Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Erbium laser resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation treatment that restores smoother, more youthful-looking skin. This treatment uses laser energy to target visible signs of aging, pigmentation concerns, uneven texturing, and more, all while stimulating the production of collagen for more refreshed, radiant skin. (1)

At Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, we offer tailored erbium laser treatments to safely and effectively rejuvenate your skin. Dr. Paul Phelps, a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, helps patients revitalize their appearance using an array of both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Whether you are looking to smooth fine lines, reduce acne scars, or correct sun damage, our erbium laser treatments can help you achieve a glowing, youthful appearance.

To get started, please schedule a consultation online or call (312) 888-5754.

About Erbium Lasers

Over time, the natural effects of aging and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can cause the skin to take on a dull, uneven, and wrinkled appearance. (1) Erbium lasers can address each of these concerns, revitalizing appearance and quality.

Erbium laser resurfacing generates laser energy that removes dead and damaged cells from the skin’s surface, as well as stimulates the production of collagen.

Benefits

There are several benefits to erbium laser skin resurfacing, including:

  • Softer Skin: Our laser treatment can reduce rough patches and scarring, resulting in smoother and softer skin.
  • Revitalized Appearance: Resurfacing your skin can minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, creases, and crow’s feet, resulting in a more youthful-looking appearance overall.
  • Clearer Complexion: Laser energy can reduce pigmentation irregularities, such as sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and freckles. (2)
  • Collagen-Stimulating: This treatment stimulates the production of collagen, leading to gradual improvements in the elasticity, health, and appearance of your skin.
  • Customizable Treatments: Our specialists adjust the erbium laser settings for your unique concerns, ensuring your final results align with your ideal aesthetic.
  • High Safety Profile: When administered by a specialist, erbium laser resurfacing is safe and effective for patients of most skin types and tones.

Candidates

Erbium laser resurfacing is ideal for most patients seeking smoother, clearer, and healthier-looking skin without requiring surgical intervention or general anesthesia. Patients interested in improving the appearance of acne scars, as well as those seeking a more youthful look overall, may also benefit from this treatment.

Our erbium laser can effectively address Fitzpatrick skin types I-V, meaning most individuals will make suitable candidates. Anyone interested in erbium laser resurfacing should be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding their results.

We do not recommend this treatment for those with active acne, certain autoimmune disorders, a history of keloidal scarring, or patients with Fitzpatrick skin type VI. (1) Our team of specialists will determine each patient’s eligibility during their consultation. If you do not qualify for this treatment, we still recommend scheduling a consultation so that our team can find an effective alternative.

Personal Consultation

The first step to revitalizing your skin is attending a consultation. During this consultation, you will meet with one of our specialists to discuss what erbium lasers are and how they work. They will ask you about your medical history, skin concerns, and treatment goals, as well as evaluate your skin.

Using these details, your specialist will determine your candidacy and craft your treatment plan. Throughout the consultation, they will also answer any questions you have.

To schedule this consultation and learn more about what this procedure has to offer, please contact us online or call (312) 888-5754.

Preparation

Your specialist will provide a set of preparation instructions before you undergo treatment. These instructions are fairly simple, and following them closely will ensure the best results.

When preparing for your erbium laser resurfacing, you will need to temporarily modify your skincare routine to avoid any products that may affect your skin’s natural barrier. These can include chemical peels, exfoliants, retinoids, or retinols.

You should be using sunblock when leaving the house, although it is better to avoid excessive or direct sun exposure in general. On the day of your appointment, we ask that you arrive with clean skin that is free from makeup or skincare products. We also recommend removing any facial jewelry beforehand.

Procedure

When you arrive at our office, we will first cleanse your skin in a private treatment room. We will also apply a topical anesthetic to your skin to enhance comfort.

After preparing your skin, your specialist will administer your treatment. They will pass the laser device over the treatment area as it emits laser energy into your skin. This heats the underlying layers of skin and tissue, stimulating the production of collagen. You may feel a warm, prickling sensation as the laser glides over your skin and removes its outermost layers, revealing fresher, newer, and brighter skin underneath.

Recovery

Recovering from an erbium laser treatment is generally quick, especially when compared to other skin-resurfacing treatments. As your skin heals, it is common to experience temporary effects such as flaking, peeling, redness, or sensitivity in the treated areas. If you receive a lighter treatment, this will last only a few days, but it may last for up to a week if you undergo a more extensive treatment.

During this time, you will need to wear sunscreen daily and avoid excessive or direct sun exposure to protect the appearance of your renewed skin. You should continue refraining from using any harsh skincare products and continuously moisturize the treated areas. It is also important to avoid wearing makeup for the first 24-48 hours after your treatment. Your specialist will provide and discuss any additional recovery instructions during your consultation.

Results

Once your peeling subsides, you will experience smoother and brighter skin. You will notice reduced pigmentation concerns, softened acne scars, and fewer visible signs of aging. You will see initial results appear approximately one to two weeks after your treatment; however, improvements in the health and quality of your skin will continue as your collagen levels increase over time. When patients adopt an effective skincare regimen, the results of erbium laser resurfacing can be long-lasting, with many patients experiencing effects for up to two years.

Corresponding Procedures

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Our specialists can perform several treatments in conjunction with our erbium laser resurfacing for more comprehensive results, one of them being CO2 laser resurfacing. This is a laser resurfacing treatment that rejuvenates the skin by targeting facial scars, melasma, pigmentation concerns, and more. This treatment can also stimulate the production of collagen, leading to long-term improvements in the elasticity, health, and general appearance of the skin. CO2 laser resurfacing is an advantageous pairing to erbium lasers, and it is particularly effective on deeper wrinkles and concerns. (3)

To learn more about the other treatments that can enhance your erbium laser resurfacing, please read our blog!

Cost of Erbium Laser Treatments in Chicago

The cost of your erbium laser resurfacing can vary depending on the size of the treatment area, the concerns we address, the extent of correction, as well as a handful of other factors. After establishing your treatment plan, your specialist will discuss the exact cost of your laser resurfacing treatment with you.

To schedule a consultation and receive the cost of your erbium laser treatment, please contact us online or call (312) 888-5754. For more pricing information, we encourage you to visit our pricing list.

FAQ

What is an erbium laser?

An erbium laser, or Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (ER: YAG) laser, is a type of laser known for its skin resurfacing effects. This laser emits light at a wavelength that water easily absorbs, making it ideal for cosmetic dermatological applications.

What concerns can the erbium laser treat?

This treatment can address sun damage, age spots, uneven skin tone or texture, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and more.

How long will the results of my treatment last?

If you adopt a proper skincare regimen, the results of your resurfacing treatment will be long-lasting. Many patients tend to experience effects that last between several months and years before deciding to undergo a maintenance treatment for prolonged results.

How long does it take to recover from erbium laser resurfacing?

The details of your recovery will vary depending on the concerns we address, the extent of correction, and how quickly your skin heals itself. Your specialist will discuss your recovery with you so you understand what to expect.

Will my erbium laser treatment hurt?

We will apply a topical anesthetic before your treatment to minimize any potential discomfort. While this treatment is generally well-tolerated, you should discuss any concerns or sensitivities you may have with your specialist.

Can I combine my erbium laser treatment with another procedure?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their laser treatment with another for more comprehensive results, or to address several concerns within one procedure. For more information on combined treatments, we ask that you schedule a consultation online.

References

  1. Yumeen S, Hohman MH, Khan T. Laser Erbium-Yag Resurfacing. Nih.gov. Published July 10, 2023. Accessed September 17, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560931/#article-24072.s4
  2. Tian B. Treatment of Freckles Using a Fractional Nonablative 2940nm Erb: YAG Laser in a Series of Asian Patients. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(8):28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605211/
  3. Weinstein C. Erbium Laser Resurfacing: Current Concepts : Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. LWW. Published 2025. Accessed September 17, 2025. https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/abstract/1999/02000/erbium_laser_resurfacing__current_concepts.38.aspx