Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing treatments are innovative, non-invasive cosmetic procedures that can be used to correct the effects of sun damage, various signs of aging, and acne scars. When topical skincare products aren’t enough, laser skin resurfacing treatments can improve the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores, among other skin concerns. Laser skin resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel laser, Vivace, eMatrix, IPL, and others can rejuvenate your skin with only one treatment. Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green offers a host of laser skin resurfacing procedures and is the best guide for developing a customized laser skin resurfacing treatment plan for you in New York City.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments work by stimulating the growth of healthy, new skin cells and the production of new collagen in the treated areas. Collagen is a protein in the skin that provides structural support and a firm foundation. Collagen levels are depleted over time in response to sun damage, inflammatory acne lesions, and the natural aging process. By relying on laser technology to promote new collagen production, laser skin resurfacing treatments provide patients with a healthy, radiant, youthful complexion that is smoother, firmer, and more even in tone and texture. Laser treatment offers patients a way to achieve long-lasting skin rejuvenation without the need for invasive plastic surgery, meaning there are fewer potential dangerous side effects and significantly less downtime.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned leader in the field of dermatology with over 25 years of experience providing some of the most discerning individuals from around the globe with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing treatments. Regarding facial rejuvenation, Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, customizing each patient’s treatment plan best to suit their particular skin concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green for skin rejuvenation at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to select the cosmetic procedures that will provide you with the natural-looking and long-lasting rejuvenation results you’re after.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient cosmetic procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Laser skin resurfacing treatment may also be referred to as photo-rejuvenation, laser vaporization, or a laser peel. The innovative skin resurfacing treatments rely on laser technology, photodynamic therapy, or intense pulsed light to stimulate the growth of new skin cells and new collagen production. A skin resurfacing laser treatment procedure makes the treated skin tighter, firmer, smoother, and more youthful. Although minimal potential side effects and very little downtime are involved with most laser skin resurfacing treatments, it’s important to seek a thoroughly trained and experienced medical professional for your resurfacing procedure. The type of laser used for your skin rejuvenation treatment should be appropriate for your skin tone and skin type to prevent unwanted side effects and guarantee optimal results. Patients enjoy the accessibility of laser skin resurfacing treatments at their dermatologist’s office, as many can not afford the extensive downtime required for reconstructive and plastic surgery.

Before and After Fraxel: 2 sessions 

What does laser skin resurfacing do?

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure for skin rejuvenation that diminishes the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots, among other concerns. Laser skin resurfacing treatment improves the tone and texture of aging or sun-damaged skin. Different types of lasers may be used for a laser skin resurfacing procedure: ablative and non-ablative. While ablative and non-ablative lasers provide skin rejuvenation results by stimulating new collagen production, they operate differently. Ablative lasers, in addition to stimulating new collagen production in the dermis, remove the outer layer of skin- the epidermis. Non-ablative lasers leave the epidermis intact and create controlled, precise injuries in the middle layers of skin- the dermis, to stimulate the production of new collagen. The type of laser that should be incorporated into your laser skin resurfacing treatment plan depends on your skin tone, type, and the dermatologic condition you want to address. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York, should be entrusted with determining which lasers to use for skin rejuvenation.

What is fractional laser skin resurfacing?

Fractional lasers are used for non-invasive skin rejuvenation and work by delivering incredibly precise, controlled micro-beams of fractionated laser energy into the skin to stimulate new collagen production. With a fractional laser device, such as the Fraxel laser, only a “fraction” of the skin is injured, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. This aspect of fractional laser skin resurfacing helps to significantly reduce the amount of downtime required while still improving the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, age spots, acne scars, and sun damage. A fractional laser device may be ablative or non-ablative. The following sections describe the primary differences between ablative and non-ablative laser devices.

What is ablative laser skin resurfacing?

Ablative lasers work by effectively removing the top layer of skin. The carbon dioxide (also known as a CO2 laser) and erbium lasers are examples of ablative laser technology. CO2 laser resurfacing best treats skin concerns like warts, deep wrinkles, and severe acne scars. During this cosmetic procedure, a high-energy light beam creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin. As the skin heals, new collagen is produced. This restores lost elasticity and results in firmer, younger-looking skin. The downtime associated with the CO2 procedure is generally one to two weeks in duration.

What is the Erbium laser treatment?

The Erbium YAG is a type of laser skin resurfacing treatment ideal for treating mild to moderate fine lines and other signs of aging or sun damage on the face, neck, chest, and hands. This laser treatment is ablative, meaning the outer layer of the skin is removed. Simultaneously, the laser energy penetrates deeper layers of skin to stimulate new collagen production. The laser technology limits damage to surrounding tissue, resulting in a relatively short period of downtime. The Erbium laser treatment can address several skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, acne scars (and other types of scarring), fine lines, deep wrinkles, tighten the skin, remove malignant lesions, and even out skin tone and texture.

The Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser that incorporates Erbium laser technology to stimulate new collagen production in the treatment area while leaving the outer layers of skin intact, shortening the amount of downtime required. The Erbium Yag operates on a wavelength of 2940 nm, while the Erbium laser technology in the Fraxel Dual system operates on a wavelength of 1550 nm. The 1550 nm wavelength stimulates new collagen production in the dermis to improve skin texture, fine lines, deep wrinkles, and acne scars. There are approximately 2-5 days of downtime associated with Fraxel laser treatment, whereas 1-2 weeks of downtime is needed for the Erbium Yag laser treatment. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in NYC, she will physically assess your skin condition and review your aesthetic goals to determine which laser treatment best suits your needs.

What is CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

Carbon dioxide CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an ablative laser treatment to treat conditions such as deep wrinkles, warts, sun spots, and scars. The CO2 laser removes the outer layers of skin in the treatment area while heating the inner layers of skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and collagen production. The CO2 laser can be used to address skin conditions of varying depth and scope, with the use of a higher setting requiring more downtime following the procedure.

Female treated with Restylane, Vbeam and eMatrix

Types of non-ablative lasers:

The second classification of fractional laser technology is “non-ablative”. These lasers heat the skin’s underlying layers without damaging the skin’s surface. The VBeam laser, Fraxel Dual, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are all classified as non-ablative laser technologies used to treat many skin issues. 

Fraxel® Dual laser

This laser is very flexible and can be used to treat a range of different skin conditions. The Fraxel Dual Laser operates on two different wavelengths. The 1550 wavelength can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and is used for treating fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. The 1927 wavelength penetrates the epidermal layer of the skin, primarily treating hyperpigmentation and discoloration. The Fraxel laser can fine-tune skin rejuvenation treatment by targeting only a fraction of skin tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding skin intact. This fractionated method of skin resurfacing yields quick healing, allowing your skin to swiftly produce and remodel new collagen to reveal a more youthful complexion.

V-Beam® Laser

This laser is exceptional in treating redness caused by various skin conditions, from acne to rosacea. The laser operates at a wavelength that exclusively targets skin cells holding onto red pigment, making it a highly effective option for treating facial redness, broken blood vessels, and spider veins. For patient comfort, a Dynamic Cooling Device (TM) (DCD) cools the skin before emitting each laser pulse, protecting the skin and preventing post-treatment bruising. The laser treatment itself only takes a few minutes to complete, and since there is no downtime, you can put makeup on or return to work promptly after the procedure. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL treatment is not a laser but a technology that utilizes lights of various wavelengths to treat similar concerns addressed by lasers. IPL penetrates the dermis of the skin without causing any harm to the top layer of the epidermis. Depending on the setting used, these beams of light work to improve rosacea, even out skin pigmentation, and perform hair removal and skin tightening. 

eMatrix Sublative Laser

The eMatrix is a unique laser system that uses bipolar radiofrequency energy to heat below the skin surface while keeping the top layer of skin intact. Bypassing the epidermis and delivering heat to the deeper dermal layer minimizes the problems associated with resurfacing lasers, including hyperpigmentation. Each pulse of the eMatrix laser delivers radiofrequency energy in the area of the electrode matrix to induce skin injury and activate fibroblasts to signal a wound-healing response and produce new collagen. The eMatrix laser improves the appearance of the skin by improving tone, texture, wrinkles, acne scarring, and stretch marks.

Vivace Laser

Vivace is a non-surgical treatment that combines two of the best modalities, microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy. RF heats the dermis to stimulate new elastin and collagen production. This stimulation, in turn, tightens the skin and reduces skin laxity. Microneedling utilizes microneedles to activate the skin’s natural wound-healing process. This activation boosts collagen production, improving the skin’s texture, improving the appearance of acne scars, minimizing pore size, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

What is the process of having laser skin resurfacing?

Before having any laser skin resurfacing treatment, Dr. Michele Green will review your medical history and physically evaluate your skin to determine whether you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing. If there is a history of herpes simplex, pre-treatment is necessary with oral antiviral medication. Patients with a history of cold sores or blisters in the area surrounding the mouth should disclose this information to Dr. Green before treatment, as laser resurfacing treatment can lead to a flare and need pre-treatment with an oral antiviral medication such as Valtrex. A careful review of skin type and tone is important, as darker skin types must be treated more gently to avoid hyperpigmentation.

A topical local anesthetic is applied one hour before the procedure to the treated area to minimize any discomfort from the laser. Oral or intravenous sedation is not necessary for these laser skin resurfacing treatments. You can expect some skin erythema, swelling, and scabs to form during the healing process, which can range anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on the type of laser used and the depth of treatment. Laser skin resurfacing results in smoother, firmer, tighter, healthier, and more radiant skin. 

How much is laser skin resurfacing?

The cost of laser skin resurfacing treatment is dependent on several factors, including the experience level of the medical professional who performs the procedure, the geographic location of the office in which the treatment is performed, which type of laser is selected, and the number of treatment sessions required to achieve ideal results. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost of non-ablative laser treatments is $1,500, and the average cost of ablative laser treatments at $2,509. While it may be more inexpensive to have laser skin resurfacing in a medical spa setting, the risk of encountering unwanted side effects, such as burning, hyperpigmentation, and hyperpigmentation, significantly increases when you do not have the procedure with an expert. It’s important to choose a physician like Dr. Michele Green, who has vast experience with laser skin resurfacing and can accurately determine which laser treatment best suits your skin tone, skin type, and skin concern. 

Does laser skin resurfacing work?

Yes! Laser skin resurfacing procedures work extremely well to treat skin concerns such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, age spots, sun spots, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation and to help promote overall healthy skin and even skin tone. Results may be seen after just a single laser skin resurfacing session. However, you may want to plan two to three sessions for the treated area to optimize your results. During your consultation, you will discuss your expectations and desired treatment results with Dr. Green. She will review the various laser treatments, chemical peels, and other skin rejuvenating treatments to address your concerns and develop. 

Before and after Vbeam: 2 months

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

Laser skin resurfacing entails delivering controlled damage to targeted skin cells, creating microscopic injuries in the treatment areas while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. Laser treatments can target superficial to deep layers of skin, depending on the wavelength of light the laser technology utilizes and the dermatologic condition being addressed. There are two main types of laser resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers have a longer recovery time and involve the removal of the outer layer of skin. Non-ablative lasers use energy wavelengths to heat the skin’s inner layer while the skin’s surface remains intact. During the natural healing process, triggered by the micro-injuries created on the skin, new collagen fibers and new skin cells form in the treatment area. These impressive results remove extensive photodamage, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and more, without the need for cosmetic surgery. 

How long does it take to see results from laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing treatments improve skin tone and texture by stimulating the production of new collagen and the growth of healthy, new skin cells in the treated area. New collagen growth typically takes approximately three months to form. Since the type of laser used for your skin rejuvenation treatment may vary depending on your skin tone, skin type, and the dermatologic condition you would like to address, it is best to consult with the provider performing your laser procedure about when your final results will be observable. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green regarding your laser skin resurfacing treatment, you will be provided with the pertinent aftercare information for your laser treatment and informed on what to expect regarding results.

How many laser skin resurfacing treatment sessions are needed?

The number of laser skin resurfacing treatments needed largely depends on the type and severity of the dermatologic conditions being treated. The type of laser being used can also impact the total number of treatment sessions required to achieve ideal final results. Most non-ablative lasers require a short initial series of 3-6 treatment sessions to accomplish the desired effects. For example, the VBeam laser for rosacea and redness typically requires 5-6 treatment sessions, each spaced one month apart. The eMatrix and Fraxel laser treatments require an average of five treatments for reducing acne scars. To reduce sun damage and hyperpigmentation, most patients need approximately three of these laser treatment sessions, each one month apart. The number of laser skin resurfacing treatment sessions required for the best results depends on your skin condition. It may take fewer or more than the typical number of treatment sessions. During your skin rejuvenation consultation with Dr. Green, she will physically assess the treatment area and review your skin concerns and goals to construct a personalized plan that suits your needs.

Ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments are much more aggressive, and most patients require just one treatment session to accomplish the desired results. It can take several weeks for the skin to heal after ablative laser treatment, but once the skin has healed, the effects of the treatment can remain visible for years. In addition to requiring much more downtime, ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments can be much more expensive than non-ablative lasers. Limiting sun exposure and using daily sun protection are essential to maintaining the cosmetic results of the laser resurfacing procedure.

CO2 laser treatment for Acne Scars

Is laser skin resurfacing permanent?

The results of laser skin resurfacing can be permanent, provided you do not have new sun exposure or environmental damage in the treated area. Of course, laser treatment will not prevent the natural aging process or entirely keep future signs of aging from developing. However, laser skin resurfacing can significantly improve the appearance of existing sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, deep wrinkles, and other age-related blemishes, leaving you looking younger.

How long does laser skin resurfacing last?

Results from your laser skin resurfacing treatment can last for many years. You can help maintain your results by limiting sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 daily. The age spots and hyperpigmentation removed with laser skin resurfacing can be permanent, provided you do not have new sun damage in the treated area that causes the hyperpigmentation to return.

Is laser skin resurfacing safe?

Laser skin resurfacing is safe if you are a good candidate for the procedure and your laser treatment is performed by an experienced provider. Your provider’s expertise is crucial since the safety and efficacy of your laser treatment depend on whether the laser technology and settings selected for your rejuvenation treatment are appropriate for your skin color and type. Hypopigmentation (lightening skin pigment), hyperpigmentation (darkening skin pigment), scarring, and burning are all possible side effects of laser skin resurfacing, particularly if the laser is unsuitable for your skin tone. This is especially important for patients who have darker skin tones. This does not mean that you are not a good candidate for treatment with laser skin resurfacing if you have darker skin, but that extra precaution is needed in choosing the correct type of laser. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience treating some of the most discerning patients from around the globe with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing treatments.

Potential Side Effects of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The side effects of laser skin resurfacing can include:

• redness
• peeling
• dryness
• swelling
• milia
• acne breakouts
• hypopigmentation
• hyperpigmentation
• scarring
• bacterial infection
• exacerbation of herpetic infection/cold sores
• crusting

Ablative skin resurfacing lasers have a higher degree of potential side effects. The risk of encountering such adverse side effects is minimized when seeking treatment from an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional with expertise in laser skin resurfacing procedures over inexperienced or unqualified providers in a medical spa setting. Fewer potential side effects and much less downtime are involved with non-ablative lasers, such as the V-Beam, IPL, Fraxel, Vivace, Clear + Brilliant, and Thermage FLX laser.

Does laser skin resurfacing hurt?

Fractionated laser skin resurfacing (Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant) and radiofrequency laser treatments (eMatrix, Vivace) are not painful. Dr. Green will prescribe a topical, local anesthetic to be applied to the treatment area one hour before the procedure to help minimize any discomfort. Some laser treatments, like the VBeam, Thermage, and IPL, do not require numbing cream. Many patients compare the feeling of laser skin resurfacing treatment to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin, which is very tolerable. However, CO2 laser resurfacing with an ablative laser can be more painful and may require sedation. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will provide you with all of the instructions needed to best prepare for your laser treatment.

How long does it take to recover from laser skin resurfacing?

The recovery time associated with your laser skin resurfacing treatment depends on which types of lasers are used. Non-ablative lasers like VBeam, IPL, Fraxel, and Vivace have little to no downtime. Ablative laser treatments, like CO2, typically have a recovery time of up to two weeks. Since the CO2 laser is a more aggressive laser treatment, there are more potential side effects. During the healing process, it is important to adhere to the aftercare protocol given to you by your provider. This will help ensure that you achieve and maintain the best effects of your treatment. One of the most important aftercare considerations is limiting sun exposure and using adequate sun protection, as skin resurfacing laser treatments increase the skin’s photosensitivity. You must apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher daily.

How do I take care of my skin after laser skin resurfacing?

There are two different types of laser skin resurfacing treatments, which require different amounts of recovery time and, as such, slightly different aftercare procedures. Ablative laser skin resurfacing involves removing the top layer of skin, which means there is more downtime. After an ablative laser skin resurfacing procedure, ointment and a bandage are applied to the treatment area to protect the skin. In the first couple of days following your laser treatment, the skin in the treated area may feel warm, red, and itchy. In the days following, the skin may start to flake and peel. After one to two weeks, new skin will develop in the treatment area, though it can take up to several months to see the full effects of the laser treatment. Patients are advised to avoid situations that may expose the treatment area to infection, including shared bodies of water.

On the other hand, the recovery time for non-ablative laser treatment is minimal, and patients can generally return to their regularly scheduled activities immediately after the procedure. There may be some swelling and redness in the treatment area for several hours post-treatment, but these symptoms will resolve themselves quickly. After receiving either laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients must wear sun protection, such as a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, to reduce the risk of further damage to the skin. Additionally, patients can prolong the effects of the laser treatment by caring for the skin with moisturizers and other skincare products. When you have your non-ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, you will be provided with all of the pertinent aftercare information required for achieving and maintaining ideal cosmetic results.

Is laser skin resurfacing worth it?

Laser skin resurfacing treatment is considered one of the most effective methods for removing evidence of sun damage and aging, promoting the generation of new collagen, encouraging the production of healthy, new skin cells, and rejuvenating the skin. When it comes to eliminating the appearance of a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores, among others, laser skin resurfacing is an exceptional non-surgical treatment option. Laser skin resurfacing treatment is worth it for patients looking to revitalize their appearance and achieve long-lasting results without the need for extensive recovery time. To make the most of your laser skin resurfacing treatment, schedule a consultation with an expert board-certified dermatologist with the expertise and experience required to provide optimal results, like Dr. Green in NYC.

Do dermatologists do laser skin resurfacing?

A board-certified cosmetic dermatologist is the ideal laser skin resurfacing treatment provider. To guarantee that the laser treatment is performed safely and effectively, selecting a provider with the expertise and experience required to recommend and properly utilize the laser most appropriate for your skin tone, skin type, and skin condition is important. Dr. Michele Green in New York City is an internationally renowned board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the most discerning men and women from around the globe with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing treatments.

How often can you do laser skin resurfacing?

The frequency at which you can safely have laser skin resurfacing depends on which type of laser you are being treated with. Non-ablative fractional lasers typically require a short series of treatment sessions to produce ideal cosmetic results, and treatment sessions should each be scheduled about four weeks apart. Ablative laser treatments that remove the outer layers of the epidermis require a lengthier recovery time, and it is recommended that patients should not have additional treatment sessions for approximately 12 weeks following initial treatment to allow the healing process to complete. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to establish a laser skin resurfacing treatment plan and timeline best suited to addressing your needs and achieving your results.

Does laser skin resurfacing tighten the skin?

Laser skin resurfacing treatments are designed to improve the quality of the skin tone and skin texture. As part of the process, laser skin rejuvenation procedures stimulate the production of new collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein naturally occurring in the skin, providing a firm foundation and enhanced structural support. By triggering the generation of new collagen, laser skin resurfacing treatments can improve the skin’s overall elasticity, making it tighter, smoother, and firmer. Dr. Green often recommends treatment with Thermage for patients particularly concerned with skin laxity.

Thermage is a radiofrequency laser treatment and the gold standard for non-surgically tightening skin. There is no downtime associated with Thermage, meaning patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after their procedure has finished. Patients enjoy that their cosmetic results from Thermage last up to two years, and most use regular annual maintenance to maintain the best results. Thermage can be used to tighten loose skin on the face, neck, chest, décolletage, abdomen, thighs, and upper arms in just a single treatment session.

Which laser is best for skin rejuvenation?

Patients often want to know which skin resurfacing laser is ‘best’ for rejuvenation. The answer is that no one laser is inherently better than the others for revitalizing skin. Different types of lasers utilize distinct energy types, serve their unique functions, and are best suited to targeting specific concerns. Additionally, different laser devices and settings are required for safely and effectively treating patients of different skin tones and skin types. For this reason, it is imperative to consult with a board-certified dermatologist with extensive training in laser skin resurfacing, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing treatments. Upon your initial consultation with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, you will have the opportunity to discuss your unique concerns and personal aesthetic goals with her. A thorough medical history will be collected, and she will physically assess the treatment area to determine which type of laser treatment is best suited to your particular needs.

Combining laser skin resurfacing with other non-invasive treatment options

Laser skin resurfacing treatments can be combined with other non-invasive cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, as an amazing alternative to a facelift or other plastic surgery.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have skyrocketed in popularity due to the ease of injections, few potential side effects, lack of downtime, and consistently stunning results. Dermal fillers enhance facial contours and features, reduce age-related wrinkles, and replenish volume loss. Dr. Green often recommends combining laser skin resurfacing treatments with Botox and dermal filler injections for patients seeking pan-facial skin rejuvenation. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are among the most commonly used for reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles, enhancing facial contour, and replenishing lost volume in key areas, such as the lips, nasolabial area, jowls, and the midface. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that provides the skin with essential hydration and plays a role in stimulating collagen production. Using dermal fillers, Dr. Green can target specific areas of the face to restore lost volume, smooth out fine lines, and plump the skin for a natural-looking, youthful appearance that lasts.

Botox

Botox, often called “liquid gold,” is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures worldwide. Botox is ideal for reducing the appearance of dynamic fine lines that develop due to repetitive facial expressions. Laser skin resurfacing treatments improve the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles that develop unrelated to facial expression and are instead caused by the natural aging process or sun damage. Many patients choose to combine their laser skin resurfacing treatment with Botox injections to target the different types of fine lines. While the cosmetic effects of laser skin resurfacing procedures are considered to be permanent, the results of Botox typically last for 3-4 months. Most patients engage in regular maintenance sessions to achieve the best results. Dr. Michele Green in NYC is an Allergan Platinum injector and offers her patients what has been described as the “best Botox injections in New York”.

Thermage for skin tightening

Thermage is the gold standard, non-invasive cosmetic procedure for skin tightening. Thermage relies on radiofrequency energy to induce new collagen production. During a Thermage treatment, a handheld device is applied to the skin’s surface in the treatment area. The Thermage device delivers heat to the dermal layers of skin, where it causes existing collagen to contract and stimulates the production of new collagen. No downtime is involved with Thermage whatsoever, meaning that patients can conveniently resume their normal daily activities immediately after their treatment session. The most common side effects of Thermage include a mild amount of redness and swelling in the treated area, which typically resolve independently shortly after treatment. Since no downtime is associated with Thermage, many patients choose laser skin resurfacing treatments, like Fraxel, after their Thermage appointment for a “non-surgical facelift”. Thermage works wonderfully to produce firmer, tighter skin, while laser skin resurfacing treatments improve the appearance of skin tone and texture, allowing patients to engage in pan-facial skin rejuvenation.

Is laser skin resurfacing painful?

No, laser skin resurfacing treatments are not painful. Dr. Green prescribes a topical numbing cream that should be applied to the entire treatment area in a thick layer one hour before your scheduled laser treatment. Once you arrive at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, the numbing cream will be removed, and the skin will be prepped for the procedure. Using the anesthetic cream in preparation helps to ensure an overall comfortable patient experience during the laser skin resurfacing treatment. Patients may be given a sedative for more aggressive ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments.

How much is CO2 laser skin resurfacing?

CO2 is an ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment, meaning that significantly more preparation is required, the procedure itself is more aggressive and associated with more potential side effects, and there is much more downtime afterward. CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments are typically more expensive than non-ablative ones, averaging $2,500 per treatment.

How do I get started with laser skin resurfacing treatment today?

Laser skin resurfacing treatment can be used to target a host of skin conditions, including fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun-damaged skin, among others. To guarantee that your laser skin resurfacing treatment produces optimal results and is safe and effective, it is always recommended to seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist with extensive training and expertise, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Dr. Green offers a variety of laser treatments at her private dermatology office, including the Vbeam for rosacea and redness, Fraxel, eMatrix, Vivace, and Clear+Brilliant for improving skin tone and texture, and Thermage for skin tightening. Dr. Green will work with you to select the laser treatments best suited to your needs and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating some of the world’s most discerning men and women with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing treatments. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding rejuvenation. She is consistently identified as one of NYC’s best physicians by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green has helped countless clients from San Francisco to New York City and everywhere in between achieve their ideal cosmetic results to look and feel like the absolute best version of themselves. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and develop your customized laser skin resurfacing treatment plan for skin rejuvenation today, please call our office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online.