Erbium:YAG Sciton Laser

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

The erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) Sciton laser is an advanced technology that can resurface and remodel the skin to restore a more rejuvenated and youthful look. (1) This laser removes the outermost layers of your skin to address visible damage, reveal fresher skin, and stimulate the production of new collagen—allowing you to achieve significant improvements that you can enjoy for years to come.

La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology™ is one of San Diego’s leading aesthetic and dermatological practices, and we are the only hair restoration practice in the USA under the co-direction of both a triple board-certified plastic surgeon AND a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Richard Chaffoo and Dr. Susan Stuart lead the practice.

Dr. Chaffoo is one of America’s Few Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons, and he has more than three decades of experience. Dr. Chaffoo travels to teach about various hair restoration treatments to other professionals, with his lecture circuit including Madrid, Rome, Hyderabad, Cancun, Warsaw, and more.

Dr. Stuart is a double board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration superspecialist with more than two decades of experience. Dr. Stuart is the former president of the San Diego Dermatologic Society and chief of dermatology at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, and she is the go-to dermatologist for several publications, including The Huffington Post.

If you are ready to schedule a personal consultation and start discussing your treatment with Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart, please contact us online or call the office closest to you:

About The Erbium:YAG Sciton Laser

The Er:YAG Sciton laser can improve the health, elasticity, and overall appearance of the skin. It is an ablative laser treatment, which means it addresses both superficial and underlying damage by removing the outermost layers of your skin while also stimulating the production of new collagen. Dr. Stuart and Dr. Chaffoo can perform this treatment to address several concerns, allowing you to comprehensively transform the health and appearance of your skin. (2)

Benefits

The Er:YAG Sciton laser offers several transformative benefits, including:

  • Smoother Skin: The Er:YAG Sciton laser can remove the outermost layers of your skin to address rough or uneven skin texturing.
  • Softened Signs of Aging: Your doctor can administer this treatment to address both deeper and shallower wrinkles and fine lines, allowing you to achieve a more youthful-looking appearance.
  • Collagen Stimulating: The laser energy can stimulate the production of new collagen, improving your skin’s health, elasticity, and overall appearance.
  • Lasting Results: With proper maintenance, you may be able to enjoy your renewed skin for several months to a year.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for the Er:YAG Sciton laser if you are interested in revitalizing the health and appearance of your skin. This treatment is especially effective when addressing:

  • Sun Damage
  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles
  • Facial Scars
  • Skin Laxity
  • Rough Skin Texturing
  • Pigmentation Concerns (1)

To qualify for this treatment, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart will assess your candidacy during your consultation.

We do not recommend the Er:YAG Sciton laser for those with a history of keloidal scarring, certain autoimmune diseases, active infections in the targeted treatment area, or anyone who has recently used isotretinoin. If any of these apply to you, Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart will help you find a suitable alternative for refreshing your skin.

Personal Consultation

The first step to achieving brighter, fresher, and smoother skin is a personal consultation at any one of our offices. During this consultation, you will meet with either Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart to discuss each aspect of your treatment. They will explain what the Er:YAG Sciton laser treatment entails, ask about your medical history, and ask about your personal concerns and goals. They will also perform a physical evaluation to assess the condition and quality of your skin.

Dr. Stuart and Dr. Chaffoo will use this information to determine whether this treatment is right for you and determine the best approach for your case.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call the location most convenient for you:

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your treatment, you will need to begin making certain preparations. To help, either Dr. Stuart or Dr. Chaffoo will give you a set of detailed instructions that may direct you to:

  • Avoid Specific Medications: Refrain from using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Modify Your Skin Routine: Avoid harsh or irritating skincare products, such as retinoids, retinols, and chemical exfoliants.
  • Arrive Prepared: Arrive at your appointment with clean skin, free of any makeup, skincare products, or facial jewelry.
  • Take Time Away: If you are undergoing a more in-depth treatment, prepare to take a step away from your responsibilities and commitments to allow your skin to heal.
  • Refrain from Tanning: Discontinue the use of any tanning products, as well as unprotected or excessive sun exposure.

Procedure

Both Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart perform each laser treatment in their office on an outpatient basis. They will first cleanse your skin before providing either topical or local anesthesia, if necessary. (2)

They will then pass the laser handpiece over the treatment area to emit the laser energy into the skin. This will vaporize the damaged skin on the surface layer to reveal fresher skin underneath. The laser energy will also stimulate the production of collagen over time. After addressing your skin concerns, Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will apply a balm or ointment to your skin to soothe and protect it. (3)

Recovery

After undergoing a laser treatment, it is common to experience some redness, tenderness, peeling, or flaking in the treated areas. These effects are a result of your skin’s renewal process, and they signal that the treatment is working correctly. While they will subside on their own with time, you may also manage them by wearing plenty of sunscreen and moisturizer. During this time, you will need to avoid using any irritating skincare products, wearing makeup, or tanning.

Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart will provide you with a set of post-operative instructions so you understand how to care for your skin as it heals. If you require any additional support or guidance, please contact us, and our team will be more than happy to help.

Results

The Er:YAG Sciton laser offers both immediate and gradual results. Shortly after your appointment, you will be able to notice a reduction in superficial skin concerns, such as pigmentation irregularities or uneven texturing. You will be able to notice more refined results as your collagen levels increase, as well as improvements in your skin’s firmness and elasticity.

The results of Er:YAG Sciton laser treatments are long-lasting, with results that you can enjoy for several months and a year. To preserve the effects of your treatment, we recommend maintaining a good skincare regimen and wearing plenty of sunscreen.

Cost of Erbium:YAG Sciton Laser in La Jolla

The cost of your Er:YAG Sciton laser will vary depending on your unique treatment plan. This includes the size of the treatment area, the extent of your corrections, whether Dr. Chaffoo and Dr. Stuart perform other treatments during your appointment, and more. Once they have met with you to discuss each of these factors, they will give you a comprehensive cost estimate for your treatment. They also offer financing for those interested.

To learn more about our pricing, please contact us online or call the location nearest to you:

FAQ

What concerns can the Er:YAG Sciton laser treat?

The Er:YAG Sciton laser can address skin concerns such as sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, facial scarring, skin laxity, pigmentation issues, and uneven skin texture.

How many Erbium:YAG Sciton laser treatments will I need?

The number of treatment sessions you require will depend on your skin’s pre-existing condition, the type of concerns present, the extent of each concern, and more. During your consultation, either Dr. Stuart or Dr. Chaffoo will meet with you to discuss what to expect as they develop your treatment plan.

Will my Erbium:YAG Sciton laser treatment hurt?

Each patient receives either a topical or local anesthetic to minimize their discomfort.

How long will it take to see my results after my erbium laser treatment?

You will be able to notice initial improvements after one week, but it can take several months for your full results to develop.

Can the Erbium:YAG Sciton laser address concerns on darker skin?

Yes, this laser can address concerns seen across darker skin. However, there is an increased risk of redness or pigmentation change in the treatment area.

References

  1. Yumeen S, Hohman MH, Khan T. Laser Erbium-Yag Resurfacing. Nih.gov. Published July 10, 2023. Accessed April 17, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560931/#article-24072.s9
  2. Mathis J, Ibrahim SF. Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser Resurfacing Restores Normal Function and Cosmesis in Patients with Severe Rhinophyma. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2019;12(7):28. Accessed April 17, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6715331/
  3. Boehm KS, Avashia YJ, Savetsky IL, Rohrich RJ. Laser Resurfacing: Safety and Technique. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2020;8(4):e2796. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002796