Laser Resurfacing in New York City

Age, environment, and heredity can all have an effect on the youthfulness of skin. Sun exposure in youth or childhood can lead to the development of brown spots and other pigmentary changes, loss of elasticity, and textural changes of the skin. There are a wide variety of treatments available that can effectively rejuvenate skin, improve attractiveness, and restore youthfulness. Among these treatments lasers, chemical peel and dermabrasion can resurface the skin.

To treat sun damaged skin, fine lines, inelasticity, brown spots and other pigment problems, large pores, and other skin tone and texture issues, resurfacing treatments are most suitable.

Out of laser, chemical peel, and dermabrasion, laser resurfacing is the most contemporary skin resurfacing modality, which can be applicable over a wide range of skin types and conditions and can be meticulously adjusted to your unique goals. Laser Resurfacing can be performed to improve the tone and texture of the face, eyelids, neck, chest, and hands.

There are two primary laser resurfacing modalities: 1) nonablative laser resurfacing, and 2) ablative laser resurfacing. Nonablative laser resurfacing, such as Fraxel Dual laser, is a minimal downtime treatment. Ablative laser resurfacing, such as CO2 laser, Active FX or Deep FX, is associated with a recovery period following treatment. The specific laser resurfacing technique can be uniquely tailored to an individual's specific skin requirements and personal desires.

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The best laser results require finesse, experience and understanding of laser physics, skin anatomy, and unique requirements and desires. Dr. Kolker approaches all laser treatments by establishing a treatment plan with safety, efficiency and minimal downtime in mind.

Dr. Kolker's Message to Those Considering Laser Resurfacing

“Today's lasers have evolved considerably, fostering a degree of balance and control that enables the achievement of maximal results and safety with minimal downtime. The pre-emptive and restorative effects of Fraxel and other nonablative laser platforms, and the advances in ablative laser technologies, can be used to attain the best laser resurfacing results at a pace that suits you best.”

Dr. Adam Kolker
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Laser light is "targeted" to a specific chromophore (color-bearing elements within the cells of the skin).

The specific energy wavelength of the laser light will "excite" these cells, creating a local thermal reaction that may stimulate cell turnover, collagen production, healing, smoothing, and reduction of targeted pigment. Nonablative laser resurfacing refers to laser technologies that create a more limited thermal response, hence with less downtime. Ablative laser resurfacing creates a more intense local thermal response that vaporizes select cells within the skin, and stimulates a more vigorous healing reaction. The result of ablative Laser Resurfacing is a more dramatic early result, but is associated with a longer recovery time.

Nonablative Resurfacing With Fraxel Laser

Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 is the foremost non-ablative Laser Resurfacing platform available. Fraxel Dual technology uses nonablative Erbium and Thulium laser fibers to generate energy that promotes improvements in skin tone and texture with increased comfort and more rapid healing and recovery. Fraxel Dual laser can be used to treat fine lines and superficial wrinkles of the face, crows feet and around the eyes, sun damage, skin discolorations, and acne scars.

Additionally, virtually all skin types can be treated with Fraxel. The Fraxel system is based on the concept of "fractional photothermolysis", which delivers energy in a fractional grid to tiny areas within the skin while leaving the intervening neighboring areas within that grid untouched, stimulating more rapid healing. Recovery time is approximately one to three days following Fraxel laser resurfacing with the 1550 laser, and three to five days after Fraxel laser resurfacing with the 1927 laser (each of these numbers refers to the specific wavelength of its energy and target cells). For most conditions, several Fraxel laser treatment sessions may be required. Often, individuals will see distinct changes and improvements following one or two Fraxel laser treatments, but everyone is unique, and three or four treatments may be required to achieve the best Fraxel laser resurfacing results.

Fraxel laser resurfacing can be performed to improve the tone and texture of the face, eyelids, neck, chest, and hands. Performed in Dr. Kolker's practice on Park Avenue in NYC, Fraxel laser treatments can be performed rapidly and comfortably: topical anesthetics are applied to laser treatment areas for approximately 45 minutes, and the Fraxel laser treatment time ranges from 15 to 40 minutes depending upon the areas treated.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing With The CO2 Laser

Ablative laser resurfacing differs from nonablative laser treatments in that the wavelength and energy delivered with these therapies target the water within certain skin cells creating a controlled vaporizing effect. With CO2 laser resurfacing, the adage "what you put into it is what you get out of it" applies, in that the procedure and downtime are comparatively more than nonablative lasers, but the results are more immediate and more dramatic.

CO2 laser resurfacing has also evolved significantly. The technique now employs a fractional photothermolysis model that involves the delivery of laser energy in a grid-like pattern to alternating tiny spots within the grid, thermally exciting these regions within the skin and leaving the intervening neighboring areas untouched; the result is a uniform, effective laser treatments with much more rapid healing and recovery. Ablative CO2 laser treatments can be used for more coarse lines and wrinkles of the face, crepey skin of the eyelid area, the vertical lines of the upper and lower lips, melisma and pigment spots of the face, sun damage and discoloration of the neck and chest, and photoaging and discoloration of the hands and forearms.

Dr. Kolker uses the Lumenis UltraPulse CO2 laser, with fractional photothermolysis technology including Active FX, Deep FX, and Total FX. A CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your individual skin type, your areas of concern, and your goals. As CO2 laser resurfacing treats more deeply, the anesthetic requirements are greater. In Dr. Kolker's AAAASF fully accredited facility in NYC, laser treatments with ablative fractional CO2 laser are performed with light sedation to maximize comfort.

More Questions about Facial Fillers and Injectables

This site and other web-based sources can assist in providing an overview of laser resurfacing. There is, however, no substitute for an in-depth, personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in the numerous and varied techniques of facial rejuvenation including laser resurfacing. Dr. Kolker will recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific skin type, your areas of concern, and your goals. Not all laser resurfacing treatments are the same; laser treatments require customization and experience to achieve the most beautiful and natural outcomes, and the practice you choose makes a difference. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss Laser Resurfacing in NYC with Dr. Kolker and his staff, and look forward to warmly welcoming you to our practice.

Fraxel Dual 1550 or 1927 laser resurfacing treatments

Fraxel Dual 1550 or 1927 Laser Resurfacing treatments are performed after topical anesthetic application, and you may leave the office immediately after treatment. You may look red and slightly swollen after your treatment, which may last for two or three days after Fraxel 1550, and for four or five days after Fraxel 1927. After Fraxel treatment for pigmentation and brown spots (1927), there may be some crusting at the sites of the dark spots for several days.

Active FX, Deep FX, and Total FX CO2 laser resurfacing

Active FX, Deep FX, and Total FX CO2 laser resurfacing treatments are most often performed with light sedation. After the laser treatment, you will rest in our recovery room with a nurse until you are fully awake and comfortable, after which you will go home with a friend or relative. Depending upon the extent and depth of treatment, recovery following ablative CO2 laser ranges from four to seven days.

Exercise after Laser Resurfacing

Return to light exercise (walking, elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike) is recommended two to three days after Fraxel treatment, with unrestricted exercise to resume around five to seven days following Fraxel. After Laser Resurfacing NYC patients may resume light cardio after four days, advancing to more active exercise around eight days.

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710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021