Laser Resurfacing in New York City

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.