Would Like to Know if Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing Can Result in Loss of Facial Volume?

Question

I have been recommended a series, six weeks apart, as I am in my sixties. A friend of mine had a single, very effective laser treatment, and although she is wrinkle free, she appears to have lost facial volume. That would be a very bad trade for me. Is this a common side effect?

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

As a laser expert, facial volume loss should not be caused by laser resurfacing. In fact, almost all lasers actually build up collagen and restore the skin’s natural thickness. We all naturally lose facial volume as part of the aging process, and the smoothing effect of the laser treatment your friend had may make her volume loss more apparent. We often incorporate fillers or biostimulating treatments like Sculptra™ with laser resurfacing to achieve more dramatic results.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

LASER resurfacing procedures such as Erbium LASER should not result in facial volume loss.  The LASER is designed to actually gradually build collagen over time and smooth the skin.

David R. Stephens, MD · Answer

Hi Kathi, The erbium yag Laser only penetrates into the skin where it is absorbed by the water in the tissue there so it just doesn't penetrate into the deeper tissue to cause any changes in the fatty subcutaneous layer. After Laser, the surface is smoother and irregularities and facial characteristics appear more noticable , much like seeing a scratch in a newly polished piece of furniture that wasn't seen when the surface was dull. People often fail to see the amazing transformation from cosmetic surgery only to notice the minutia after their procedures. I think that they look closer at themselves and they see more. It is like when you but a new car and now see them everywhere on the and are surprised there is so many. Maybe there has been other factors that have contributed to the volume loss, if in fact, it exists.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Laser resurfacing should not cause loss of facial volume.  Is it possible your friend happened to lose some weight after her procedure?  Weight loss can cause some loss of facial volume.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Kathi.  Reduction of facial volume would be the opposite effect of what would normally happen with laser resurfacing.  The body generates new collagen in response to the injury that is induced when laser resurfacing is performed.  Your friend should not see a reduction, but an increase in tissue volume and you should as well.

	You may also want to consider Sculptra injections or other dermal fillers for facial volume loss.

Would Like to Know if Erbium Yag Laser Resurfacing Can Result in Loss of Facial Volume?

Answers (5)