dr Miloš ŽivkovićMedically reviewed by: dr Miloš Živković — Imedic poliklinika, Beograd.

Updated: 27.10.2026.

Erbium laser (iPixel Er:YAG) – key facts

  • Indications: fine wrinkles, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, shallow acne scars and stretch marks
  • Areas: face, around the eyes when indicated, neck, décolleté, hands and body
  • Treatment time: usually 30–60 minutes
  • Recovery: redness, mild swelling and peeling; about 5 days
  • Season: from October to the end of March, because the skin must be protected from strong UV radiation

In short

  • The erbium laser removes damaged cells from the skin surface and stimulates new collagen.
  • It works more superficially than the CO2 laser, and recovery usually takes about 5 to 7 days.
  • We perform it from October to the end of March; the number of treatments is set after a skin assessment.

Erbium laser (iPixel Er:YAG) effectively rejuvenates, restores and tightens the skin. This modern procedure helps us to improve the texture, elasticity and tone of the skin, removing shallow wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other irregularities.

Erbium laser

What is Erbium laser?

As one of the latest innovations in the field of aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, Alma Harmony XL Pro medical platform has arrived. It comprises various protocols, lasers, and technologies, all of which enable us to safely and effectively treat up to 65 aesthetic and dermatological conditions. Among the lasers that yield incredible results are ClearSkin, ClearLift, Dye VL Pro, NIR, and others. Each of these lasers is part of the Alma Harmony XL Pro, and now we are introducing another one: the Erbium laser. The treatments performed with this laser are primarily aimed at tightening and rejuvenating the skin’s surface.  Erbium laser, along with a probe that gently adheres to the skin without causing pain, allows us to provide comfortable and painless treatments while achieving maximum effects.

“Melasma does not behave like an ordinary sun spot and can get worse if treated too aggressively or at the wrong time.”

DOCTOR’S ADVICE · DR MILOŠ ŽIVKOVIĆ

How does Erbium laser work?

It is an ablative fractionated laser with a wavelength of 2940 nm. The Erbium laser combines traditional Erbium laser technology with modern PIXEL technology. This involves delivering several microseconds of short pulses instead of a single laser pulse, allowing for precise control of skin penetration. One of the significant advantages of the Erbium laser is its ability to achieve optimal results in improving skin quality without requiring a lengthy recovery period. Erbium laser operates in two ways:

  1. It creates a peeling effect on the skin’s surface.
  2. It initiates regenerative processes in the deeper layers of the dermis, promoting the restoration of damaged cells and stimulating the production of new collagen.

The fractionated beam of Erbium laser allows for faster skin recovery compared to other ablative lasers.

Erbium laser- Indications

When it is necessary to improve the quality and texture of the skin, but also to remove various imperfections on it,  Erbium laser is the right choice. We treat with it shallow wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and firmness, acne scars, stretch marks, uneven complexion and hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and superficial skin lesions.

Erbium laser

When do we perform treatments?

Unlike non-ablative lasers that leave the skin surface intact, ablative lasers involve surface exfoliation of the skin. Consequently, the recovery period typically lasts around 5 days. During this time, the natural process of exfoliation and skin renewal takes place, replacing old and damaged skin with new, rejuvenated skin. Therefore, it is essential to note that we exclusively perform Erbium laser treatments during autumn and winter, specifically from October to March’s end. By adhering to this timeframe, we can minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation on the skin. The same protocol applies to other ablative lasers, such as the fractional Candela CO2 laser.

Who is a candidate?

Both women and men who aspire to maintain healthy and beautiful skin for an extended period are ideal candidates for treatment with this laser. Additionally, individuals dealing with scars and persistent stretch marks or those seeking to eliminate skin blemishes can benefit from this procedure. The effects we achieve include skin renewal, rejuvenation, and a clear complexion, free from imperfections.

Contraindications

As is the case with most other lasers, Erbium laser procedures are not intended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people suffering from epilepsy, diabetes, cancer or immune system disorders. Laser treatments cannot be performed if you have inflammation or infection on the skin, herpes or are on photosensitive drug therapy, use antibiotics, steroids.

Before treatment

To ensure optimal results and prevent the occurrence of spots and pigmentation after the treatment, it is crucial not to exfoliate your skin for one month prior to the procedure. Additionally, it is important to avoid sunbathing and refrain from using tanning beds during the same period. These precautions will help minimize the risk of post-treatment pigmentation and maintain the integrity of your skin.

What does Erbium laser treatment look like?

After the skin is cleansed and prepared, the doctor applies the laser to the patient’s skin, delivering precise pulses to treat the targeted indications.
For scar treatment, the Erbium laser offers the advantage of precise treatment for each scar. By heating the subcutaneous tissue, the laser stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in tightened and rejuvenated skin around the scar, and the scar itself fades and diminishes. Damaged skin cells are replaced by new cells, while improved circulation speeds up the recovery process. The duration of the procedure typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes. For deeper scars, the Candela CO2 laser is recommended.
In the case of stretch marks, the Erbium laser is highly effective in reducing shallow stretch marks By heating the deeper layers of the skin, the laser targets and destroys damaged tissue while stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. This results in reduced depth and visibility of the stretch marks, and in the case of red stretch marks, they may completely disappear. For deeper stretch marks, the Candela CO2 laser, as well as other lasers like the Dye VL, are used, particularly for red and purple stretch marks.

Skin recovery after treatment

Immediately after the procedure, it is normal for the treated skin to appear red and swollen, and these effects may persist for a few days. Subsequently, the redness gradually subsides, and the natural process of skin exfoliation begins. It is crucial to allow the skin to recover naturally and to use appropriate skincare products during this period. Additionally, it is important to apply a cream with a high SPF (sun protection factor) of 50 to protect the healing skin from sun damage. Once the recovery process is complete, you will experience the benefits of rejuvenated, firmer, and healthier skin.

Is Erbium laser treatment painful?

During the treatment with Erbium laser, patients may experience a mild burning sensation, which is generally well-tolerated. To ensure maximum comfort, we  apply an anesthetic cream prior to the treatment. This helps to minimize any discomfort and make the overall experience as pleasant as possible for the patient.

How many treatments do I need?

This is individual and depends on the indications we are treating and the results we want to achieve. The results we achieve are long-term.

 Erbium laser and other lasers

To achieve even better results,  Erbium laser can be combined with other modules of the Harmony XLPRO platform.

  • NIR skin tightening is a treatment that applies near-infrared light, which has a therapeutic effect on the skin. Thanks to this treatment, the skin naturally renews itself, tightens, and gives the face a fresh appearance. We offer these treatments throughout the year, and they can be an excellent addition to Erbium laser treatments.
  • Dye Vl laser is an excellent choice for removing scars and stretch marks, as well as treating skin conditions such as rosacea or melasma. Additionally, it rejuvenates the skin.

 prices and additional questions

You can see the prices on the Pricelist page. We are available for all your questions. Call us at 060/345-0304 or write to us at estetikabgd@gmail.com.

Erbium or CO2 laser?

At the consultation we assess the depth of the change and choose the laser.

Book your appointment

Imedic poliklinika is located at Kneza Miloša 23, II sprat, Beograd.

Book your appointment by phone: +381 60 345 0304 or +381 64 237 0707. If you are contacting us from abroad, we are also available on Viber and WhatsApp at the same number.

Medical disclaimer

This page was prepared under the professional supervision of dr Miloš Živković. The information is intended for education and a better understanding of aesthetic procedures, but it cannot replace an individual medical examination, diagnosis or treatment plan. A consultation with a doctor is necessary to assess and choose the right treatment.

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Who we are

Dr Miloš Živković

A doctor in specialist training in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Faculty of Medicine in Beograd.

Since he began working in aesthetic medicine, he has regularly attended advanced training and courses, so that the techniques he uses follow current knowledge and high professional standards.

His work focuses on hyaluronic fillers, botulinum toxin, skin boosters, collagen stimulators, chemical peels, fractional CO2 laser and scar treatments.

Treatments in this article

Laser skin rejuvenation

Laser skin rejuvenation

We rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck and décolleté with CO2, Erbium, ClearLift, ClearSkin, NIR and Dye VL technology, according to the skin condition and time for recovery.

Learn more

Enlarged pores

Enlarged pores

We reduce enlarged pores with TCA peels, microbotox, lasers and deep skin cleansing – the treatment is chosen after a dermatological examination, according to the skin condition.

Learn more

Acne scars

Acne scars

Acne scars affect the skin as well as the connective and fat tissue beneath. We combine TCA peel, CO2 laser, subcision and fillers according to the type and depth of scars.

Learn more