Will a full ERBIUM-YAG around the eyes leave a permanent line of demarcation?

When this procedure is performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, it should not leave a demarcation line. A qualified doctor will know how to feather in the laser treatment to prevent this from occurring. Keep in mind you will see color changes to the skin after your procedure, as treated skin is likely to look very pink. However, the skin tone should even out in the weeks following your procedure as the skin heals. 

Thank you for sharing your question. Without seeing a photograph it is hard to determine your best option. If used properly, a demarcation line between treated and untreated skin should not occur. It is always a good ideas for the doctor to feather out the treatment a bit just to make sure there is no demarcation line. It sounds like your doctor who has many years of experience with the Erbium Laser is a good choice.Good luck,

Erbium laser is a safer alternative to CO2 laser surfacing. Regardless of method of resurfacing, and depending on intensity of treatment, there will be fresh pink skin after the procedure. This will take several weeks to months to fully blend in to the surrounding skin. You will be able to notice the difference between the treated and non-treated areas during this time. Long term aftercare is important in preventing pigmentation changes. In most cases, the new skin will blend in with the surrounding skin. However, even under the best circumstances demarcation remains a known risk. Hope this helps answer your question.

Thank you for the question. It’s possible for laser of any kind to leave demarcation around the area treated. Even if it were slight, the difference between treated skin and untreated skin may be noticeable enough that it draws comments. When it comes to resurfacing, I suggest to always treat the entire face. That way your complexion is even throughout. Consider microneedling as well.If your eyelids have excess skin, or are starting to sag, you may benefit from a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine if surgically treating your eyelids is the appropriate step. You should consider your eyelids as just one part of an overall facial rejuvenation plan. I wish you all the best. 

Erbium is a safe alternative to Co2 or Fraxel which are best for resurfacing. I always combine lasers with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thanks for your question! You’ve obviously done your research because it is true that an erbium:YAG laser can leave a line of demarcation if not used carefully and by a skilled surgeon. While the area in question may be noticeably fresher (pink, new skin) for months after your procedure, a skilled hand will be able to feather the laser so that the line isn’t noticeable once it’s healed. I hope this answers your question! As always, the best way to be sure is to schedule an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to learn about all the options.

There are several factors involved in determining the possible changes in pigmentation following laser procedure skin. Certainly the patients coloration or heritage is a major factor. Trauma to the skin by means of laser, peels, or a variety of other mechanisms canstimulate melanin production and therefore hyperpigmentation. This can be prevented to a limited extent and certainly treated. In addition hypopigmentation can occur. Erbium YAG and probably less likely to create pigmentation issues than carbon dioxide laser but virtually any trauma to the skin and do this. Going to an experienced laser surgeon should help with the evaluation and possible assessment of pigmentation issues.of 

The Erbium Yag laser is much less likely to leave a hypo-pigmented area than the more aggressive resurfacing options such as a CO2 laser.  The Erbium has a much shorter wavelength than the CO2 and therefore does not penetrate as deeply into the skin--where it can injure the pigment producing cells, the melanocytes.  Having said that, it is powerful laser and if used at a high enough setting the heat from the treatment can reach the melanocytes and irritate or disable them.  
There is a fine balance between getting enough heat to the dermis to stimulate collagen production but not so much that it injures surrounding structures.  I feel that the Erbium is probably the safest of the resurfacing laser choices, but there is always a small risk with any laser treatment.
I hope this is helpful information.  Best regards,
Dr. Amy

It is typical for resurfacing patients to look red in the treated areas for up to 3 months. This all depends on the intensity of the treatment. Patients are evaluated by skin type to see if they are a candidate for the procedure. Partial treatments of just eyes is ok if that is your area of concern and you don't have a lot of downtime. You could opt to get resurfacing on the entire face at the same time or a later time. 

Resurfacing with Erbium YAG does not tend to leave a demarcation like full surface CO2 resurfacing can.  However most people do a generalized treatment of the entire face as aging is not just localized to the eyes.  If you do have a lot of sun damage to your skin you could see a start and stop treatment line because of pigment changes.  Post care is also important as hyperpigmentation or darkening of the skin can occur in the treated skin.