Artic Laser Wash Before and After Photos

An Arctic Laser Wash is a term given to using skin cooling while performing a Sciton Erbium-YAG laser resurfacing procedure. This is a procedure designed to remove blemishes from the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the skin texture and tone. The Sciton Erbium-YAG laser is a precise way to remove outer layers of skin and deliver heat into the skin for collagen and skin tightening.

The procedure can be performed awake in the office, or in our AAAASF certified operating room with intravenous anesthetic. When the procedure is performed, a cool air chiller is used to cool the skin, reducing the pain and discomfort of the treatment. The laser is used to ablate (remove) outer layers of the skin, with the depth correlating to settings chosen by one of our board certified surgeons, and by the technique with which the laser is applied.

The deeper the treatment, the more substantial the results but also the greater the downtime. If an Arctic peel is performed, generally the skin peels over a 3 day process. If a more aggressive Arctic Laser Wash is performed, the skin peels over a 7-10 day period. There is a period of laser redness even after the peeling process is completed, the duration of which depends on the depth of the resurfacing and the skin type of the individual patient. Makeup can be worn after the peeling process is completed and a new layer of skin is intact, to cover any residual laser redness as it fades.

The Erbium-YAG laser generally does not penetrate as deeply as the fractional CO2 laser or ablative CO2 Laserwash. A consultation with one of our board certified surgeons is the best way to determine the appropriate laser treatment that will help you achieve your goals.