmetic concerns. This allows us to treat a variety of patients while still offering the high efficacy of the Erbium laser.
- Collagen Stimulation: Erbium laser treatment promotes the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin. This helps patients achieve long-term improvements in skin firmness, texture and elasticity in addition to correcting skin concerns.
What Should I Do Before an Erbium Laser Treatment?
The most important consideration before Erbium laser treatment is to avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the weeks prior. You should also avoid using any medications that cause increased sun sensitivity. These precautions will keep your skin hydrated and minimize the risk of complications during your procedure. Additionally, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rich Castellano of ImageLift® to ensure that Erbium laser resurfacing is a good fit for you.
What is the Erbium Laser Treatment Like?
Depending on the depth and intensity of the Erbium laser treatment, we may start with administering a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. We’ll also give you protective eyewear to prevent any irritation to the eyes. After these preparations are complete, we’ll use the Erbium laser device to deliver focused laser energy to the targeted areas of the skin. This energy is absorbed by water in the skin cells, destroying the skin cells in the process. You may experience sensations of heat, warmth, or a mild prickling or stinging sensation as the laser treatment is applied. The entire Erbium laser treatment can range from a few minutes to an hour or longer, depending on the size of the treatment area(s).
Is There Any Downtime After Erbium Laser Treatment?
Yes, the Erbium laser requires approximately 7 to 14 days of downtime. Redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area are normal for the first 5-7 days following Erbium laser skin resurfacing. Your skin may feel like a sunburn during the initial healing period. Keep the area moist with ointment and avoid direct sun. Most patients are able to resume regular activities after about a week, while complete healing takes up to 2 or 3 weeks.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect from Erbium Laser Treatment?
Following Erbium laser resurfacing, you can expect to see initial improvements in your skin’s appearance within a few weeks. However, it can take a few months for the full results of treatment to develop. This is because the stimulation of collagen production and the remodeling of the skin’s structure happens gradually over the following weeks and months. Keep in mind that while one treatment can produce impressive results, it may take a series of multiple treatment sessions to maximize improvements in the skin. During your consultation, we can recommend a treatment protocol that will deliver optimal results based on your goals and skin type.
How Do I Start My Erbium Laser Treatment Journey?
To get started with Erbium laser treatments, contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Castellano and determine if the Erbium laser is right for you. We’ll customize a treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals and answer any questions you might have. ImageLift® has office locations in The Villages and Tampa, Florida, where we welcome patients from Marion Oaks, Davis Island, Hyde Park and the surrounding areas of Tampa Bay.