Venus (Erbium) laser peels or exfoliation therapy is a fast and efficient way of removing old and damaged skin cells and enhancing the vitality and clarity of the skin.

Erbium laser peels rely on the delivery of a laser beam to the surface of the skin. This high intensity energy is absorbed by water in the skin cells of the epidermis allowing for precise removal of outermost layers of skin to a pre-determined depth.

This is the treatment of choice for large pores, uneven pigment, skin tone or texture, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, chicken pox, scarring excessive sun damage and other surface abnormalities.

Recent studies have shown that the Erbium laser stimulates production of collagen is the dermis creating a tightening and smoothing of skin and achieving results inside and out!

Whereas microdermabrasion can remove 10 microns of surface, a light or “lunchtime peel” can remove 30 microns and a medium or “weekend peel” can remove 60 microns. For medium or “weekend peel” a topical anesthetic is applied to the face for 30-40 minutes.

Following a laser peel, a cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort. The healing process lasts from two to five days, depending on the depth of peel. The treated area will resemble varying degrees of sunburn and then peel out fresh skin.

A sunblock of 30 spf or higher must be worn daily following treatment. Aquaphor healing ointment is applied at night for 3 days.

If you are considering a laser peel, click on the Frequently Asked Questions section below which will provide you with a good introduction to the treatment.

For more detailed information about how this procedure may benefit you, we invite you to call our office at (440)997-6960 to schedule a Free cosmetic consultation.

Who should consider a laser peel?
The best candidates for laser peels are individuals who want more improvement than what Microdermabrasion or Light Chemical Peels offer but don't want more than a few days of downtime.

Although Microdermabrasion and Light Chemical Peels offer very effective deep exfoliation at a depth of up to 5 microns, the laser peel can remove 10 to 30 microns of the epidermal surface, offering patients more dramatic improvement.

For comparison purposes, one laser peel at the lowest setting (10 microns) is equal to approximately five medical-grade Microdermabrasion treatments performed every two weeks.

How is a laser peel different from other laser treatments?
Unlike conventional CO2 lasers, the advanced Venus laser system enables medical professionals to program a specific treatment plan for each patient.

A laser peel also can more precisely remove 10 to 50 microns of aged and sun-damaged tissue. This allows for the treatment of more severe skin conditions such as wrinkles, scars, acne scars, skin laxity, keratoses and pigment problems. (Peels at 40-50 microns are performed by our physiciand and may require local anesthesia.)

One of the most important differences is, however, when compared to conventional laser resurfacing, laser peel patients heal in a fraction of the time. This is because the procedure produces minimal tissue damage, resulting in less sloughing, less oozing, and less swelling in the post-treatment phase.

How many laser peels will I need?
The number of laser peels needed really depends on your skin condition and the desired result. Our skin health specialists will recommend the number of treatments needed for you to achieve your desired result.

A general rule of thumb is, the least invasive laser peels (10-20 microns) may be performed four to six weeks apart until the desired result is achieved. Deeper laser peels may be performed every six months to a year, if requested.

What can a laser peel Treat?
The laser peel is an excellent choice for acne scars, wrinkles, pigmented lesions, and sun damaged skin. It is often recommended in combination with other laser technologies for optimal results. Some of the most commonly treated areas of the body include the face, neck, and hands.

What can I expect from a laser peel?
Most individuals experience smoother, healthier, more vibrant skin, with an immediate improvement in skin texture and tightness. Your skin should continue to improve over 6 months of time due to increased collagen stimulation in the deeper layers of your skin.

How long is the healing process?
In most cases, a 10- to 30- micron peel (a weekend peel) will heal in three to five days. The treatment can be done on a Thursday or Friday so you can easily return to work the following Monday. Symptoms immediately following the procedure resemble sunburn, with minor sloughing on Day 2. Redness will begin to fade by Day 3 and can be covered with makeup on Day 4.

What type anesthesia is used?
A topical anesthetic such as BLT (a mixture of Benzacaine, Lidocaine, & Tetracaine) may be applied 30-45 minutes before your treatment. For deeper peels, oral sedation may be suggested.

Do I have to wear any type dressing or bandage after the procedure?
No. We may suggest an ointment such as Aquaphor following treatment. This is used as a barrier to keep the air protected while your body stimulates the growth of new epithelium.