Er:YAG iPixel Laser Treatment Wollongong
Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing for texture, scarring, fine lines and pigmentation at our Corrimal clinic
Er:YAG iPixel Laser Treatment Wollongong
Erbium YAG laser skin resurfacing for texture, scarring, fine lines and pigmentation at our Corrimal clinic
What to expect
Your Er:YAG iPixel laser treatment at our Corrimal clinic begins with a consultation to assess your skin type, medical history and the concerns you would like to address. A topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to support your comfort. Protective eyewear is worn throughout the procedure. The handpiece is then passed over the skin in a controlled pattern.
Duration
An Er:YAG iPixel session typically takes up to 45 minutes depending on the area being treated. We generally recommend three sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, though your clinician will tailor a treatment plan to your specific concerns.
Downtime
As the iPixel is an ablative form of laser there is some associated downtime with this treatment. The downtime period is normally 3–7 days in which most patients will experience sensitive, red and sometimes flaky skin. It is important that patients follow the aftercare instructions given to them by our medical practitioners to ensure a seamless recovery.
Price
Erbium yag laser cost and erbium laser resurfacing cost depend on the treatment area, depth and number of sessions in your plan. Pricing is discussed during your initial consultation. Please call our Wollongong clinic on (02) 4201 0593 if you would like to discuss pricing before booking.
What to expect
Your Er:YAG iPixel laser treatment at our Corrimal clinic begins with a consultation to assess your skin type, medical history and the concerns you would like to address. A topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area to support your comfort. Protective eyewear is worn throughout the procedure. The handpiece is then passed over the skin in a controlled pattern.
Duration
An Er:YAG iPixel session typically takes up to 45 minutes depending on the area being treated. We generally recommend three sessions spaced three to four weeks apart, though your clinician will tailor a treatment plan to your specific concerns.
Downtime
As the iPixel is an ablative form of laser there is some associated downtime with this treatment. The downtime period is normally 3–7 days in which most patients will experience sensitive, red and sometimes flaky skin. It is important that patients follow the aftercare instructions given to them by our medical practitioners to ensure a seamless recovery.
Price
Erbium yag laser cost and erbium laser resurfacing cost depend on the treatment area, depth and number of sessions in your plan. Pricing is discussed during your initial consultation. Please call our Wollongong clinic on (02) 4201 0593 if you would like to discuss pricing before booking.
What Is Er:YAG iPixel Laser Treatment?
Er:YAG iPixel laser is a fractional ablative laser treatment that uses a wavelength of 2,940 nanometres to resurface the skin. This wavelength is highly absorbed by water in the skin, which allows the laser to remove very fine layers of skin with high precision and reduced thermal damage to surrounding tissue compared with some other resurfacing lasers.
At Advantage Skin Clinic in Corrimal, our Er:YAG iPixel combines traditional erbium laser technology with PIXEL fractional delivery. The handpiece creates microscopic perforations the size of seven pixels in the skin as the roller passes over the treatment area. These perforations permeate to a depth of 20 to 50 microns, and the depth of heat can be controlled by your clinician based on your skin type and the concern being treated. The treatment is performed by registered medical practitioners and dermal clinicians, servicing patients across Wollongong, the Illawarra and southern Sydney.
How Er:YAG iPixel differs from other lasers
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser operates at 10,600 nm and penetrates more deeply, producing more dramatic resurfacing but with longer recovery and a higher risk of pigment changes in some skin types
- Nd:YAG laser operates at 1,064 nm and penetrates further into tissue, making it more suited to vascular concerns and deeper pigmentation rather than surface resurfacing
- Er:YAG iPixel sits between these two: shallower than CO2, more ablative than Nd:YAG, with a controlled and more predictable treatment profile
How Our Er:YAG iPixel Laser Works
During Er:YAG iPixel laser treatment at our Wollongong clinic, the microscopic perforations created by the laser trigger the body’s natural wound-healing response. This response stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin, which continues to develop in the weeks following each session. This collagen response is the mechanism behind many of the improvements seen with erbium fractional laser treatments.
Because the depth of treatment is adjustable, the same laser can be used for a wider range of concerns, from a gentle surface refresh to deeper resurfacing for scarring or sun damage. Your clinician will set the depth based on your specific concerns during your consultation.
Benefits of Erbium YAG Laser Treatment
Erbium YAG laser benefits extend across a range of skin concerns. The specific outcome depends on the individual’s skin, the concern being treated, the depth of treatment selected and the number of sessions completed. Potential benefits may include:
- Improvements in skin texture by encouraging the body’s natural collagen production
- Reduction in the appearance of fine lines, particularly around the eyes, mouth and forehead
- Reduction in the appearance of mild to moderate atrophic (pitted) acne scarring
- Improvements in uneven pigmentation, sun damage and age spots
- Smoother skin tone and a more even surface texture
Reduced thermal damage compared with deeper resurfacing lasers, which can mean a shorter recovery for some patients
Yag laser for skin treatments are considered ablative procedures and should only be performed by appropriately trained clinicians. Results vary between patients and a consultation is required to assess suitability.
What Er:YAG iPixel Laser Treats
- Our Er:YAG iPixel laser at our Wollongong clinic is used to address a range of skin concerns, including:
Acne scarring, particularly mild to moderate atrophic (pitted) scars - Fine lines and early signs of skin ageing on the face, neck and décolletage
- Uneven skin texture, enlarged pores and rough surface tone
- Sun damage, age spots and uneven pigmentation
- General skin resurfacing for an improvement in overall tone and clarity
Learn more about scarring treatment.
Learn more about pigmentation treatment.
Who is Erbium YAG iPixel Treatment Suitable For?
Er:YAG iPixel includes customisable settings that can be tailored to various skin types, tones and textures. Suitability is assessed during your initial consultation, where your clinician will review your skin, medical history, current skincare and any photosensitising medications. The treatment may not be appropriate in some cases, including:
- Active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area
- Recent use of isotretinoin (Accutane), typically requires a wait period
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A history of keloid scarring
- Recent sun exposure or tanning in the treatment area
- Some autoimmune or photosensitive conditions
Your clinician will discuss whether Er:YAG iPixel or an alternative laser treatment would be more suitable for your specific concerns.
Erbium YAG Laser Before and After Your Treatment
Before your treatment
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 2 to 4 weeks prior
- Discontinue retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and other active exfoliating products for 5 to 7 days beforehand
- Inform your clinician of any cold sore history, antiviral prophylaxis may be recommended
- Arrive with clean skin, free from makeup and skincare products on the day
During your treatment
The treatment area is cleansed and a topical numbing cream may be applied. Protective eyewear is worn throughout. The laser handpiece is passed over the treatment area in a controlled pattern. Most patients describe the sensation as a series of warm pinches with a snapping feeling. A typical session takes up to 45 minutes including the numbing period.
Erbium laser healing process: day by day
The erbium yag laser healing process varies depending on the depth of treatment and the individual’s skin. As a general guide:
- Days 1-2: Redness, warmth and a tight, sunburn-like sensation. Mild swelling is possible
- Days 2-4: Peeling and flaking typically begin as the outer treated layer sheds
- Days 4-7: The skin continues to renew. Pinkness usually fades during this period for most patients
- Weeks 2-4: Skin appears smoother and more even-toned as the new collagen response develops
- Ongoing: Collagen remodelling continues for several months after treatment, which is why visible improvements often continue to develop over time
Post-treatment care guidelines
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and hydrating moisturisers during the healing phase
- Avoid picking, scratching or manually exfoliating peeling or flaking skin
- Avoid direct heat (saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, intense exercise) for 48 hours
- Avoid active ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs) until your clinician advises it is safe to reintroduce them
Potential side effects
Er:YAG iPixel treatments are generally well tolerated when performed by an appropriately trained clinician, but as with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These may include:
- Redness, warmth and swelling lasting from a few hours to several days
- Temporary skin sensitivity to skincare products, heat and sun exposure
- Mild itching during the healing phase
- Peeling, flaking or crusting in the treated area
- Temporary changes in pigmentation (lightening or darkening), which may be more common in darker skin tones
- Reactivation of cold sores in patients with a history of HSV
- Rarely, infection or scarring if aftercare guidance is not followed
If you experience persistent or unusual reactions following treatment, contact your clinician for advice. A thorough pre-treatment consultation, careful patient selection and following all post-treatment instructions are the most important factors in minimising these risks.
How Many Er:YAG iPixel Sessions Will I Need?
Many patients notice visible improvements after their first Er:YAG iPixel session, with continued improvements developing as the collagen response progresses over the following weeks and months. Optimal results often require a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions and the visible difference between before and after will depend on:
- Your skin type and current condition
- The concern being treated (texture, scarring, pigmentation, fine lines)
- The depth of treatment selected
- Your skincare routine and sun protection habits between and after sessions
Results vary between patients. During your consultation, your clinician will discuss what is realistic to expect for your specific situation based on a clinical assessment of your skin.
Erbium YAG Laser Cost in Wollongong
Erbium yag laser cost and erbium laser peel cost at Advantage Skin Clinic depend on:
- The size of the area being treated
- The depth of treatment selected
- The number of sessions in your recommended plan
- Whether Er:YAG iPixel is being combined with other treatments
Because every patient’s skin and treatment plan is different, we discuss erbium laser resurfacing cost during your initial consultation so we can provide an accurate quote based on your specific needs rather than a flat rate. Please call our Wollongong clinic on (02) 4201 0593 if you would like to discuss pricing before booking.
How Er:YAG iPixel Compares to Other Treatments
Er:YAG iPixel vs CO2 laser resurfacing
CO2 lasers operate at a deeper wavelength and produce more dramatic resurfacing but with longer recovery (typically 5 to 10 days) and a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Er:YAG iPixel is often selected when a gentler approach with faster healing is preferred, while CO2 may be recommended for deeper concerns. Some patients benefit from a combination approach.
Compare with CO2 laser resurfacing.
Er:YAG iPixel vs Nd:YAG long pulse laser
The Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers differ primarily in wavelength and how they interact with skin tissue. Er:YAG operates at 2,940 nm, targeting water for surface ablation. Nd:YAG operates at 1,064 nm and penetrates deeper into tissue, making it more suited to vascular concerns and deeper pigmentation rather than surface resurfacing.
Compare with Nd:YAG long pulse.
Er:YAG iPixel vs skin needling (microneedling)
Skin needling stimulates collagen via controlled micro-injuries without ablating the skin surface, with minimal downtime. Er:YAG iPixel is more aggressive and produces more visible resurfacing in fewer sessions, but with longer recovery. The right choice depends on the concern, your tolerance for downtime and the desired pace of results.
Compare with skin needling.
View all laser treatments.
Combining Er:YAG iPixel With Other Treatments
Er:YAG iPixel laser can be paired with complementary treatments as part of a staged plan, with timing determined by your clinician to support safety and recovery. Common combinations include:
- Skin needling: micro-injuries from needling stimulate collagen while the laser resurfaces the outer skin layer, supporting improvements in scarring, enlarged pores and uneven pigmentation
- Nd:YAG laser: surface ablation from Er:YAG combined with deeper elastin stimulation from Nd:YAG for anti-ageing concerns
- Medical-grade skincare: tailored topical products to support skin recovery and maintain results between sessions
Er:YAG iPixel Laser Treatment Near You in the Illawarra
Advantage Skin Clinic is located at Level 1, 432 Princes Highway, Corrimal, with easy access for patients across the greater Wollongong and Illawarra region, as well as patients travelling from southern Sydney suburbs. We see patients from Wollongong CBD, Corrimal, Bulli, Thirroul, Woonona, Figtree, Unanderra and Dapto.
Our Er:YAG iPixel laser treatments are performed by registered medical practitioners and dermal clinicians, supported by our broader team of registered doctors and nurses on site.
Book an Er:YAG iPixel Consultation in Wollongong
Book a consultation with our team to discuss your skin concerns and find out whether Er:YAG iPixel laser treatment may be suitable for you. Our registered doctors and dermal clinicians are available at our Corrimal clinic, servicing the greater Wollongong, Illawarra and southern Sydney area.
FAQs
What is Er:YAG iPixel laser?
Er:YAG iPixel is a fractional ablative laser that operates at 2,940 nanometres. The wavelength is highly absorbed by water in the skin, allowing the laser to remove very fine layers of skin with high precision. It combines traditional erbium laser technology with PIXEL fractional delivery to create controlled microscopic perforations that stimulate collagen production.
How many sessions are required to see results?
Many patients notice visible improvements after one session, but optimal results typically require a series of three or more treatments spaced several weeks apart. The exact number depends on your skin type, concern and goals. Your clinician will recommend a treatment plan during your consultation.
What is the erbium laser healing process?
Recovery typically follows this pattern: days 1-2 are redness and warmth, days 2-4 involve peeling and flaking, days 4-7 see pinkness fade as the skin renews, and weeks 2-4 show smoother and more even-toned skin as collagen develops. Deeper treatments require longer recovery.
What are the benefits of Er:YAG Laser?
- Customisable intensity — The treatment can be adjusted to various intensity levels to address specific skin concerns, from facial lines to deeper scars.
- Minimal discomfort — The laser’s precision allows for targeted treatment, reducing the impact on surrounding tissues and ensuring a painless experience.
- Reduces scarring — Er:YAG Lasers create micro-injuries in the scar tissue, prompting the production of new collagen and elastin. This collagen helps to rebuild the skin’s structure and integrity, diminishing the appearance of various types of scars over time.
Improves fine lines — Erbium YAG Lasers help smooth mild to moderate fine lines, leading to plumper, more supple skin.
What skin concerns does Er:YAG iPixel treat?
Our YAG Laser skin treatment in Wollongong targets the following skin conditions:
- Uneven skin tone
- Fine lines
- Sunspots and freckles
- Stretch marks
- Hypertrophic and atrophic scars
- Benign raised lesions (warts, skin tags and seborrheic keratosis)
How long do the results of Er:YAG iPixel last?
Results can last several months to a year, depending on skin type, the condition treated and your skincare and sun-protection routine. As with most skin treatments, results are not permanent, and maintenance sessions may be recommended.
Is Er:YAG iPixel suitable for all skin types?
Er:YAG iPixel includes customisable settings that can be tailored to various skin types, tones and textures. Your clinician will assess your skin during your consultation and confirm suitability or recommend an alternative if needed.
How does Erbium YAG iPixel compare to traditional laser resurfacing?
Compared to older skin resurfacing technologies, Erbium YAG Laser is gentler, offering precise correction, quicker recovery and little downtime.
How do I maintain my results?
As with most skin treatments, results are temporary and follow-up appointments may be required. The timing and frequency of maintenance sessions will be outlined in your custom treatment plan. You’ll also receive guidance on suitable products, when to return to your usual routine and how to care for your skin moving forward.
Is Er:YAG Laser ablative?
Yes. As an ablative laser, it works by removing very thin layers of skin tissue. The high water absorption at 2,940 nm allows for careful, precise removal of fine layers with minimal heat damage to surrounding tissue.
What is the difference between Er:YAG Laser and ND: YAG Laser?
The main differences are wavelength and how each interacts with skin tissue. Er:YAG operates at 2,940 nm, highly absorbed by water, suited to surface resurfacing. Nd:YAG operates at 1,064 nm and penetrates more deeply, making it suited to vascular concerns and deeper pigmentation rather than resurfacing.
Can Er:YAG iPixel treatment be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Er:YAG iPixel can be paired with skin needling, Nd:YAG laser or medical-grade skincare as part of a staged plan. Your clinician will outline the timing and sequencing during your consultation to support safe recovery between treatments.
What other services do you offer at Advantage Skin Clinic?
Our services are classified into three key areas: medical, aesthetic and cosmetic skincare. Our Registered Doctors and Nurses specialise in the following treatments:
- DermEngine Total Body Photography
- Skin Cancer Checks
- Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal
- CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
- Dermalux LED Therapy
- Cosmetic Consultations
- Chemical Peels
- VISIA Skin Analysis
- Hydro-dermabrasion
- Alma Clear Skin Pro
- ND:YAG Long Pulse Laser
- IPL Laser
- CO2 Skin Resurfacing
- Cosmetic Tattooing
- Paramedical Tattooing
For information on treatment costs, please review our pricing page.
Is Er:YAG iPixel safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Er:YAG iPixel treatments are generally not performed during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. For breastfeeding patients, suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please discuss your circumstances with your clinician.
How much does Er:YAG iPixel laser cost?
Cost depends on the area treated, depth of treatment and number of sessions in your plan. Pricing is discussed during your initial consultation so we can provide an accurate quote for your specific needs. Please call our Wollongong clinic on (02) 4201 0593 to discuss pricing before booking.
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