What is The Cost of a Fractional Erbium Laser Treatment?
Erbium fractional skin laser resurfacing typically costs $799 for a single session or $3999 for a package of 6.
Recovery Period Following a Fractional Erbium Laser Treatment?
There is minimal recovery time after a fractional erbium laser resurfacing treatment. The healing process lasts 1-2 weeks so the procedure is suitable for relatively young, working people who can’t afford extensive time off.
Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure may take 30 minutes to 2 hours. For instance, a partial-face takes 30 to 45 minutes, while a full-face treatment takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
What is a Fractional Erbium Laser or Radiofrequency Resurfacing Treatment?
Erbium laser skin resurfacing ablates the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin underneath. Fractional CO2 laser or Radiofrequency resurfacing is deeper and the most advanced laser procedures available for aging skin, acne scarring, and sun-damage. The CO2 laser and Radiofrequency procedures additionally stimulate collagen to promote skin tightening, removing fine lines, and wrinkles in the process. It is a safe and non-surgical option for obtaining youthful skin with minimal downtime.
This particular laser and radiofrequency technology creates tiny microthermal patches in the middle layer of skin, damaging collagen and aged skin cells, helping the generation of new collagen and healthy cell renewal.
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons has a number of different lasers and radiofrequency fractional resurfacing devices, which enables us to customize the best device for your skin needs and recovery expectations. Some Fractional Radiofrequency devices, like Morpheus, can send the fractional energy down into the fat itself and lift, tighten and smooth the skin from the bottom up.
Fractional Resurfacing devices can be divided into 2 categories:
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
These devices use a laser to create small micro-thermal channels or defects in the skin. The laser is attracted to water contained in the outer layer of the skin. A fractional ablative laser creates a large number of ablative defects in the skin but leaves patches of skin between the thermal defects untreated.
It is the proportional nature of these lasers (leaving adjacent skin untreated) that gave rise to the term “fractional”. The adjacent uninjured skin serves as a reservoir to heal the un-injured skin and account for the rapid healing of fractional resurfacing compared to older laser resurfacing techniques from the 90s and early 2000s, where the entire surface of the skin was removed and healing occurred slowly from below.
Fractional CO2, Fractional Erbium Glass are the common fractional resurfacing lasers used at our centre.
Fractional Radiofrequency Resurfacing (RF).
Fractional Radiofrequency (RF) devices typically use silicone needles to deliver a fractionated RF electrical impulse into deep layers of the skin and/or fat. Fractional RF devices have the advantage of Fractional Lasers, in that the surface of the skin is not ablated as the needle carrying the thermal energy is coated and does not contact the superficial skin.
These devices are skin fractional, in that, some tissue adjacent to the needle can be left uninjured to act as the reservoir for healing. The needles can be used selectively to penetrate different depths into the under skin and fat, creating very strong thermal contraction and wrinkle reduction without superficial reactions.
The disadvantage of the fractional RF over fractional laser resurfacing is that those patients with very superficial skin aging, benefit more from a laser, as the outside of the skin requires more significant improvement. The Fractora, Morpheus 8, Intracel (Intensive), Infini and Ematrix are the common fractional RF devices and the fractional laser surgeon in TPS have all the categories of Fractional RF resurfacing systems.
The Toronto Plastic Surgeons are the largest private laser centre in Canada, and carry all the best fractional resurfacing devices (both laser and RF) and can customize the right device, or combined devices, for your needs.
Am I a Good Candidate for Fractional Erbium Laser?
Fractional skin resurfacing lasers and radiofrequency devices can treat quite a variety of different skin problems. A good candidate for this non-invasive resurfacing treatment is one who wants to correct fine, moderate or deep lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, back, chest, or hands. They may also wish to minimize acne scarring or surgical scars, have precancerous lesions, want to tighten up lax skin, and/or lessen enlarged pores.
If you desire to look younger with more defined skin texture and tone, understand that the results are not as dramatic as a surgical procedure. Be up-front and honest about your expectations as the team will be able to suggest alternative surgeries or laser treatments.
Fractional Erbium Laser Benefits
Youthful Glow
Within 1-2 weeks after the treatment, fractional laser or RF resurfacing will leave your skin with a ‘shine’ or ‘glow’, giving you a fresh, youthful look in a short amount of time.
Reduces Wrinkles and Pore size
Fractional laser or RF resurfacing reduces the appearance of wrinkles 50-90% depending upon the intensity of the settings and recovery time allotted. Enlarged macropores, white stretch marks, and other texture skin irregularities can also show significant improvement.
Tighten Lax Skin
Depending upon the Fractional Radiofrequency technology or device used, you can achieve noticeably tighter, smoother, and even lifted appearing skin. This can be helpful on the face, jawline, neck, chest, arms, and above the knee.
Minimizes Scarring
Unlike other acne scarring alternatives, this treatment fixes many skin issues in a relatively small number of sessions (as little as 1-3 treatments) with little downtime.
Treats Sun Damaged Skin
Whether you suffer from brown spots or long-term loss of collagen in your skin due to photo-damage, we can precisely control the depth and the extent to which the treatment will work.
Ideal for Older Patients
Fractional Radiofrequency resurfacing can significantly improve wrinkles, laxity, enlarged pores, and photodamage on older patients present.
Fractional Erbium Laser Risks & Complications
Fractional laser and radiofrequency treatments are well tolerated by most, and complications are quite rare. However, there are some risks. These include:
- Changes in skin colour: Fractional laser and radiofrequency resurfacing can cause skin darkening (hyperpigmentation), or lightening (hypopigmentation). This can often be treated with more laser treatments or topical products.
- Infection: Like many cosmetic procedures, fractional erbium laser resurfacing can sometimes lead to infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), including herpes flare-ups in people that carry the virus. A preventative dose of Valtrex oral antiviral is given routinely.
- Itching, swelling, and redness: Right after treatment, it’s normal for the skin to be warm and red for a couple of days. In some cases, however, itchiness and swelling also occur, and in rare cases can last for a few months.
- Scarring: Fractional erbium laser resurfacing treatments pose a minor risk of scarring. During your consultation, we will review your scarring risk level and determine your candidacy.
Why The Toronto Plastic Surgeons?
Every member of the Toronto Plastic Surgeons is dedicated to making your experience pleasant, discreet, and top-quality. There’s a good reason we have repeatedly been named one of Canada’s top laser skin care facilities. Our state-of-the-art laser equipment, relaxed procedure rooms, experienced and expertly trained nurses and aestheticians all contribute to our success.
Our Fractional Laser and RF procedures can deliver a fast recovery time, minimal discomfort, and long-lasting gradual improvement.
During the fractional laser and radiofrequency treatment, the laser’s light is passed over the surface of the skin and absorbed, causing the immediate vaporization of tissue. In this way, the skin is removed one 30 millionths of an inch at a time. This very precise control allows us to treat as deeply or as superficially as required. The laser creates tiny “microthermal” zones in which the skin then repairs by pushing out old, damaged skin and accelerating the body’s production of collagen and healthy new skin.
Preparing for a Fractional Erbium Laser Treatment
It is important to avoid tanning for at least one month before treatment, as skin that has been exposed to UV light poses a higher risk of complications. When you arrive for your appointment, we will cleanse your face and apply a topical freezing cream. The cream will take 30-60 minutes to take effect, during which time you are encouraged to relax or read.
What to Expect Post Fractional Laser and RF Resurfacing
When your skin resurfacing is complete, a bandage may be placed on the treated area and will be removed in a matter of days. After a week, we will apply ointment to prevent scarring. The skin typically regenerates in about 10 days but will be quite red for about a month and less red for 3-4 months. It is very important to avoid sun exposure during this period and to keep the skin very well hydrated.
Fractional Erbium Laser Recovery
Fractional erbium laser skin recovery is individual to each patient, but will typically proceed as follows:
Weeks 1-2: By the end of week 1, you can expect to resume your usual activities. Though, for some, initial downtime can be up to 2 weeks. Avoid wearing makeup for the first week if possible.
Week 3: Your skin will continue growing new collagen for several months, appearing normal again by week 3. At this point, patients usually feel comfortable resuming exercise.
Post 1 month: You can expect real improvements after one month. At this point, we may recommend that you undergo the next treatment in your series as discussed during your consultation.
Fractional Laser and Radiofrequency Resurfacing FAQ
Is Getting a Fractional Laser or RF Treatment Painful?
This treatment can be low to high on the pain scale. Mild settings cause little-to-no discomfort and generally require only topical numbing cream. For more aggressive treatments, laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide or Pronox) is used, together with local anesthesia
How Long After a Fractional Laser or Radiofrequency Treatment Should I Wait Before Botox Injection or Dermal Filler (like Juvederm) Treatments?
There should be a 2-to-4-week window between procedures to give the skin a chance to heal.
Laser and RF treatments do not melt fillers or botox injection, once they have been injected and are settled in (as long as the filler is deep), it is recommended that Botox injectable be injected before your procedure so that your skin relaxes the animation and wrinkles, which will assist in the Fractional Resurfacing and the collagen that will form.
How Long Does a Laser or Radiofrequency Skin Resurfacing Last?
Most patients see a major transformation in wrinkles, coloring irregularities, and scars within weeks of their appointment. When paired with a skincare routine, your improvements will last for years to come.
Please note that depending on the changes you are anticipating, you may need to have 1-3 procedures to see significant improvements. Addition of Botox injection and dermal fillers to the results of your Fractional RF or Laser Resurfacing will add to your improvement and help protect your investment
What can I do to make my Laser and RF Skin Resurfacing Last Longer?
Moderate energy maintenance treatments 2-3 times per year (back to work the next day), avoiding sun damage, botox injections, dermal fillers, and good medical skin care can ensure your laser and RF resurfacing results last a long time.
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