CO2 laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective methods of skin rejuvenation and can actually reverse a number of superficial flaws.
In private consultation, Dr. Preminger can help determine whether fractionated laser skin treatment is right for you.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
CO2 laser skin resurfacing is a one-time treatment performed with local anesthesia that can dramatically improve the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation. In the past, carbon dioxide laser treatments removed the outermost surface of the skin and entailed a lengthy healing process. Today’s treatments use small columns of light energy to destroy damaged skin and prompt your body’s natural ability to generate healthy new collagen, elastin, and skin tissue.
CO2 laser skin resurfacing improves superficial flaws such as:
- Light forehead lines
- Crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes
- Marionette mouth lines
- Acne scars
- Chickenpox scars
- Skin damage
- Age spots
- Liver spots
- Yellow or gray skin tone
- Warts
- Birthmarks
- Enlarged oil glands
- Saggy, loose skin
Before & After
Talk to a NYC Cosmetic Surgeon About Laser Skin Treatment
You can expect years to fade from your face, but it is not a “lunchtime” procedure like Botox. It is important that you find a qualified practitioner with one of the best credentials to do your ablative treatment. Most clinics performing non-surgical skin rejuvenation – dubbed “Medispas” – do not employ on-site specialists like a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. While the “spa-like atmosphere” is popular, the people performing your procedure have often just completed a few hours of training from the manufacturer and have no in-depth understanding of medical science.
Dr. B. Aviva Preminger is a board-certified Manhattan plastic surgeon who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and completed residencies at some of the top medical facilities, from New York Presbyterian and Columbia University to Memorial Sloan Kettering and the Hospital For Special Surgery. She has published articles and taught other plastic surgery residents on the topic of ethics. She does CO2 laser resurfacing at an accredited NYC facility with a full staff of medical professionals on hand.
Preparation for Skin Rejuvenation Treatment
Each procedure begins with a consultation in Dr. Preminger’s office, where you will discuss medical history, patient expectations, risks, procedural steps, recovery, and possible results. This appointment is an important step in getting to know your cosmetic surgeon and having any questions you may have answered. Most people in good health are candidates for laser resurfacing, with the exception of patients with active acne or very dark skin.
Rare but possible complications may include:
- Burns
- Scars
- Changes in pigmentation
- Reactivation of cold sores
- Bacterial infection
- Small white bumps (milia) during healing
Your risk is diminished when you choose a true professional like Dr. Preminger for skin resurfacing. At your initial consultation, you will also receive detailed instructions on how to reduce the risk of complications through proper preparation for your fractionated CO2 laser treatment.
For best results, you will begin a series of skin treatments six weeks before your scheduled procedure. These treatments are tailored to the individual and are designed to minimize complications. Prior to the procedure, you will also need to take antibiotics and possibly antivirals (if you have a history of cold sores). You may be asked to pick up supplies like bacitracin or Aquaphor® healing ointment that will keep your skin moist and expedite healing.
Results
Plan to be pink for up to a month while the skin repairs. Full results can be seen in about three months after all inflammation, redness, and puffiness have subsided. You should notice a significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and skin laxity. Though results are immediate, you will see continued improvement for up to a year. The effects of laser skin resurfacing can last many years, but the procedure cannot stop natural aging, so you may need to repeat laser resurfacing in the future.