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Erbium Laser Resurfacing | My Beauty Protocol

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Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) Laser Resurfacing

Plain-English name: Erbium Laser Peel

Also known asSciton Joule Contour TRLFotona SP Dynamis Er:YAGSciton Joule (ProFractional, TRL)

Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms

The Er:YAG laser gently vaporizes superficial skin layers by targeting water.

Downtime: 2 weeks
Sessions: 1–3
Pain: Medium
Cost per visit: Price level 5 of 5
Full course: 1–3 sessionsAsk the total price for all of them.
Results start: In 3–8 days
Results last: Long-lasting

An erbium laser that smooths texture, fine lines and scars; needs careful aftercare.

Check first: Recent isotretinoin use (within 6-12 months).

Will it work for me?

Skin tone

Often used on tones I–IV, with the right settings.

On tones V–VI, dark or light patches are more likely. Ask your provider first.

IVery Light

IILight

IIIMedium

IVTan

VBrown

VIDeep

Often usedAsk first

General info, not a check of your own skin.

What people use it for

Tap one to see how it helps.

Skin types

Tap a profile to see what may change.

Skin types to ask about first

Dry or FlakyAsk first

Can leave dry skin tighter and flakier while it heals. Ask your provider how to prepare and moisturize.

Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first

Needs a gentle, barrier-safe plan and careful screening.

Breakout-proneAsk first

Active breakouts in the area may need to calm down first. Ask your provider.

How do the devices differ?

In no special order. Ask which one they use, and why.

3 devices

Ask your provider

Which device and settings will you use for my skin, and why?
Can we do a test spot first?
What result is realistic for me, and after how many sessions?

Before and after your visit

Plan it around your lifeMakeup, sun, workouts — see what fits around your treatment.

The visit

Duration: 30–90 minutes
Total course: 3–12 months
Session interval: 3–6 months

What to expect, and what to avoid

Recovery

3–8 days; redness up to 2 weeks

Avoid sun

24 hours

No makeup

8 days

No sweat or heat

1 week

Other aftercare

Keep the area clean
Don't pick, peel or scratch
Sleep with your head raised

Your provider may give you different timing.

Day by day

Before your visit: ask when to start
- Tell your provider about your medicines, allergies and health
- Tell your provider if you get cold sores
- Come with clean skin: no makeup or lotion
4 weeks before
No tanning or strong sun for 4 weeks before
1–2 weeks before
Stop retinoids, acids and scrubs for 1–2 weeks before
1–2 weeks before
Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and vitamin E for 1–2 weeks before, if your doctor agrees
After your visit
- Keep the area clean
- Sleep with your head raised
- Don't pick, peel or scratch
- Don't touch, rub or press the area
- No direct sun
- Wear sunscreen every day
- Avoid hard exercise, heat and heavy sweating for 7 days
- No makeup on the area for 5–8 days
- Expect redness and swelling, possibly some oozing, for the first few days. New skin usually emerges within 3-8 days, allowing makeup application. Redness may linger for several weeks. Strict sun protection and diligent moisturizing are vital throughout this period. Results start to show in 3–8 days, once new skin forms.

Side effects, and who should wait

Who may want to think twice

Recent isotretinoin use (within 6-12 months)
History of radiation therapy to the treatment area
History of keloid scarring
Active infections (e.g., herpes outbreaks, acne, cellulitis, impetigo)
Conditions that impair healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune therapies)
Darker skin types (Fitzpatrick V-VI) for full-field treatments due to high risk of dyspigmentation

Possible side effects

Common

Transient hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin, especially in darker skin tones)
Mild swelling
Temporary hypopigmentation (lightening of skin)
Redness (erythema)

Less common

Scarring (reported in 0.8% of patients, often resolving with steroid treatment)
Temporary scleral show (lower eyelid pulling down slightly)
Synechiae under the lower eyelid (adhesions)
Infection (e.g., herpes outbreaks)

Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.

How it works, and common myths

The laser's specific wavelength precisely targets water in skin cells, vaporizing damaged tissue to trigger natural regeneration and collagen synthesis.

A little more technical

The Er:YAG laser uses a specific wavelength of light (2940 nm) that is highly absorbed by water in the skin, precisely vaporizing superficial layers to stimulate new skin growth and collagen production.

Erbium:YAG laser resurfacing utilizes a 2940 nm wavelength, which corresponds to the peak absorption of water, leading to precise tissue ablation with minimal residual thermal damage. This controlled vaporization of epidermal and superficial dermal layers initiates a wound healing cascade, promoting re-epithelialization and neocollagenesis, resulting in improved skin texture, tone, and elasticity.

Mechanism category: Ablative (Removes Surface); Effectively peels away the dull, damaged top layers of the skin to reveal fresh tissue underneath.
Energy type: 2940nm (Water-Seeking); Highly absorbed by water in the skin. It vaporizes tissue instantly but stops immediately, preventing deep thermal heat from spreading.
Safety: Cold Laser (Low Heat Profile); Because it generates very little lingering heat, there is a much lower risk of triggering hyperpigmentation (dark spots) in melanated skin.
Common device / product names: Sciton Joule Contour TRL · Fotona SP Dynamis Er:YAG · Sciton Joule (ProFractional, TRL) · Fotona SP Dynamis · Alma Harmony XL Pro
Clinical descriptor: Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) Laser Resurfacing