Laser Skin Resurfacing
There’s no need to resign oneself to facial lines, wrinkles, growths or scars. With today’s laser technology, people who want more from their physical appearance can turn back the clock to a time when their skin was smoother, more youthful, and vibrant. Our doctors at the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery are experts in the field and are continuously training with new technology to bring our patients the most advanced and effective treatments. With offices located throughout New York and New Jersey, our doctors have performed thousands of laser skin resurfacing procedures. We have also lectured nationally on lasers and related topics, published extensively in medical literature, and have served as laser consultants for newspapers, magazines, and radio and television programs. Our array of modern laser equipment allows us to gently remove the top layers of skin, effectively reorganizing the skin’s structure, and reducing the visible signs of sun damage, scarring and time.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a marvelous innovation. Our doctors can use the laser to improve an array of skin conditions and imperfections leaving behind great skin that is firmer and more vibrant. We can treat conditions such as: Fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, forehead or mouth, scars from acne or chickenpox, aged or sun-damaged skin, liver spots, improve skin tone (color) if one experiences a yellowish or grayish tone, warts, birthmarks, and enlarged oil glands on the nose.
What Are Lasers and How Do They Work?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Surgical lasers operate by emitting direct and intense bursts of light. This light emitted produces heat that acts to remove the outer layer of skin which is named the epidermis. At the same time, the laser stimulates the underlying skin, or dermis to produce and grow new collagen fibers (a protein in the skin). As the lasered area heals, new firm and flawless skin grows.
What is amazing about lasers technology as opposed to previous procedures and older lasers is that our doctors are able to fully control the wavelength and frequency of the light being administered. This in turn allows only the affected area to be treated, sparing and preserving the underlying (deeper) and surrounding tissue. For example, our doctors may opt to use the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser that functions at a wavelength of 10,600 nm (nanometers) as opposed to our Erbium laser that operates at 1550 nm. The laser can penetrate as much as to 30 millionths of an inch!
What are the benefits of Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing has many benefits. Amongst them are the self-confidence you will gain from your new rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Tighter, wrinkle free and scar free skin will give you the confidence to go out into the world and not be embarrassed by your looks. Laser resurfacing corrects fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes, creases around the mouth, and smoothes and softens the entire complexion. Some find it helps reduce the size of pores. Another benefit of laser skin resurfacing is that with this new technology, one does not experience facial distortion or a “plastic look” as in some face lifts. In addition, unlike face-lifts, one grows newer and healthier skin, reportedly decreasing one’s likelihood of developing skin cancer. Uneven pigmentation, and all types of scarring are improved through laser resurfacing. Even stretch marks may be helped by a combination of lasers and creams in a procedure innovated by our doctors.
Results and Recovery
Once the final results appear, resurfacing patients will have a new quality of skin with a fresher and smoother appearance. During one’s initial consultation with our doctors, candidates for laser skin resurfacing should be frank about their expectations and should feel free to ask any questions and express any concerns that they may have. We believe that a positive and open patient doctor relationship is of utmost importance. Having an understanding of the realistic benefits and potential risks of the procedure will allow one to make an educated and thoughtful decision. Call or schedule a consultation today so that you too can be on the road to having great skin!
Recovery time depends on the laser used and varies for every patient. For CO2 laser resurfacing the general recovery time is up to two weeks while recovery from a procedure with the Erbium laser is generally one full week. It’s possible that the skin may remain red or pink for up to several months after laser skin resurfacing. After laser skin resurfacing, the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and it is imperative that patients use a high quality sunscreen liberally and daily. While some patients may see immediate results, others may experience slower and gradual results, similar to the outcomes highlighted in our before and after broken blood vessels treatment results, as their skin rejuvenates and improves for up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a number of laser technologies to treat many skin conditions. It is a surgical procedure that focuses laser energy onto the skin to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin (the epidermis), and stimulate deeper levels of skin (the dermis) to tighten existing collagen and promote new collagen growth.
What lasers does Advanced Dermatology P.C. use?
Our dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology have a wide range of experience and are certified to use the latest in laser technologies. Depending upon the patient’s skin type, the dermatologist may choose one of several different laser options, such as the Fraxel laser or the Pixel CO2 laser. Each of these has different wavelengths and calibrations; a consultation with a dermatologist in one of our offices (including the new office in Summit New Jersey) will determine which is best suited for each patient to get the best results.
Is it safe?
Yes. All of the lasers that we use at Advanced Dermatology have been FDA approved for the purpose of skin resurfacing. Our doctors are certified and experienced, and we use stringent safety guidelines.
What kind of results can I expect from laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing can treat a multitude of skin conditions. The most common ones that patients choose to treat with laser skin resurfacing include wrinkles, scars (including acne scars), discoloration, warts, and birthmarks. Many patients also report smaller looking pores. After the skin heals, which could be several weeks after a procedure, patients notice smoother, more even and youthful-looking skin that has been rejuvenated.
What is a typical procedure like?
After a thorough consultation, the treatment area and type of laser will be determined. A combination of local anesthesia and pain medication may be used to sedate the patient during the procedure. The laser will be finely calibrated and passed over the treatment area, resurfacing the skin until the imperfection becomes less noticeable. A procedure can take between just a few minutes to an hour, depending upon the surface area of the skin being treated, and deeper imperfections may require multiple sessions.
Does it hurt? Is there downtime?
Patients are usually sedated during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may experience some mild side effects such as swelling, pinkness, and sensitivity; these are temporary and will dissipate as the skin heals. Many patients also require between one to two weeks of recovery time after a resurfacing procedure, and sunscreen should be liberally applied for up to a year after a procedure to protect the new skin.
Is laser skin resurfacing right for me?
It is difficult to determine if you need laser resurfacing without seeing you face to face. Please come in for a consultation to check if laser skin resurfacing can get you the results you want. Advanced Dermatology has opened offices throughout the New York and New Jersey areas, including a new branch that serves Summit & Ridgewood. Laser skin resurfacing can help perfect the skin’s appearance and correct skin conditions that are difficult to correct using non-ablative lasers.
Who is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat a number of different conditions. Here are just a few:
- age spots and other skin discoloration
- signs of aging like sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles
- warts and scars
- severe acne
What can I expect from laser skin resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing targets the top layers of your skin, all the while penetrating deep into the dermis and helping promote collagen production. This new collagen makes your skin look smoother, more even in color, and younger.
At the beginning of the procedure, you’ll be treated with a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort and keep you comfortable. Sometimes, if the area being treated is large, you may be given painkillers or a sedative.
Once your skin is cleansed, the doctor will begin the procedure, carefully moving the laser across the treatment area. Then, the doctor will dress the treatment area, and you can go home the same day.
Depending on the treatment and how deep the lasers penetrate, healing can take 1 to 3 weeks. During the recovery period, your skin will be bright red and may scab or peel. To reduce discomfort and swelling, use ice packs, and follow any instructions given to you by your dermatologist.
What are the results of laser skin resurfacing?
Depending on your treatment, you may or may not need multiple sessions to achieve results. With ablative lasers that remove those top layers of skin, you may see your concerns corrected in just one session, while non-ablative laser solutions may take several sessions. Side effects tend to be minimal, but you can reduce the risks by following your dermatologist’s pre and post-care instructions carefully.