The Erbium (Er:YAG) laser is an ablative laser used in aesthetic medicine to improve skin texture, reduce superficial wrinkles, and correct certain skin irregularities. Thanks to its wavelength of 2,940 nm, which is highly absorbed by the water contained in the tissues, it enables extremely precise skin resurfacing with limited thermal diffusion into the surrounding tissues.
This characteristic distinguishes the Erbium laser from other ablative lasers. By producing less residual heat, it allows skin renewal with generally faster healing and fewer side effects. It is particularly indicated when the goal is to improve the skin surface, smooth fine lines, or treat certain superficial scars without aiming for deep dermal remodelling.
However, the parameters can also be adjusted to achieve deep dermal remodelling.
The Erbium:YAG laser is an ablative laser whose wavelength is absorbed almost exclusively by the water present in skin cells. This technique makes it possible to precisely vaporise the superficial, intermediate, or deep layers of the skin while generating minimal thermal diffusion into the dermis, which generally reduces the duration of the inflammatory phase and the occurrence of side effects.
This characteristic explains its excellent precision. Each laser impact removes a highly controlled amount of tissue, allowing the physician to tailor the treatment to the exact depth of the lesions.
The main advantage of the Erbium laser lies in its precision. It allows highly controlled treatment of the skin layers while preserving the surrounding tissues. This precision makes it possible to treat areas where the skin is thin, such as around the eyes or the lips.
Its limited thermal diffusion is another major advantage. This reduces inflammatory reactions, promotes faster healing, and lowers the risk of pigmentary complications.
The treatment can be adjusted according to individual needs. A very superficial ablation quickly improves skin radiance, while deeper resurfacing helps correct wrinkles or scars.
The Erbium laser is an excellent option for patients wishing to improve the quality of their skin while seeking a faster recovery than that observed with other ablative lasers. This technology may be recommended for :
The face is the main indication for the Erbium laser.
The area around the lips and the eye contour respond particularly well to this technology because of the thinness of the skin in these regions.
The treatment can also be performed on the neck, décolleté, or hands to improve signs of ageing. Certain scars or pigmentation on the body may also be treated when their depth is compatible with this type of resurfacing.
The choice of treatment areas always depends on a precise clinical assessment, the quality of the skin, and the patient's expectations.
The Erbium laser is contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in cases of active skin infection (herpes, impetigo, or wounds), active inflammatory skin disease, recent tanning, or recent sun exposure. Particular attention is also required for patients with a history of hypertrophic scars or keloids, those receiving photosensitising treatments, or those who have taken isotretinoin in recent months. For darker skin phototypes, the risk of pigmentary disorders requires careful patient selection and appropriate adjustment of the treatment protocol.
Each treatment is preceded by a medical consultation to assess the characteristics of the skin, the depth of wrinkles and scars, the severity of photoaging, the skin phototype, and the patient's expectations. The laser settings are then adjusted to achieve the level of resurfacing best suited to each indication.
Strict sun protection is recommended during the 4 weeks preceding the session. It is also advisable to avoid intense sun exposure as well as the use of self-tanning products during this period in order to reduce the risk of pigmentary disorders.
Topical retinoids (tretinoin, retinol, adapalene, tazarotene, etc.) are generally discontinued 5 to 7 days before treatment. Exfoliating or irritating products (AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, high-concentration vitamin C, scrubs) should also be stopped 5 to 7 days before the session.
Superficial chemical peels are usually avoided during the 2 to 4 weeks preceding treatment, while an interval of 3 to 6 months is required after a medium or deep peel.
For patients with a history of labial or facial herpes, prophylactic antiviral treatment is prescribed. It is generally started the day before or on the day of the session and continued for 5 to 7 days.
After careful cleansing of the skin, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied. Dr Romano then performs several passes with the laser beam, precisely adjusting the treatment depth for each anatomical area. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the session generally lasts between 20 and 45 minutes. A sensation of warmth or tingling is commonly experienced but is generally well tolerated thanks to the anaesthesia and cooling systems.
Post-treatment care is essential for proper healing. A repairing cream is applied immediately after the session and then several times a day until the skin barrier is fully restored. The skin should be cleansed gently without rubbing and protected daily with the application of a very high-protection sunscreen. Topical retinoids, exfoliating products, scrubs, and potentially irritating cosmetics should only be reintroduced once the skin has completely healed and the skin barrier has been fully restored.
The number of sessions depends directly on the indication.
A single session may be sufficient to improve mild photoaging, smooth superficial fine lines, or restore skin radiance. Superficial scars or more significant skin alterations generally require 4 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Like any ablative laser, the Erbium laser may cause temporary side effects related to the normal healing process.
The most common reactions are redness, mild swelling, a sensation of warmth, skin dryness, and peeling for a few days. More rarely, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, herpes reactivation, skin infection, or delayed healing may occur. These complications remain uncommon when the indications are appropriate, the laser settings are adapted to the patient's skin phototype, and the post-treatment recommendations are carefully followed.
Once healing is complete, the skin texture appears more even, fine lines are reduced, and the complexion becomes brighter and more uniform. Pores are less visible, and superficial scars gradually become less noticeable.
Improvement continues over the 3 months following the session thanks to the progressive remodelling of the superficial tissues. However, the results depend on the depth of the lesions, the patient's age, sun exposure, and the intrinsic quality of the skin.
Good sun protection helps prolong the benefits of the treatment over time.
The cost of an Erbium laser treatment depends on the area being treated, the size of the treatment area, the depth of the resurfacing, and the time required for the session.
The price of an Erbium laser session ranges from CHF 600 to CHF 1,200.
A personalised quotation is provided during the consultation following a clinical examination. This makes it possible to determine the most appropriate treatment protocol, the estimated number of sessions, and the overall cost of the treatment.
Both lasers belong to the family of ablative lasers, but they interact with the tissues differently. The Erbium laser produces extremely precise ablation with limited thermal diffusion, whereas the CO₂ laser generates more heat within the dermis, promoting deeper collagen remodelling. The choice depends on the indication, the patient's skin type, and the desired result.
With appropriate treatment parameters, it is also possible to achieve deep skin remodelling using the Erbium laser.
The treatment is generally well tolerated thanks to the prior application of a topical anaesthetic cream. A sensation of warmth or mild tingling may be experienced during the session, but it subsides quickly after the treatment.
Recovery depends on the depth of the resurfacing. Redness and skin peeling are common for a few days, but most patients are able to resume their daily activities sooner than after some deeper ablative treatments.
The treatment corrects the skin changes present at the time of the session, but it does not stop the skin's natural ageing process. Daily sun protection and appropriate skincare help maintain the results for longer.
Yes. Depending on the patient's needs, it can be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan combining botulinum toxin injections, hyaluronic acid, Skinboosters, or biostimulation treatments to simultaneously improve facial volume, expression lines, and skin quality.
