Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a number of laser technologies to treat many skin conditions. It is a surgical procedure that focuses laser energy onto the skin to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin (the epidermis), and stimulate deeper levels of skin (the dermis) to tighten existing collagen and promote new collagen growth.
Our dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology have a wide range of experience and are certified to use the latest in laser technologies. Depending upon the patient’s skin type, the dermatologist may choose one of several different laser options, such as the Fraxel laser or the Pixel CO2 laser. Each of these has different wavelengths and calibrations; a consultation with a dermatologist in one of our offices (including the new office in Summit New Jersey) will determine which is best suited for each patient to get the best results.
Yes. All of the lasers that we use at Advanced Dermatology have been FDA approved for the purpose of skin resurfacing. Our doctors are certified and experienced, and we use stringent safety guidelines.
Laser skin resurfacing can treat a multitude of skin conditions. The most common ones that patients choose to treat with laser skin resurfacing include wrinkles, scars (including acne scars), discoloration, warts, and birthmarks. Many patients also report smaller looking pores. After the skin heals, which could be several weeks after a procedure, patients notice smoother, more even and youthful-looking skin that has been rejuvenated.
After a thorough consultation, the treatment area and type of laser will be determined. A combination of local anesthesia and pain medication may be used to sedate the patient during the procedure. The laser will be finely calibrated and passed over the treatment area, resurfacing the skin until the imperfection becomes less noticeable. A procedure can take between just a few minutes to an hour, depending upon the surface area of the skin being treated, and deeper imperfections may require multiple sessions.
Patients are usually sedated during the procedure. After the procedure, patients may experience some mild side effects such as swelling, pinkness, and sensitivity; these are temporary and will dissipate as the skin heals. Many patients also require between one to two weeks of recovery time after a resurfacing procedure, and sunscreen should be liberally applied for up to a year after a procedure to protect the new skin.
It is difficult to determine if you need laser resurfacing without seeing you face to face. Please come in for a consultation to check if laser skin resurfacing can get you the results you want. Advanced Dermatology has opened offices throughout the New York and New Jersey areas, including a new branch that serves Summit & Ridgewood. Laser skin resurfacing can help perfect the skin’s appearance and correct skin conditions that are difficult to correct using non-ablative lasers.