Laser Skin Resurfacing NY

Laser therapy is one of the most exciting treatments for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.  Today’s sophisticated laser technology allows us to achieve excellent, consistent results, without the risk and extended downtime of older, fully ablative laser treatments or more invasive surgical procedures.*  Laser skin resurfacing can improve skin texture and tone, reduce wrinkles and acne scarring, and promote healthier-looking, more vibrant skin. 

PicoSure® Laser For Skin Resurfacing!

The PicoSure® Laser is a revolutionary skin resurfacing treatment that requires no downtime! As described by its name, the PicoSure® delivers picosecond bursts of energy to the skin’s surface, a rate of one trillion bursts per second, without causing any harm to surrounding skin.* This unsurpassed laser technology can achieve more noticeable results faster with fewer treatment sessions and less downtime than traditional nanosecond laser technology due to its enhanced speed and precision. It can be used on the face, chest, arms, hands, legs, trunk, and back.

Laser therapy is one of the most exciting treatments for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. It can improve skin texture and tone, reduce wrinkles and acne scarring, and promote healthier-looking, more vibrant skin. PicoSure® laser treatments offer an excellent way to rejuvenate the skin, working to improve tone and texture, reduce signs of aging, correct pigmentation issues, and improve the appearance of scars on the face or body.*

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

Laser energy can be used to target both damaged skin at the surface, as well as aging collagen in the deeper layers of skin. The effect of this treatment is two-fold: first, you’ll see an immediate improvement in skin texture at the superficial level. As the skin heals, the treated area will be resurfaced with the growth of new, fresh skin cells, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin. Second, the laser energy also works to improve skin beneath the surface by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms and encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin in the coming months.* Found in abundance in young, healthy skin, collagen and elastin provide natural skin firmness and elasticity.

PICOSURE® LASER TREATMENT GLANCE
Procedure*	Recovery*	Post-Op Care*
Outpatient procedure performed in office	Go home same day, back to work same day	Return to routine skin regimen immediately
Procedure time approximately 20—60 minutes; total time about 90—120 minutes	Return to exercise immediately	Moisturizer and sun protection are always key
Treatment can be customized for patient’s particular needs	No flaking or peeling
Numbing cream used for patient Comfort, if patient prefers	Very mild redness for 1—4 hours

How many treatments will I need?

A series of treatments is necessary for optimal results. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what treatment plan will meet your specific needs. Typical schedules include a series of 4-6 laser treatments spaced about 2-4 weeks apart.

What can be treated with laser skin resurfacing?

At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we have an extensive inventory of lasers that may be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the most advanced laser for skin resurfacing, PicoSure®! Laser skin resurfacing can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, correct uneven pigmentation, reduce acne scarring, and rejuvenate aging and sun-damaged skin. The most common areas to treat are the face, neck, chest, legs, arms, and hands.

How long do the results last?

The results from Picosure® laser treatments are progressive for most patients, with pigment visibly beginning to fade approximately 2 weeks after the first treatment. Skin rejuvenating results are visible approximately 6 weeks after the fourth treatment, with optimal results apparent about 3 months after treatment, as new collagen is formed.* If you follow the recommended treatment plan and maintain a proper skincare regimen, the results from PicoSure® laser treatments can be long-lasting. Of course, as time progresses, your skin will continue to age and to be subjected to the damaging effects of sun and the environment. PicoSure® treatments can be repeated as necessary to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.

How can I prepare for PicoSure® treatment?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will assess your skin type and condition. The doctor will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your treatment. Dr. Levine will let you know what to expect during and after your procedure, and will answer any questions that you may have. While every treatment is customized to the individual, in general there are certain things you will need to avoid prior to treatment. These include:

• Avoid Retinols for a short time, ranging from several days up to a week before treatment
• Stop using Accutane 6-12 months before treatment
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning, both indoor or outdoor, for 2 weeks before treatment
• Don’t wax area for 1 week before and after treatment

We also offer a prescription for Valtrex 2 days before and continuing for 3-5 days after treatment, particularly for patients who are prone to developing cold sores.

What type of anesthesia will be used?

We have a number of ways to keep you comfortable during your procedure, depending on the depth of the laser penetration. We use a specialized Zimmer cooling fan during all procedures. For most procedures, we will apply a numbing ointment 20 minutes prior to the treatment. Most patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure. In fact, some patients decline numbing and undergo treatment directly. Occasionally, patients may report a slight stinging sensation, which we can alleviate by applying more cooling to the area.

What should I expect during the procedure?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our offices. Time depends on the size of the treated area. From start to finish, you should expect to be in the office around 60 minutes for Pico treatments to the face. In most cases, we will apply numbing cream 20 minutes before treatment to ensure your comfort. Your eyes are shielded during the treatment, and after the procedure your face is cleaned. Patients can drive themselves home provided they haven’t taken any medications that would impair their ability to drive.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Every treatment is customized to your individual needs, and you will receive detailed post-procedure instructions. In general, you can expect your facial skin to have a pinkish tone for 1-4 hours.

Do I have to wear a bandage after the procedure?

No.

How can I help ensure a smooth recovery?

Moisturizer and sun protection are key for laser treatment recovery.

How can I find out more about PicoSure® laser treatment?

Dr. Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss PicoSure® laser treatment. Please call us at 212-988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices. 

Please ask our office if you have any further questions. Thank you for choosing PSD of NYC, PLLC for your dermatologic, surgical and cosmetic care.

Results with only one treatment!

Can laser skin resurfacing be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely.  With a full range of state-of-the-art laser technology at her fingertips, Dr. Levine can recommend the best treatment or combination of treatments to meet your skin rejuvenation needs.  Our two signature combination treatments — the Manhattan Laser Peel and the Madison Avenue Laser Peel — offer the ultimate in skin rejuvenation. In addition, Dr. Levine often combines laser rejuvenation with BOTOX® or Dysport® injections and various fillers or fat injections for maximum cosmetic improvement.

Patients may also take advantage of the unique partnership of plastic surgery and dermatology at PSD of NYC.  This allows us to combine laser treatments and surgical procedures for the most outstanding results, while minimizing patient discomfort and downtime.*  For example, patients may choose to combine laser resurfacing around the eyes or mouth with a facelift, or have full facial resurfacing together with body contouring.  By performing laser skin resurfacing in the operating room at the same time as your surgical procedure, we are able to achieve a deep resurfacing without the associated discomfort, while allowing you to recuperate from the resurfacing and the surgery at the same time. 

What is the Manhattan Laser Peel?

The Manhattan Laser Peel combines the power of a microlaser peel with the deep and lasting effects of a fractionated laser treatment.  During treatment, laser energy is used to precisely ablate a thin layer of damaged skin at the surface, leading to immediate improvement in skin texture.*  Deeper layers of skin are treated by creating microscopic wounds across a portion of the treatment area, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.  The Manhattan Laser Peel can provide highly effective skin rejuvenation, while promoting the production of new collagen in the subsequent months. 

What is the Madison Avenue Laser Peel?

Our Madison Avenue Laser Peel combines two laser treatments, mixing the texture benefits of a microlaser peel with the tone enhancement of BBL (Broad Band Light) phototherapy to treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, and uneven pigmentation.*  The Madison Avenue Laser Peel can result in younger, brighter, and healthier-looking skin with wonderful tone and texture. 

How many treatments will I need for laser skin resurfacing?

You may see noticeable results from one treatment, but for optimal rejuvenation, a series of treatments is often recommended.  Dr. Levine will discuss with you what treatment plan will meet your specific needs.  Typical schedules include a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart.

What should I expect during the procedure?

Laser skin resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis in our offices.  Sedation is usually not necessary for the procedure.  A topical numbing ointment and local anesthetic may be used to ensure maximum comfort.  Most patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure.  Occasionally, patients may report a slight stinging sensation, which we can alleviate by applying more cooling or numbing to the area.  Deep resurfacing can be done in our office operating room with added sedation.

What should I expect after the procedure?

In general, you can expect to have a mild to moderate degree of redness, similar to a slight or deep sunburn, depending on the extent of your treatment.  You may experience minor skin sloughing and some itching in the days following the treatment.  Our customized skin-care regimen can help to alleviate these symptoms.  Recovery time will vary according the extent of your procedure, with most patients returning to work between 2 and 5 days after treatment.

How can I find out more about laser skin resurfacing?

Dr. Levine will be happy to meet with you to discuss laser skin resurfacing. Please call our office at 212-988-1800, or make an appointment online for a personal consultation in our New York City offices.