Laser Skin Resurfacing
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.
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.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing Details
Fractional skin resurfacing can be uncomfortable, so your doctor will first numb the skin with a local anesthetic. Some patients prefer to also take a sedative to enhance relaxation. Typically, it is done as an outpatient procedure, but a general anesthetic is used when laser skin resurfacing is done in conjunction with other procedures like facelifts.
The doctor will start by providing you with eye protection and thoroughly cleansing the skin. When you are relaxed, Dr. Preminger will use the next-generation of lasers to deliver short, pulsed light energy to precisely targeted spots where the skin is irregular to remove the outermost layer of skin and heat up the dermis to stimulate the creation of smoother and firmer skin.
Well beforehand, you’ll need to think about having food on hand that will be quick and easy to prepare and not involve toiling over a hot oven. You will want to have books and movies to keep you occupied during your down-time, as well as button-down shirts and comfortable loungewear. Clean pillowcases will be needed each night to prevent infection.
For many, the first week can be uncomfortable. The sensation has been described as “feeling like sunburn” – tight, inflamed, and dry. Pain tolerances vary, but Dr. Preminger will ensure that you are set up with pain pills if necessary. Immediately after the procedure, your skin will be raw, oozing, slathered in ointment, and protected by bandages.
To facilitate a quicker recovery you should:
- Apply antibiotic ointment frequently.
- Take antibiotic and antiviral medicines daily for six to ten days.
- Avoid the sun for at least 6 weeks and liberally apply sunscreen every time you are out in the sun afterwards.
- After a few days, you may use oil-free makeup with a green tint to mask the redness.