Fractionated Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Fractionated Erbium is a state-of-the-art treatment that renews and refines the skin by precisely removing microscopic columns of damaged tissue while stimulating deep collagen remodeling. It dramatically improves tone, texture, fine lines, acne scars, and pigmentation with less downtime and risk than fully ablative laser treatments.
Fractionated Erbium is the ideal balance between powerful rejuvenation and quick recovery, making it one of the most popular options for patients seeking visible renewal without surgery.
Benefits of Fractionated Erbium:
- Smooths fine lines and softens wrinkles.
- Reduces acne scars, surgical scars, and surface irregularities.
- Minimizes sun damage, pigment irregularities, and age spots.
- Refines enlarged pores and uneven texture.
- Tightens and firms skin through collagen and elastin stimulation.
- Shorter recovery and lower risk of complications compared to fully ablative lasers.
- Safe for a wider range of skin tones when performed by an expert.
Erase Years in One Treatment with Fully Ablative Erbium Laser
The Erbium:YAG laser (2940 nm) is highly absorbed by water in the skin, allowing for controlled ablation with minimal heat diffusion. In fractionated mode, the laser creates thousands of microscopic treatment zones that penetrate into the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
This pattern triggers the body’s natural healing response to produce new collagen and elastin while the preserved tissue accelerates recovery. The result is smoother, firmer, more even-toned skin that continues to improve over several months.
| Feature | Fully Ablative Erbium | Fractional Erbium |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of Treatment | Removes 100% of the outer skin layer for full resurfacing. | Treats microscopic zones of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact. |
| Downtime | 7–14 days of redness, peeling, and crusting. | 3–7 days of mild redness and flaking. |
| Results | Most dramatic improvement for deep wrinkles and advanced photoaging. | Significant rejuvenation for fine lines, texture, and pigment with faster healing. |
| Ideal For | Severe wrinkles, deep scars, and advanced sun damage. | Early-to-moderate aging, uneven tone, fine lines, and acne scarring. |
| Skin Type | Best for lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III). | Broader range, safer for darker or sensitive skin tones. |
| Anesthesia | Often requires local anesthesia with or without sedation. | Typically topical anesthesia only. |
- Smooth, Tighten, Renew Your Skin
- Comfortable and Gentle Treatment
- Lift and renew naturally
- The Natural Alternative to a Facelift
- Erase wrinkles, not your features
- Works on MOST Skin Types
Dr. Hakim- Erbium Specialist
Dr. Hakim is a double board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic laser expert, with specialized training and extensive experience in erbium laser resurfacing. As a national trainer for Sciton, Dr. Hakim has mastered the art of using this powerful laser to safely and effectively transform skin. Her customized treatment plans minimize risks and maximize results. Patients from around the country seek her expertise for dramatic skin rejuvenation.
DOWNTIME
- Redness, swelling, and mild peeling for 3–7 days, depending on the depth.
- Makeup can often be applied after day 4 or 5.
- Skin may appear pink for up to 10 days but feels smoother immediately.
- Results continue to build over 3–6 months as collagen remodels.
What to Expect
- Consultation: Dr. Hakim evaluates skin type, tone, and treatment goals to select the ideal settings and energy level.
- Treatment: Topical or local anesthesia is applied for comfort. The laser is then passed over the skin in precise, controlled patterns.
- Post-Care: Gentle cleansing, healing ointment, and strict sun protection are essential.
- Results: Brighter, smoother, and firmer skin appears gradually over weeks, with full results after several months.
Who Is a Candidate
- Fractionated Erbium:
- Ideal for patients with fine lines, mild-to-moderate texture issues, pigmentation, or early signs of aging who want noticeable improvement with minimal downtime. It’s excellent for maintaining skin quality and glow throughout the year.
- Fully Ablative Erbium:
- Best for those with deeper wrinkles, etched lines, advanced sun damage, or significant scarring who are willing to accept more downtime for transformative results.
Dr. Hakim often tailors the approach — combining fractionated and ablative passes in select areas — to achieve the perfect balance of efficacy and recovery for each patient.
Role of Dermatologists in Treatment:
1. Expert Evaluation
- Dr. Hakim determines the exact balance between resurfacing strength and recovery time based on each patient’s goals, skin type, and medical history. This ensures optimal results without risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring.
2. Safety and Precision:
- Laser energy must be delivered evenly and at the correct depth for each facial zone. Dr. Hakim’s deep understanding of skin thickness, vascularity, and collagen density allows her to customize every treatment map for uniform rejuvenation.
3. Integrated Approach:
- For comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr. Hakim often pairs Fractionated Erbium with BBL HEROic, ClearSilk, or Sculptra, addressing pigmentation, tone, and volume simultaneously. This synergy enhances both short-term glow and long-term skin health.
4. Advanced Training and Knowledge:
- Dr. Hakim adjusts the pulse duration, fluence, and density to achieve the perfect balance between effectiveness and comfort. This precision is what allows her to maximize tightening and smoothness while minimizing downtime.
Fractionated Erbium is one of the most powerful resurfacing technologies available, but its success depends entirely on the provider’s knowledge of laser physics, skin biology, and energy control.