Deep Erbium Laser For Acne Scars On Ethnic Skin Why This Patient Peels For Ten Days And Comes Back

Yes, but only with a strict protocol. Hyperpigmentation risk is high on darker skin tones, and many physicians will not perform aggressive laser resurfacing on ethnic skin. Dr. Emer has built his dermatology practice on treating the cases other offices decline. The mandatory Reskin Stabilis skin care protocol includes vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, growth factors, peptides, stem cells, papaya enzyme cleansers, retinol and hydroquinone. Patients are also on antibiotics and sometimes steroids during healing. Without compliance with this protocol, the laser is not performed.

It depends on the severity of the scarring and the patient's goal. The patient shown in the film is on his third session and has had big improvement each time. Multiple sessions are usually required, spaced months apart. After the scars are where the patient wants them, maintenance treatments with Halo, Fraxel, microneedling or microneedling radiofrequency are performed every three to four months to maintain the result. The number of sessions and timeline are determined at consultation.

Patients peel for seven to ten days after treatment. They are on antibiotics and sometimes steroids during the peel, and they must follow the mandatory Reskin Stabilis skin care protocol during healing. Pain is managed with nerve blocks, topical anesthetic creams, oral medication and injections. Nitrous oxide is available, and the treatment can be performed under sedation in the operating room if needed.

Deep fractional erbium penetrates hundreds of microns into the dermis, far deeper than phenol peels which ablate only the surface. The laser drills microscopic columns into the tissue to remodel scar tissue from the inside out. Phenol peels that would be deep enough to match this effect carry a much higher risk of scarring than the laser. The combination of deep fractional and superficial ablative erbium at different depths treats every layer of the scar.

Reskin Stabilis is a very aggressive skin care protocol required before and during deep erbium laser treatment. It includes vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, growth factors, peptides, stem cells, papaya enzyme cleansers, retinol and hydroquinone. The protocol manages hyperpigmentation risk on ethnic skin, which is very high with aggressive laser resurfacing. Without compliance with this protocol, the laser is not performed. This is not optional.

Yes. The patient shown in the film has had microscopic silicone injections in prior sessions to restore volume beneath depressed scars before the laser addresses surface texture. Deep erbium laser can also be combined with TCA cross for deep ice pick scars and subsision to release tethered scars. The combination of treatments is determined at consultation based on the type and severity of scarring.

Every treatment is customized. Dr. Emer does not know the pricing until he knows what needs to be done, how many sessions are required, and whether the laser needs to be combined with other treatments like microscopic silicone, TCA cross or subsision. This is a long-term investment in the skin, not a single visit fix. Patients must be willing to commit to ongoing skin care and maintenance treatments every three to four months after the goal is achieved. Pricing is discussed at consultation.

Pain is managed with nerve blocks, topical anesthetic creams, oral pain medication and injections. Nitrous oxide is available for patients who need it. The treatment can also be performed under sedation in the operating room if needed. The specific pain management plan is determined at consultation based on the patient's needs and the extent of treatment.