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Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Custom Skin Treatments
Your skin deserves treatments that are made specifically for it. After all the work it does to regulate body temperature, make vitamin D, prevent dehydration and protect your body from harmful pathogens and UV radiation, it could use a little TLC of its own!
At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May has nonsurgical treatments he can use to boost the health of your skin while also helping it glow. Erbium laser resurfacing does this through light energy. In the hands of the right doctor, it can renew your skin and make it ready for whatever comes next.
Topical & Local
45 to 60 minutes
10-14 days
What Is Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Erbium lasers are similar to traditional CO2 lasers in that they use light energy. But they are attracted to the water in your skin instead of the pigment, so they can refresh the skin without damaging it.
During laser resurfacing, the laser removes all of the damaged skin cells from the surface of the skin and gently heats the tissue underneath. You get to see refreshed skin soon after the treatment, with even more tightening and rejuvenation as the skin produces extra collagen because of the laser.
- Dr. Brian May
What Can Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing Address?
Every erbium laser treatment is customized by Dr. May, who will spend time with you to find the right settings and treatment areas. Erbium can be used to treat things like:
- Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
- Sun damage and uneven pigmentation
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Rough or dull skin texture
- Textural changes on the body, including cellulite
- Enlarged pores
Dr. May will also talk to you about all the pros and cons to make sure you’re a good candidate. You’ll talk about the recovery time you can expect and whether the laser will give you good results based on your skin type and the changes you’re seeing in your skin.
The Art & Science of Aesthetic Treatments With Dr. May
Dr. May trained as a surgeon, and surgery will always be at the core of what he does. But his engineering background taught him something that applies just as much in the treatment room as it does in the OR: the best solution isn't always the most complex one. It's the right one. When a patient's goals can be met with a well-chosen nonsurgical treatment, that's not a lesser path. It's good judgment, and it's exactly the kind of guidance patients at May Plastic Surgery have come to expect.
For Dr. May and his team, med spa treatments are part of a comprehensive approach to aesthetic care, one that considers skin quality, structure and maintenance all at once. Sometimes that means surgery. Sometimes it means Sculptra or a carefully timed series of peels. Often, it means a thoughtful combination, planned around your goals and lifestyle.
- Dr. Brian May
Procedure Details
Once you’re in the office, it’s time to start the treatment! There will be a few steps to keep you safe and comfortable, like protecting your eyes and putting on a topical numbing cream. Dr. May will leave this on for 20-30 minutes so it can take effect while he customizes the laser settings for you. Each area will have a different treatment strategy: forehead, cheeks, jawline and nose; each responds best to different depths of treatment.
If you’ve ever snapped a rubber band against your skin, you’ll have a good idea of what laser treatments can feel like. The numbing cream will make this more comfortable. Dr. Max will check in with you to make sure you are tolerating the treatment well.
Recovery & Results
The good news about erbium is that the recovery is shorter than traditional CO2 laser treatments. But there will still be some downtime. If you’ve had a light treatment, you may notice flaking skin and redness as the tissues heal. This may be more intense and longer-lasting with deeper treatments. Dr. May might recommend a gentle moisturizer while the skin heals and will have you stay out of the sun.
Laser resurfacing results take some time. You’ll start to notice smoother skin with fewer dark spots once the redness and flaking go away, around the first week or two. Collagen stimulation takes a little longer, between three and six months after your treatment.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
If your skin is starting to show some changes or is feeling dull, it’s probably begging for a little extra care. Erbium laser resurfacing is a good way to refresh tired skin and help it to glow again. At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. May would love to meet with you and talk about your skin in person. Start the conversation today!
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.