Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing treatments improve the skin’s overall look and feel by stimulating new collagen production in the treated area. Collagen is the most abundant skin protein, contributing to its structural support and a firm foundation. By replenishing collagen, laser skin resurfacing can correct sun damage, acne scars, and various signs of aging, including fine lines, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and age spots. Laser skin resurfacing allows patients to achieve dramatic skin rejuvenation with minimal recovery time and without consulting a plastic surgeon. Dr. Michele Green offers a variety of non-ablative laser treatments at her private New York City dermatology office.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments fall into two categories: ablative and non-ablative. Non-ablative laser treatments leave the skin’s surface intact while inducing collagen production in the dermis. Ablative lasers trigger collagen production by destroying the outer layers of the skin’s surface. Dr. Green utilizes non-ablative laser treatments like Fraxel, Vivace, eMatrix, IPL, and Clear + Brilliant. This type of laser encourages the growth of healthy, new skin cells for outstanding skin rejuvenation results with minimal downtime. Limiting sun exposure in the treated area following laser skin resurfacing is essential since these cosmetic procedures can increase the skin’s photosensitivity, making it more susceptible to sun damage. The most common side effects of laser skin resurfacing include mild redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treatment area. If an inexperienced or unqualified provider performs laser skin resurfacing, unwanted side effects can include skin discoloration, burns, or scarring. For this reason, laser skin resurfacing should always be performed by a board-certified professional, such as Dr. Green in NYC.

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 skin rejuvenation, Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, customizing each patient’s treatment plan best to suit their 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 laser skin resurfacing at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to select the combination of non-ablative laser treatments and other 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 be 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 makes the skin in the treated area tighter, firmer, and smoother while creating a more even skin tone. Depending on the severity of the skin concerns being addressed and the type of laser used, patients may require one or multiple treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. Laser skin resurfacing treatments are either ablative or non-ablative. Ablative laser treatments stimulate collagen production by removing the outer layers of the skin’s surface, while non-ablative lasers keep it intact and target the dermis. This aspect of non-ablative laser treatments means significantly less recovery time is associated. Additionally, there are few side effects of non-ablative laser treatments. The most common side effects include mild swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treated area. While specific aftercare advisements can vary depending on which laser treatment is performed, limiting sun exposure in the treated area is always essential. Laser skin resurfacing treatments increase the skin’s photosensitivity, which makes it more susceptible to sun damage.

Although most laser skin resurfacing treatments involve minimal potential side effects, seeking a thoroughly trained and experienced medical professional is crucial. To guarantee safety, efficacy, and optimal skin rejuvenation results, the type of laser treatment used on you should be appropriate for your skin tone and skin type. If an inappropriate type of laser or settings are used, unwanted side effects can occur, including skin discoloration, burns, and scars. Patients enjoy the accessibility of laser skin resurfacing treatments at Dr. Green’s boutique dermatology 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 stimulates new collagen production and the growth of healthy new skin cells in the treated area. By replenishing collagen levels, laser skin resurfacing is an excellent cosmetic procedure for diminishing the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, age spots, and sun-damaged skin, among other concerns. Two types of lasers may be used for a laser skin resurfacing procedure: ablative and non-ablative. While ablative and non-ablative laser treatments provide skin rejuvenation results by stimulating new collagen production, they do so differently. In addition to encouraging new collagen production in the dermis, ablative lasers 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.

Non-ablative laser treatments are associated with significantly less recovery time since the epidermis remains intact. Although non-ablative laser treatments may be considered less aggressive than ablative, they still produce outstanding skin rejuvenation results in as little as one treatment session. Multiple treatment sessions may be required depending on the initial severity of the signs of aging, sun damage, or acne scars being treated. The type of laser that should be incorporated into your laser skin resurfacing treatment plan depends on your skin tone, skin 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 laser treatments 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 at a time, 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 treatments.

What is ablative laser skin resurfacing?

Ablative laser treatments work by effectively removing the outer layers of skin. The carbon dioxide (a CO2 laser) and erbium lasers are examples of ablative laser treatments. 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. Common side effects of ablative laser treatments like carbon dioxide and erbium lasers include redness, itching, stinging, peeling, crusting, oozing, blisters, or the sensation of a mild burn in the treated area. CO2 laser resurfacing also has the potential to lead to bacterial or fungal infection, acne lesions, and discoloration. If you have a history of Herpes simplex, alert your board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon so they can prescribe prophylactic medication to prevent an outbreak.

What is the Erbium laser treatment?

The Erbium YAG is a type of laser skin resurfacing treatment ideal for diminishing the appearance of mild to moderate fine lines and other signs of aging or sun damage on the face, neck, chest, and hands. The Erbium laser treatment is ablative, meaning the outer layers of the skin are removed. Simultaneously, the laser energy penetrates deeper layers of skin, the dermis, 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 most common side effects of Erbium laser treatment include redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area for about a week.

The Fraxel Dual is a non-ablative laser treatment that includes Erbium laser technology to stimulate new collagen production in the treatment area while leaving the outer layers of skin intact, shortening the 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 Yag Erbium 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 resurfacing?

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

Female treated with Restylane, Vbeam and eMatrix

Non-ablative types of lasers:

The second classification of fractional laser technology is non-ablative laser treatments. This type of laser heats underlying layers of the skin without damaging the epidermis, resulting in excellent skin rejuvenation results with less downtime. The VBeam laser, Fraxel Dual, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are all non-ablative laser treatments that address many skin issues. 

Fraxel® Dual laser

Fraxel is a laser treatment Dr. Green offers at her private dermatology office in NYC. She often calls it the ‘magic eraser’ for its unique ability to target various skin concerns. The Fraxel Dual Laser operates on two different wavelengths, 1550 and 1927 nm, to target skin texture and tone issues, respectively. The 1550 wavelength can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and is used for treating fine lines, deep wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne scars. The 1927 wavelength penetrates the epidermal layers of the skin, primarily treating hyperpigmentation and discoloration. As a fractional laser treatment, Fraxel can fine-tune skin rejuvenation treatment by precisely targeting only a fraction of skin tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding skin intact.

This fractionated laser skin resurfacing method yields quick healing, allowing your skin to swiftly produce and remodel new collagen to reveal a more youthful complexion. Common side effects of Fraxel include mild redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area, which typically resolves within 2-5 days of the cosmetic procedure. While results can be observed in as little as one treatment session, most patients require 3-6 laser treatment sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart, to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation, depending on which skin concerns are being addressed. When you have fractional laser treatment with Dr. Green at her private dermatology in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will evaluate your progress during each follow-up session to ensure you achieve and maintain a clear, smooth, healthy, beautiful complexion.

V-Beam® Laser

The V-Beam laser treatment is the gold standard concerning eliminating visible redness from the skin. V-Beam laser treatment is used for acne scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, rosacea, broken capillaries, and vascular lesions. This laser treatment operates at a wavelength that exclusively targets skin cells holding onto red pigment while the surrounding skin is unharmed. 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 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 cosmetic procedure. Most patients require a series of treatment sessions to achieve ideal skin rejuvenation results.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is not a laser device but a unique technology that utilizes lights of various wavelengths to treat different skin concerns. IPL penetrates the dermis of the skin without causing any harm to the top layer of the epidermis, allowing for minimal downtime. Depending on the setting used, these beams of light work to improve rosacea, even out skin tone, and perform hair removal and skin tightening. 

eMatrix Sublative Laser

The eMatrix is a unique laser treatment that uses bipolar radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis and the layers of the skin below the skin surface while keeping the outer layer of skin intact. Bypassing the epidermis and delivering heat to the deeper dermal layer minimizes the potential for encountering unwanted side effects associated with other laser skin resurfacing treatments, 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.

Most patients require a short series of 3-6 eMatrix laser treatment sessions, 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation results. Patients with deep wrinkles or severe acne scars may require additional laser treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. The most common side effect of eMatrix laser treatment is mild redness, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area. Side effects typically resolve within 48 hours of the laser treatment. The most crucial aftercare component is avoiding sun exposure in the treated area, as the laser treatment increases the skin’s photosensitivity, making it more susceptible to sun damage. When you have eMatrix laser treatment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele 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 the best skin rejuvenation results.

Vivace Laser

Vivace is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure combining two collagen-stimulating treatment modalities, microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy. RF heats the dermis to stimulate new elastin and collagen production. Microneedling utilizes tiny, sterile microneedles to deliver controlled wounds to the skin’s surface, activating the natural wound-healing process. This dual treatment approach optimizes new collagen production, improving the skin’s texture and the appearance of acne scars, minimizing pore size, reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles, and creating a brighter, more even skin tone. Dr. Green typically recommends a series of three Vivace laser treatment sessions, each spaced one month apart, to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation results. Most patients engage in annual maintenance treatments to keep up the best results.

What is the process of having laser skin resurfacing treatment?

The first step is consulting an experienced board-certified dermatologist with the expertise required to provide safe and effective laser treatment, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Before having any laser skin resurfacing treatment, Dr. Green will review your family and 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 essential, as patients with darker skin types must be treated more gently and with certain types of lasers to avoid hyperpigmentation.

On your laser skin treatment day, a topical local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area one hour before the cosmetic procedure to minimize any potential discomfort. Oral or intravenous sedation is not necessary for these laser skin resurfacing treatments. Common side effects can include some skin erythema, swelling, and scabs that 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 resurfacing results in smoother, firmer, tighter, healthier, and more radiant skin. Dr. Green will provide all the pertinent aftercare information, including which skincare to use for achieving and maintaining optimal skin rejuvenation results.

How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

The cost of laser skin resurfacing treatment is dependent on several factors, including the experience level of the board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who performs the cosmetic procedure, the geographic location of the office in which the laser treatment is performed, which type of laser is selected, and the number of treatment sessions required to achieve your ideal skin rejuvenation results. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost of non-ablative laser treatments is $1,500, and the average price of ablative laser treatments is $2,509. While it may be more inexpensive to have laser skin resurfacing treatment in a medical spa setting, the risk of encountering unwanted side effects, such as burning, skin discoloration, and even scarring, significantly increases when you do not have the cosmetic procedure with a board-certified expert.

It’s essential to choose an experienced dermatologist 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. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including laser skin resurfacing treatments. When you have a consultation for laser treatment with Dr. Green, she will work with you to determine which laser treatments and other cosmetic procedures best suit your needs and goals. At that time, the cost of your laser treatment plan will be estimated.

Do you know if laser skin resurfacing works?

Yes! Laser skin resurfacing treatments work exceptionally 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. Additional laser treatment sessions may be required depending on the severity of the skin concerns being addressed. 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 cosmetic procedures to address your concerns and develop a treatment plan that suits you best. 

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 the 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 laser treatments have a longer recovery time and involve the removal of the outer layer of skin. Non-ablative laser treatments use energy wavelengths to heat the skin’s inner layer (dermis) while the skin’s surface (epidermis) 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 without cosmetic surgery, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and more. 

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

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 board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon performing your cosmetic procedure about when your final skin rejuvenation results will be observable. When you consult with board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green about your laser skin resurfacing treatment, you will be given the relevant aftercare information for your laser treatment and let me know what to expect regarding results.

How many laser skin resurfacing treatment sessions are needed?

The number of laser skin resurfacing treatments depends on the type and severity of the dermatologic conditions. The laser type can also impact the total number of treatment sessions required to achieve ideal final skin rejuvenation results. Most patients require a short initial series of 3-6 non-ablative laser treatment sessions for the desired skin rejuvenation effects. For example, the V-Beam laser treatment for rosacea and redness typically requires 5-6 sessions, each spaced one month apart. The eMatrix and Fraxel laser treatments require an average of five treatments, each spaced one month apart, to reduce acne scars. Most patients need approximately three of these laser treatment sessions to minimize sun damage and hyperpigmentation, 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. Other side effects are associated with ablative laser treatments, including crusting, oozing, peeling, and a stinging or burning sensation in the treated area. Limiting sun exposure and using daily sun protection are essential to maintaining the cosmetic results of the laser skin resurfacing treatment.

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 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 younger. Many patients engage in annual laser skin resurfacing treatments to maintain the best skin rejuvenation results and combat developing signs of aging on an ongoing basis. Dr. Green can work with you to establish a laser treatment plan and timeline that best suits your needs so that you consistently look and feel like the best version of yourself.

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 label broad-spectrum indicates that the sunscreen’s formula protects against UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 90 minutes to two hours to ensure continual protection. Dr. Green recommends layering two types of sunscreen, a chemical followed by a mineral formula, for maximum coverage. The age spots and hyperpigmentation removed with laser skin resurfacing can be permanently erased, provided you do not have new sun damage in the treated area that causes the hyperpigmentation to return. Should new signs of aging or sun damage develop, Dr. Green will work with you to reduce their appearance for a brighter, healthier complexion that lasts.

Is laser skin resurfacing safe?

Laser skin resurfacing is a safe cosmetic procedure if you are a good candidate and your laser treatment is performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Your provider’s expertise is crucial since the safety and efficacy of your laser treatment depend on whether the type of laser treatment and settings selected for your skin rejuvenation plan are appropriate for your skin tone and type. Hypopigmentation (lightening skin pigment), hyperpigmentation (darkening skin pigment), scarring, and burning are all possible side effects of laser skin resurfacing, mainly if the type of laser is unsuitable for your skin tone. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones, who are more susceptible to such side effects. 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 treatment.

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. When you consult with her regarding laser treatments, she will collect a thorough family and medical history, physically assess your skin condition, and review any previous cosmetic procedures you may have had. Then, she will work with you to establish a personalized laser skin resurfacing treatment approach appropriate for your skin tone, concerns, skin type, and aesthetic goals.

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 or viral infection
• exacerbation of herpetic infection/cold sores
• crusting
• oozing
• tenderness
• increased photosensitivity

Ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments have a higher degree of potential side effects. The risk of encountering such adverse side effects is minimized when seeking laser 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 to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal skin rejuvenation results. Fewer potential side effects and much less downtime are involved with non-ablative laser treatments, such as the V-Beam, IPL, Fraxel, Vivace, Clear + Brilliant, and Thermage FLX laser, all of which Dr. Green offers at her private, boutique dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood.

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, ablative laser treatments, such as Erbium and CO2 laser resurfacing, can be more painful and may require sedation. When you consult Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will provide the instructions to best prepare for your laser treatment.

How long does laser skin resurfacing take to heal?

The recovery time associated with your laser skin resurfacing treatment depends on which types of lasers are used. Non-ablative laser treatments 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 CO2 laser resurfacing is a more aggressive type of laser treatment, it has more potential side effects. During the healing process, it is crucial to adhere to the aftercare protocol given to you by your dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This will help you achieve and maintain the best results of your laser treatment’s skin rejuvenation.

One of the most critical aftercare considerations is limiting sun exposure and using adequate sun protection in the treated area, as skin resurfacing laser treatments increase the skin’s photosensitivity, making it more susceptible to sun damage. You must apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher daily. Sunscreen should be labeled as broad-spectrum, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Green recommends layering two types of sunscreen, a chemical followed by a mineral sunscreen, to ensure maximum coverage. Wear sun protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, is also encouraged. When you have laser skin resurfacing with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in New York City, you will be provided with all of the pertinent aftercare information required for achieving and maintaining optimal skin rejuvenation results so that you look and feel like the best version of yourself.

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 layers of the skin, which means more downtime is involved. After an ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment, ointment and a bandage are applied to the treated 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. Avoiding sun exposure in the treated area is critical, as it will be highly photosensitive after ablative laser treatment and more susceptible to sun damage or burning.

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 cosmetic procedure. There may be some side effects, like mild swelling and redness, in the treatment area for several hours post-treatment, but these symptoms will resolve 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 receive all 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. Laser skin resurfacing is an exceptional non-surgical cosmetic procedure when it comes to eliminating the appearance of various skin concerns, including fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores. Patients agree that laser skin resurfacing treatment is worth it if you want to revitalize your skin’s appearance and achieve long-lasting results without 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 skin rejuvenation results, like Dr. Green in NYC. Dr. Michele Green is an internationally recognized leader in cosmetic dermatology with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures for skin rejuvenation, including laser skin resurfacing.

Who does laser resurfacing? Do dermatologists do laser skin resurfacing?

A board-certified cosmetic dermatologist is the ideal laser skin resurfacing treatment provider. Selecting a provider with the expertise and experience required to recommend and adequately utilize the laser most appropriate for your skin tone, skin type, and skin condition is essential to guaranteeing safety, efficacy, and optimal skin rejuvenation results. 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 schedule for your laser treatment sessions largely 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.

Will 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. 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 mainly 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 the fact that their cosmetic results from Thermage last up to two years, and most use regular annual maintenance to maintain the best results. Thermage can tighten loose skin on the face, neck, chest, décolletage, abdomen, thighs, and upper arms in a single treatment session.

Which skin laser treatment is best?

Patients often want to know which laser treatment is ‘best’ for skin rejuvenation. The answer is that no type of laser is inherently better than others for revitalizing skin. Different laser treatments utilize distinct energy types, serve unique functions, and are best suited to targeting specific concerns. Different laser devices and settings are also required to safely and effectively treat patients of varying 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 noninvasive cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, to provide a fantastic alternative to a facelift or other plastic surgery.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers have skyrocketed in popularity due to the ease of the cosmetic procedure, 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 critical 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 Injections

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 combine their laser skin resurfacing treatment with Botox injections to target 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, meaning 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 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 laser treatment. 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 target many skin conditions, including fine lines, deep wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun-damaged skin. 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 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.