Laser Skin Resurfacing

Non-Invasive (Ablative) Laser Skin Resurfacing

In as little as one hour, you can subtract years from your face with Cosmetic Surgery of New York’s facial rejuvenation laser technology. Appropriate for all skin types, laser-led fractional procedures are ideal for treating problem areas and refreshing skin for a more youthful appearance with little or no downtime.

Laser skin treatments employ focused beams of light energy to counteract the effects on the skin from acne, aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and scars. Resurfacing laser treatments are safe and efficient.

Our non-invasive laser treatments remove damaged skin and rejuvenate the patient’s appearance. Most of the time, such treatments are sought for the face, but may also be performed on other parts of the body.

What Can Lasers Do?

Patients seek laser resurfacing for a variety of reasons, all related to discontent with their appearance. Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical option for rejuvenation and may be performed for any of the following reasons:

  • Decrease or eliminate wrinkles
  • Diminish the appearance of scars
  • Remove age spots or spider veins
  • Improve sun-damaged skin
  • Remove warts or birthmarks
  • Decrease the size of enlarged pores
  • Improve skin tone due to melasma or other causes

Non-Ablative Resurfacing

Non-ablative treatments are performed by our medical aesthetician. They leave the outer layer of skin intact, but use laser energy to stimulate collagen growth and tighten underlying skin. Non-ablative resurfacing is gentler than ablative and requires no downtime, but may necessitate more treatment sessions and may yield less dramatic results.
In general, non-ablative laser treatments are used when the repair needed is less extensive. These treatments are recommended for people of color for whom ablative resurfacing may be more likely to cause changes in pigmentation.

RECOVERY FROM NON-ABLATIVE LASER RESURFACING

Recovery from laser resurfacing procedures varies according to the particular procedure and the individual patient’s skin type. In all cases, however, patients who have undergone these treatments should avoid sun exposure when possible.

After treatment, patients may experience redness or peeling at the treated site as the skin heals. The duration of these side effects varies, but is usually a day or two. Ice packs may ease discomfort and improve appearance. Normal activities can be resumed during healing, and makeup may be applied to camouflage any redness.

PIGMENTED AND VASCULAR LESION TREATMENT

Elos (electro-optical synergy) combines bipolar radio frequency and light energies that precisely target and treat superficial and benign vascular and pigmented lesions like spider veins, rosacea, brown and red spots. Elos also treats fine wrinkles and improves skin texture as well as skin imperfections caused by sun damage.
Results are cumulative, with optimal results usually achieved in multiple sessions, depending on the skin’s condition.

BROWN SPOTS/BROKEN CAPILLARIES

Utilizing Syneron eMax Technology, an electro-optical non-invasive synergy treatment,  we can remove or reduce the appearance of brown spots and broken capillaries, acne and acne scarring.  It takes just a few treatments to see dramatic results.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Ablative laser treatments are performed by Cosmetic Surgery of New York’s Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons. Ablative lasers are used to remove the damaged outer layers of skin. There are two types of lasers used in the resurfacing process: The Co2 laser and/or the Erbium. Resurfacing lasers emit a very brief pulse of high-intensity light. Thin layers of skin are removed with each pass. The laser provides the doctor with a precise tool to remove damaged skin, layer by layer. Ablative resurfacing provides more dramatic results and requires only one session as compared with the non-ablative, but also requires a longer period of healing.

RECOVERY FROM ABLATIVE LASER RESURFACING

After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will temporarily be red, swollen, and crusty. After treatment, an ointment will be applied to the affected area. Ice packs and pain relievers may be recommended for symptom relief.
Cosmetics may be applied to conceal any residual redness which may persist for a few months. When healing is complete, the skin’s appearance will be dramatically improved in tone, texture and tightness.

The Laser Resurfacing Procedure

Laser treatments for skin conditions are performed in our office and typically take around 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. The results are smooth, bright, radiant skin.

Risks of Laser Resurfacing

Although laser skin treatment is safe for most patients and is typically performed with no long-term complications, there are certain risks associated with any type of medical procedure. While considered rare, risks may include: infection, scarring, redness, and pigmentation changes.