Recovering from Erbium Yag Laser Treatment?

The recovery time all depends on the number of passes, intensity of the settings (fluence measured in Jules/cm2), power settings (Watts) and skin type. For most light colored caucasians on medium settings figure 10 days then light cover up make up . Your laser provider should let you know based on the above a more accurate answer based on your evaluation and planned treatment

The recovery on the Erbium laser depends on how aggressive was your physician and your skin type. I  have seen it take anywhere from one week to 6 weeks depending on the above. I much prefer the Fraxel laser since it doesn't hurt and has little down time.  Please consult an expert in cosmetic lasers for the best results.  Best, Dr. Green

Healing afterwards is generally uneventful, consisting of what looks like a deep sunburn that is treated with topical lubricants for 7 to 10 days, at which time the skin is healed. Skin pinkness can persist for weeks, and is minimized by topical steroid crèmes. 

As a physician you know that the answer to your question will depend on your skin type, the laser settings used and your underlying condition.  From what you describe as rolled scars you have several good options. Fractionated erbium yag and full ablation erbium yag can usually get the job done but with different amounts of "downtime."  One thing to consider is to do a series of fractionated erbium yag lasers on say end of day Friday and be mostly healed by Monday morning. Otherwise, if you prefer to take a little time off you might consider treating aggressively with full ablation erbium yag combined with fractionated laser on a Friday and plan to not see patients Monday and Tuesday.  By Wednesday it should like a sunburn at worst. Good luck and be sure to research your doctors experience and credentials before signing up!!

Recovery from erbium laser treatment depends upon patient - ie age, sex, ethnicity, skin thickness as well as laser related issues such as energy used, whether treatment is full field or fractional (and if fractional - depth of treatment and density of treatment). Also if the laser used has a coagulation mode, whether that is used. My preference for rolling acne scars is combination full field and fractional erbium resurfacing with the Sciton system. We modulate recovery time to the patients pathology and back to work needs. Best advice is to go to someone very experienced for this.