Erbium Laser 2940nm (Fully Ablative)
At NSDL, we offer the Fully Ablative Erbium laser, a precise and powerful tool used to treat specific dermatological skin concerns such as syringomas, dermal naevi, congenital naevi, rhinophyma, epidermal naevi, naevus sebaceous and more. This laser allows for the targeted removal of small lesions with minimal impact on the surrounding tissue. However, due to the nature of fully ablative treatments, the recovery period is longer, typically around two weeks which varies depending on body location and lesion severity.
What is the fully Ablative Erbium Laser?
The fully ablative Erbium laser is designed to remove the outer layers of the skin in a controlled manner, effectively treating small lesions by vaporising the tissue. This laser allows for extreme precision, making it ideal for treating localised issues without damaging surrounding healthy skin.
How does the fully Ablative Erbium Laser work?
The Erbium laser emits a wavelength that is highly absorbed by water in the skin cells, allowing for precise removal of targeted tissue. This makes it ideal for treating small lesions with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding areas.
The procedure typically involves removing layers of skin until the lesion is completely treated. Because this is a fully ablative laser, it penetrates deeper than non-ablative or fractional lasers, providing immediate results but with a longer recovery period.
What to expect during treatment
Your treatment will begin with a thorough cleansing of the skin. Topical anesthesia is applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort during the procedure.
You may feel a warming sensation as the laser is applied to the targeted lesion. The procedure duration depends on the number of lesions being treated but typically lasts 15-45 minutes.
Aftercare Instructions
For best results, follow these aftercare instructions:
Cleansing (AM/PM): Use a vinegar wash or mild cleanser to clean the treated area twice daily.
Days 1-3: Apply a pea-sized amount of Stratacel (medical-grade dressing gel) to the treated area. This will keep the skin moist and aid in the healing process, reducing redness by up to 50%.
Day 4-10: Switch to Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser, applying a 5c-sized amount to the area after cleansing to keep the skin hydrated.
Thermal Spring Water: Spray thermal spring water on the treated area to soothe and hydrate the skin as needed.
Sun Avoidance: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours after treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Sunscreen: Wait until after peeling has completed before applying sunscreen to protect the skin without causing irritation.
Follow-up: Send photos of the treated area on Day 1, 3, and 6 to monitor healing progress.
Recovery and Results
Due to the fully ablative nature of the Erbium laser, the recovery period is typically longer compared to fractional or non-ablative treatments, with 2 weeks being the standard recovery time.
Recovery: Following the procedure, the treated area will be red and swollen. The skin may crust over and peel as it heals. It’s important to allow the skin to heal naturally, without picking or scrubbing the treated area. Full healing usually takes around two to three weeks, and redness may persist for up to 4 weeks, depending on the depth of the treatment.
Results: Once healing is complete, you will notice significant improvements in skin texture and lesion removal. In many cases, lesions such as syringomas or dermal naevi usually do not recur following treatment.
Follow-up
We recommend a follow-up visit around Day 4-5 for an LED treatment. A second follow-up is scheduled 4 weeks after your last treatment to assess the final results.
Selecting the best laser treatments tailored to your unique skin concerns is the key to achieving your desired outcomes for your individual skin.
Our team of Dermatologists are here to help you navigate the options to discover the right treatment for your skin’s needs.
All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. The results achieved for patients in before and after pictures are individual and may not be achievable for you specifically. For specific advice regarding your situation, please book an appointment at NSDL.