Laser technology is a common term in the cosmetic repair industry. It has existed for years and is utilized to eliminate or target certain abnormalities on the skin. Cosmetic laser resurfacing can be performed with CO2 and Fraxel. These technically enhanced systems make it possible to remove thin coats of skin while presenting only a slight possibility of heat damage and nominal risk of bruising or scarring.
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.
What Does the Laser Resurfacing Target
Laser resurfacing in New York targets several skin issues. It focuses primarily on wrinkle removal, sun damage, and irregular pigmentation. Professional laser resurfacing also softens scars and major expression lines.
They are effective in the removal of warts, certain skin cancer lesions, and benign tumors. 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. 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. The best results are achieved with full-face resurfacing, but these target areas can also be treated with Laser Resurfacing:
- Crow’s feet
- Smoker’s lines
- Frown furrows
- Acne scars
- Laugh lines
- Fine wrinkles
Professional laser resurfacing is an effective option for patients who desire to enhance these specific areas or the full face. Laser Resurfacing is a highly effective approach that offers significant results patients love.
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.
Preparation and Procedure for Laser Resurfacing
Prior to any laser resurfacing, all patients should be "sun-smart", minimizing sun exposure and using broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunblock.
This is all that is required before Fraxel Dual: prep time before and recovery time after Fraxel are modest. Preparation prior to CO2 ablative laser resurfacing requires a more comprehensive protocol: strict UVA and UVB sunblock, nightly retinol or Retin-A use, the use of a lightening cream (such as Vivite), and an antiviral medication on the day prior to laser treatment. This protocol maximizes the safety and aesthetic results of laser resurfacing.
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 non-ablative 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 KolkerWhich is the Best Laser for Me?
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 longer recovery time.
Laser Resurfacing: Active FX, Deep FX, Total FX
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 procedures, such as Active FX, Deep FX, or Total 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. 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.
Active FX
Active FX laser resurfacing caters to those that lead an active lifestyle. The procedure is done on only a small area of the face, allowing a portion of the skin to remain untouched. This approach requires a shorter healing time, which allows patients to return to regular activities in less time. Active FX causes the top skin layer to peel and restore a healthy layer.
Deep FX
Deep FX laser resurfacing is ideal for patients battling aggressive wrinkles and dermal scarring. The fractional pattern is utilized with this method to assist the process of regeneration. Deep FX promotes the tightening and remodeling of collagen. Patients can look forward to enhanced skin texture.
Total FX
Total FX laser resurfacing is a combination of Active FX and Deep FX. This approach aids in the removal of brown and sun damage spots. It also resurfaces the deeper layers to eliminate scars, wrinkles, and balance skin tone. Total FX laser resurfacing is a complete system that can deliver astonishing results. Patients may choose Active FX to address a particular area of skin. However, Active FX and Deep FX used in combination may enhance these results.
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Post Care and Recovery for Laser Resurfacing
While laser resurfacing is considered a major procedure, it isn’t a major surgery. Patients can receive the treatment and leave the office as soon as it’s over. However, to ensure proper and complete healing, it is necessary to implement downtime and exercise recovery precautions. This decreases the risk of side effects and prompts optimum results. 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 CO2 resurfacing, light cardio may be resumed after four days, advancing to more active exercise around eight days.
You should allow your skin up to 10 days to heal completely. For larger areas of treatment with deep laser, recovery time could take longer. The skin may appear red and scabbed while in recovery. There will be minimal peeling and slight swelling. Ice or cold packs are effective in the reduction of swelling. You should relax for the first few days of recovery. You can go out afterward, but avoid areas that would increase exposure to germs - highly populated public spaces, gyms, and similar places.
Schedule a Consultation for Laser Resurfacing in New York
There are numerous lasers from which to choose, and how to select the correct laser treatment plan can often be mystifying. During a personal consultation with Dr. Kolker, the process starts with a complete discussion about your interests and desires, followed by a careful examination of your skin. Dr. Kolker will suggest the laser resurfacing technique or combination of nonsurgical or minimally invasive techniques that suit you best.
With so many lasers to choose from, how do you determine the best laser resurfacing plan for you? As every individual brings unique physical features and desires, a laser treatment plan will be personally formulated to achieve your goals.
The two primary avenues will be those that achieve results steadily and over time, with minimal downtime following each laser treatment or those that achieve a more dramatic result in a more rapid fashion, albeit with more recovery time following laser treatment. Depending upon the condition and features of your skin, either laser resurfacing path, non-ablative or ablative may be an option, and the choice will often be a personal one.
To learn if Laser Resurfacing treatments are right for you, schedule a consultation with us today. Dr. Kolker is available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. He will assess your goals and develop a unique treatment plan for you to consider. You will gain the insight you need to make an informed decision.
We look forward to welcoming you to the family at Adam Kolker MD MedSpa in New York.
Schedule a Consultation
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To schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kolker, please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.
710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
