Erbium laser – in brief
| What is being treated | Fine lines, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, shallower acne scars |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Anaesthetic cream |
| Duration of treatment | It depends on the region and the indication. |
| Number of treatments | It depends on the indication |
| Recovery | On average 5 to 7 days: redness and mild swelling, followed by flaking and peeling of the skin |
| Preparation | One month without fake tan and sunbeds before the treatment |
| Compared to the CO2 laser | Shorter recovery, for superficial to moderate lesions |
What is an Erbium laser?
Erbium laser (Er:YAG) is an ablative laser used for the precise removal of superficial skin damage and the stimulation of its regeneration. It operates at a wavelength of 2940 nm, which is selectively absorbed in water – the main component of the skin. Thanks to this, it enables the controlled removal of surface skin layers with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. The iPixel Erbium laser is part of the medical platform Alma Harmony and it is used for skin rejuvenation treatments, improving texture and reducing imperfections. During the treatment, damaged cells are removed from the skin's surface, while simultaneously triggering the process of new collagen production in the deeper layers. Thanks to this mechanism of action, the Er:YAG laser enables precise skin renewal, with a shorter recovery compared to deeper CO2 treatments. After the treatment, the skin becomes smoother, more even and has a visibly fresher appearance.
Er:YAG erbium laser
How does the Erbium laser work?
What is important to note is that the Erbium laser stands out due to its advanced technology and delivers more with every treatment. The laser will not harm the surrounding tissue and will precisely target only the areas of the skin that require attention. Ablative-fractional laser mode stimulates skin healing and encourages collagen production, which will lead to improved skin tone, greater hydration and elasticity.
The Pixel Er: YAG laser works in a unique way: it sends precise, short pulses of light that target problem areas of the skin. Crucially, the healthy tissue around these treated areas remains untouched. This helps the skin to recover faster, as it activates natural renewal processes, making the skin smoother, firmer and healthier.
We treat only the fraction of the skin where the imperfection is present with the erbium laser, which offers the advantage of faster skin recovery and a visibly improved texture.
The precision of this laser enables doctors to adjust the depth and intensity of the treatment, making it adaptable for addressing specific skin problems and suitable for different skin types.
Who is the Erbium laser intended for (and who is it not)?
- fine lines and early signs of ageing
- hyperpigmentation and sun spots
- uneven skin tone and texture
- shallower scars, including acne scars
- skin that looks tired and dull
Benefits of the Erbium laser
- Tailored treatments: The laser treatment can be precisely adjusted to your needs, whether in terms of depth or intensity. This means everyone can receive a treatment exactly matched to their specific skin concerns, ensuring the best possible results.
- Versatility: This laser can successfully address various skin conditions, including acne scars, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture.
- Safety: Thanks to its precise targeting ability, the risk of damage to surrounding tissue is minimal, making it a safe choice for all skin types and body parts.
- Fast recovery: Patients recover faster than with traditional skin rejuvenation methods, thanks to its ability to precisely target only the problem areas.
Erbium (Er:YAG) vs CO2 laser – what is the difference?
Both the Erbium and CO2 lasers are ablative lasers, which means they remove surface layers of skin and trigger regeneration. However, their action, depth, and recovery differ.
Erbium (Er:YAG) laser It operates both more precisely and superficially, as its energy strongly binds to the water within the skin. Because of this, it enables the controlled removal of thin skin layers with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissue.
The result is shorter recovery, lower risk of adverse reactions and a more natural, gradual improvement in skin quality. It is most commonly used for fine lines, pigmentation, scars and uneven skin tone.
CO2 laser penetrates deeper and has a stronger thermal effect, which is why it yields more pronounced results in deeper wrinkles, prominent scars and skin tightening. However, due to the more intensive treatment, recovery is longer and requires more time for the skin to settle completely.
In practice, the choice between these two lasers depends on the skin condition and the treatment goal:
- Erbium laser – for improved skin texture, fine lines, pigmentation and skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime
- CO2 laser - for deeper wrinkles, more pronounced scars and stronger skin tightening
In certain cases, these two lasers can also be combined to achieve an optimal result, striking a balance between effectiveness and recovery time.
It is important to know!
Neither a CO₂ nor an Erbium laser can lift sagging subcutaneous tissue or replace a facelift. They act exclusively on skin quality. The choice between these two lasers is always based on the patient's skin condition, goals, and willingness for downtime.
Price of the Erbium laser?
The price of Erbium treatment depends on the region being treated. You can view the prices on the page Price list.
Do you have any questions?
Answers to frequently asked questions
Preparation for iPixel Er:YAG
One month prior to the treatment, it is recommended to avoid sunbathing and sunbeds in order to reduce the risk of unwanted pigmentation following the treatment. During this period, all aggressive peels or treatments that may irritate the skin should also be avoided.
What does the treatment look like?
The treatment is relatively quick and simple. Before starting, an anesthetic cream is applied to the area being treated to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. During the treatment, a mild stinging sensation may be felt, but without significant pain. The skin is thoroughly cleansed beforehand, and then the laser is applied in a targeted manner to the pre-defined area. The duration of the treatment depends on the area and the indication.
Recovery
After the treatment, the skin may be red and slightly swollen, which most commonly lasts for a few days. Once the redness subsides, a phase of skin flaking and peeling follows, which represents a natural regeneration process and should not be accelerated. On average, recovery takes from 5 to 7 days, after which the skin looks fresher, clearer and more even. Erbium laser treatments are performed from October to the end of March, and not in the summer months.
Are the results immediately visible?
Initial results are observed after the completion of the regeneration process, usually within a few days. More complete effects develop after a series of treatments. The achieved results are long-lasting, and can later be maintained with other, milder procedures in accordance with the doctor's recommendation.
Contraindications
Pixel Er:YAG treatment is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, for malignant conditions and active autoimmune diseases. The treatment is also postponed in the case of active infections, as well as when using certain medications that may increase the risk of adverse reactions, which is assessed during the consultation.
Related topics
Book an Erbium laser treatment in Belgrade
The Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments are made by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
Updated:
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