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How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

At Renaissance, our laser treatments are completely tailored to meet your specific needs. Our plastic surgeons will work with you to determine your skin care treatment plan, which may involve preparing the skin with Retin-A and Hydroquinone prior to your Erbium laser procedure. These prescription products may begin six weeks or more prior to your scheduled treatment and are tailored to your skin type.

Since the Erbium laser is tunable, the depth is adjusted to vaporize damaged skin cells specific to your concern. Your aesthetic treatment with Erbium is usually done as an outpatient procedure which lasts between thirty minutes to two hours. After your treatment, our plastic surgeons will apply a protective dressing to the tissue and also provide topical solutions to promote the healing process.

Erbium Laser Benefits

The main benefits of Erbium laser skin resurfacing are:

  • Improvement of moderate to deep wrinkles
  • Diminished appearance of scarring (even acne scarring)
  • Reduction of severe sun damage, including pre-cancerous skin cells
  • Increased skin elasticity and collagen production
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Comparing MOXI, CO₂, and Erbium Lasers

Choosing the right laser depends on your skin concerns, downtime tolerance, and desired level of correction. Here’s a quick overview to help you understand the differences:

MOXI Laser
(Gentle, Minimal Downtime)

  • Best for: Early signs of aging, dullness, pigment, preventative skin maintenance
  • Depth: Very light, non-ablative
  • Downtime: 24–72 hours of redness or “sandpaper” texture
  • Why choose it: Great for boosting glow, improving tone, and preventive anti-aging with little disruption to your routine.

Erbium Laser (Moderate Resurfacing, Faster Healing)

  • Best for: Fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture
  • Depth: Ablative, but more controlled and gentler than CO₂
  • Downtime: About 5–7 days
  • Why choose it: Offers meaningful resurfacing and smoother skin while healing quicker than CO₂, ideal for those wanting noticeable improvement without extensive downtime.

St. Louis laser skin resurfacing clients should get a personalized consultation about their needs and discuss them with one of our expert plastic surgeons in St. Louis.

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Am I a Candidate for Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment?

Ideal candidates for our Erbium laser skin resurfacing in St. Louis are those who want to improve the appearance and complexion of their skin by getting rid of facial imperfections such as wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots, and uneven texture. Patients who have acne scarring can also benefit greatly from this treatment.

Patients who have darker-toned skin, deep wrinkles, or excessive sagging skin may not see sufficient results from a laser skin resurfacing treatment. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, laser treatments may not be right for you at this time.

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Is Erbium Laser Treatment Painful?

Because Erbium laser treatments work to remove the superficial layers of the skin, some pain management may be needed during treatment. Although feeling a laser is quick, it does resemble the feeling of stinging or burning for as long as it touches the skin. While most patients say this pain is tolerable, a local anesthetic may be given to help patients feel comfortable and safe during their treatment.

What Is Recovery Like After Erbium Laser Treatment?

After your Erbium laser treatment, patients may feel like their skin is sunburnt. This, in addition to redness, swelling, itching, stinging, and peeling, are all common side effects that your skin is beginning to heal after your treatment. Some areas of the skin may even crust or blister, which is normal. Most patients need one to two weeks of recovery to see their skin fully healed.

To achieve an easy, complication-free recovery, we recommend patients do the following for the best results:

  • Clean the treated area two to five times a day
  • Apply protective skin care daily to promote healing
  • Invest in a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it daily once your skin is fully healed
  • Avoid peeling or picking at your skin during healing
  • Elevate your head at night
  • Gently apply an ice pack to treated areas to relieve swelling
  • Avoid smoking as it can interfere with your overall health and the healing process
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How Long Will the Results from My Erbium Laser Treatment Last?

Results from your Erbium laser skin resurfacing in St. Louis can last up to one month before the skin replaces itself, and patients may need a follow-up treatment to maintain their results.

Learn More About What Our Erbium Laser Systems Can Do For You

If you think you could benefit from our Erbium laser service, it’s time to contact our office in St. Peters, MO today.

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Why Choose Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing at Renaissance Plastic Surgery?

Renaissance Plastic Surgery in St. Louis is known for providing high-quality, patient-focused care. Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing in St. Louis is performed by our experienced team of board-certified plastic surgeons, ensuring safe and effective treatments tailored to your needs.

Our approach emphasizes minimal downtime and visible results, making it a favorite among individuals who want to rejuvenate their skin without the need for extensive recovery. Whether you're dealing with acne scars, sun damage, or fine lines, Erbium Laser offers an affordable method to restore a youthful appearance.

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Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ

Is Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Better Than CO2 for Sensitive Skin in St. Louis?

How Does Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Compare With Other Skin Resurfacing Treatments?

How Many Sessions of Erbium Laser Treatment Are Needed for Optimal Results?

How Long Will It Take to See Results from Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing?

What Are the Side Effects of Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Is Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Better Than CO2 for Sensitive Skin in St. Louis?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing is a gentler option compared to CO2, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. In St. Louis, many prefer Erbium because it offers a more controlled treatment with minimal downtime, while still effectively improving skin texture and tone.

How Does Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Compare With Other Skin Resurfacing Treatments?

Erbium laser skin resurfacing provides a balanced approach for St. Louis patients seeking a non-invasive way to improve skin imperfections. Compared to CO2, it’s a more comfortable treatment with quicker recovery, making it an ideal option for those with fine lines, acne scars, or sun damage.

How Many Sessions of Erbium Laser Treatment Are Needed for Optimal Results?

Most St. Louis residents see noticeable results after one or two Erbium laser sessions. However, for more severe skin concerns like deep acne scars, additional treatments may be required. Your specific treatment plan will be tailored to your needs during your consultation.

How Long Will It Take to See Results from Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Patients can expect to see initial improvements within 5-7 days, with full results visible in about 4-6 weeks. As collagen production increases, your skin will become smoother and more youthful over time.

What Are the Side Effects of Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing?

After Erbium laser resurfacing, you may experience mild redness, swelling, and peeling. These side effects typically subside within a week, and most St. Louis patients can return to their normal routine soon after treatment.

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