Clinic of Dermatology

The Department of dermatology is equipped with the latest generation Erbium:yag laser system. Advantage of this laser system is the specific work regimen that provides the most effective treatment and the lack of side effects. It is mainly utilized for laser resurfacing of the face, neck and neckline skin.

How does the Erbium:Yag laser work?

Erbium:Yag laser is a new laser technology that emits infrared light with a wavelength of 2940 nm. It is responsible for precise tissue destruction without damage of the surrounding normal skin.

The therapeutic action of Erbium:Yag laser is based on the unique properties of laser light and its interaction with the tissues treated standing on the principles of selective thermolysis.

During laser resurfacing the temperature in the dermis is increased until 55°C – 62°C. Interpeptide bonds of the collagen molecule begin to disintegrate and its tertiary structure alters. The normal length of the collagen molecule is reduced to 50%. The process continues with the phase of healing and production of new collagen in the dermis, which forms and accumulates around the shortened half of the polypeptide chain, that plays the role of a matrix.

Clinically the skin of the face smoothens – deep wrinkles and fine lines are reduced; pigmentations and dilated capillaries disappear; the skin tan is evenly spread, texture improved; the skin shows visible signs of rejuvenation and tone.

Advantages of Erbium:Yag laser

Treatment with Erbium:Yag laser allows precise control of the laser resurfacing depth eliminating the risk of subsequent scarring. Local anesthaesia is required only and the procedure is less painful than dermabrasion and CO₂ laser resurfacing. This laser is safe for treating changes around the eye area and in the vicinity of the lip area.

Indications:

Erbium:Yag laser is exclusively suitable for skin resurfacing of the face, neck and neckline area considering ageing skin, pigmentary disorders and medium to deep wrinkles. It manages surgical, acne and trauma scars excellently. Its advantage compared to CO₂ laser is that it can be used in patients with darker skin tan.

Ablative Erbium:Yag laser resurfacing can be applied alone or in combination with other surgical procedures, like facelift, blepharoplasty, excision, etc. Combination with non – ablative procedures, like IPL (Intense pulsed light) is possible.

Contraindications for Erbium:Yag laser treatment are:

• Deteriorated general condition
• Pregnancy
• Active bacterial, viral and fungal skin infections.
• Predisposition to keloid formation.
• HIV and hepatitis type C infection.

Erbium:Yag laser resurfacing is contraindicated in patients who have undergone systemic treatment with retinoids (Acitretine, Isotretinoin) in the past 6 months.

What are the possible side effects?

Deep resurfacing leads to slight swelling and redness of the skin that appear immediately after the procedure; they are temporary and disappear within 3 – 4 days.

The period required for skin healing is shortened considerably, the postoperative period is relieved. Hospitalization is not necessary, the manipulations are held in ambulatory conditions.

Hypo- and hyperpigmentations, infection, scarring and problems with skin healing are extremely rare, observed in patients that failed to abide by the physician’s instructions. Photoprotection is obligatory throughout the whole year.