The Erbium has a wide range of depths from as low as 10-20 micron (which is
comparable to a chemical peel) to a level which is comparable to a CO2 Laser.

This in no way is comparable to, or a substitute for a surgical facelift. Laser
resurfacing is focused on repairing texture; it does not remove excess skin.
Erbium Laser will achieve a long lasting result, but is not permanent. As the body
ages, the skin will also begin to age again, and lines and texture changes will
eventually recur.

Pre-Treatment

Patient should eat a light meal prior to the treatment. Topical anaesthetic will be
applied or General Anaesthetic will be given according to each patients individual
needs. Pre-op nurses will discuss pre-treatment instructions for patients requiring
IV sedation or anaesthetic for treatment.

Details of Treatment

This laser is targeting water in the cells of the skin surface. The Erbium laser
produces less heating or burning of surrounding tissues than other lasers used
for resurfacing. This allows gentle vaporization of the damaged skin cells layer by
layer. Studies have shown that the Erbium stimulates the production of collagen,
creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin.

Post Treatment Care

Patients being treated at a 10 or 20 micron can expect a downtime of 3-5 days.
Side effects will include feeling tight, swollen, extremely dry and red. Vaseline
will be applied immediately following your treatment and should be continued for
24-48 hours. After this time Hydraphase UV is recommended for the remainder of
the recovery time. You can expect peeling on or around the 3rd day post
treatment, it is important that the dry skin is not peeled away. You may gently
exfoliate with a warm washcloth. The final result will be seen after the redness
has faded, approximately 1 week - 4 months (dependant on the strength of the
treatment).

Any areas of the face that are being treated at a higher level can expect swelling
for the first 3-5 days. An extra pillow at night will help decrease the swelling. The
treated area is covered with a tape like dressing or with ointment; this treatment,
postoperatively, will prevent formation of a crust or scab. The dressing can be
replaced in 1 or 2 days with a new one. Healing will be complete in 7-10 days.
The dressing is removed after 1 week.

Skin will be encouraged to regrow more quickly, smoothly and naturally by
keeping the wound moist. Wash treated area with water/vinegar mix. Mix 10
parts water to 1 part vinegar, apply 4-6 times a day and apply a thick coat of
Vaseline. Occasionally specific dressing or antibiotic ointment will be prescribed.
During this time, patients should not be picking at the crusting that has formed
as this can cause scarring. The scabbing will last approximately 10 days. After 2
weeks the skin should be healed and make up can be worn to cover up any
redness. This redness (pink color) will usually last from 1-6 months, in some
cases it can last up to 1 year.

It is very important that patients avoid sun exposure and always wear sun
protection of SPF 60 following laser resurfacing. This is to protect the new skin
that has formed. The new skin is photosensitive and is more susceptible to
pigment changes until it has completely healed. Sun protection is also
recommended to preserve the longevity of this treatment.

Possible Side Effects

Complications such as scarring from this laser are extremely rare, but can occur.
Permanent pigmentation changes are also a risk of this procedure. The most
common is hypopigmentation. This is the lack of melanin in the skin, and cannot
be repaired. The result is very light or white appearing skin. Due to this risk,
patients who have naturally darker pigmentation in their skin are not good
candidates for this type of procedure. Patients who tend to scar easily or who
have had any active skin infections in the past, are also not good candidates for
this procedure. Patients who suffer from with a history of cold sores must take
antibiotic, and antiviral medications prior to treatment. This will limit or prevent a
serious outbreak, which can occur as the skin is compromised.





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