Laser Resurfacing in New York offered by a board-certified top NYC plastic surgeon. Robert Tornambe discusses techniques, recovery, effects of aging, forehead lifts, mini-facelifts, and more.
Technological advances in medicine have afforded great improvements in the methods used to treat patients heading into the 21st Century. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the field of plastic surgery. One of the newest and most revolutionary technical advances in plastic surgery is the advent of Laser Skin Resurfacing.
We are all painfully aware of the ravages of ultraviolet radiation and gravity on the exposed skin of the body, most prominently the face and hands. Historically, these problems were addressed with deep chemical peels or dermabrasion procedures. The laser has afforded a less painful bloodless method with a generally faster recovery time than these other procedures. Your expectations regarding your laser resurfacing should be realistic. There will generally be improvement in all aspects of your skin appearance. Deeper wrinkles and scars, however, will not be completely erased. I have been performing Laser Skin Resurfacing in NYC for over 12 years, and offer the experience, expertise, and most modern lasers to offer the best results possible.
AREAS TO BE TREATED BY LASER SKIN RESURFACING
- Smooth Fine and Deeper Wrinkles of the Face
- Remove Irregularities like Freckles and Sun Spots on the Face, Neck and Chest
- Remove Age or Brown Spots from the Hands or Face
- Tighten Large Pores of the Face
LASER SKIN RESURFACING OPTIONS
Years of experience and dedication have lead me to a selection of Lasers that have provided my patients with safe, reliable results. My preference is to use Skin Resurfacing Lasers that have a solid clinical history of consistent success with minimal side effects or complications. The primary weapon in my Laser Skin Resurfacing arsenal is the Fractional CO2 Laser.
The Carbon Dioxide (C02) Fractional Laser removes layers of skin tissue in a fractionated method (columns of skin are removed, leaving the skin surrounding each column intact to aid in healing) to help reduce “age-spots” (also called sun freckles, liver spots, and fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, uneven coloration, skin laxity, textural irregularities, dull tone, and a thinned collagen layer of the face, neck, and chest. It is the best treatment if you wish to get the most results with one treatment. If you have the ability to take some time to heal (7 days), having this one treatment is like having multiple other non-invasive treatments at once. It is also the best single treatment for advanced skin damage and wrinkling. In some instances, repeat treatments may be required to obtain an exceptional result. This can be conveniently and comfortably performed with a local anesthetic.
Laser resurfacing, which has been around for several years, now has advanced to the point where they may utilize a laser of differing strengths to remove finer lines with a much quicker recovery time, or deeper lines which require longer recovery. Lasers provide an exciting adjunct to many of our other procedures, and often times is used in conjunction with a facelift or eyelid surgery to remove those very fine wrinkles of the face. Darker skin types may not be candidates for certain Laser Skin Resurfacing procedures.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING CONSULTATION
The consultation process, (plan to spend at least one hour) includes an in-depth discussion about your desires with regard to which areas of the body you desire treatment with Laser Skin Resurfacing. It is the surgeon’s task to explain all aspects of the procedure, the pros and cons, and most importantly, the concept of realistic expectations with regard to your result. If you have concerns about wrinkles or lines on your face, large pores, skin irregularities, or brown spots on your hands or face, then Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.
This procedure can enhance your appearance and improve overall self-confidence and self-esteem. The best candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing are healthy individuals, with fairer skin types who are realistic about what the treatment can afford after a complete consultation.
YOUR LASER SKIN RESURFACING TREATMENT
I utilize nerve blocks or topical anesthetics to maximize comfort level during Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedures. There is minimal swelling and bruising immediately after the treatment, and sometimes the skin turns reddish for a short period. Deeper wrinkles and lines require stronger laser settings, leaving treated skin areas crusty. Recovery time depends on the type and depth of laser used. Recovery periods, including return to work, range from 1-3 days for most procedures. Intense physical activity should be avoided 12-24 hours after the treatment.
Some laser treatments require more than one session to obtain maximal results. Outcome longevity varies and is influenced by various factors including skin care, smoking and sun exposure.
Laser Skin Resurfacing is performed in my office located on the Upper East Side in NYC. You will be given a follow-up appointment with me in 7-10 days. Come for a consult anytime to check out the new advances of Laser Skin Resurfacing, and the advantages it may offer you!
WHAT CAUSES FINE LINES AND WRINKLES?
Fine lines and wrinkles are an unavoidable part of the aging process. As we grow older our skin becomes dryer and less elastic. Most people begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles by the age of 30 or 35. However, overexposure to the sun can greatly enhance the aging process. Sun exposure promotes the formation of deep wrinkles and furrows, along with changes in pigment and skin texture.
HOW DOES LASER SKIN RESURFACING TREAT FINE LINES AND WRINKLES?
Laser Skin Resurfacing has a high-energy beam of infrared light which is used to vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other skin irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation of dermal collagen to improve elasticity and support for the skin.
ARE LASER SKIN RESURFACING TREATMENTS SAFE?
Laser Skin Resurfacing procedures have been used in cosmetic surgery for more than 12 years and have been proven to provide safe, predictable and effective results when used by trained physicians on appropriately selected patients. Alternative treatments, such as deep chemical peels and dermabrasion, have largely been replaced by laser procedures due to the precision and uniformity that laser resurfacing provides.
WHAT RECOVERY TIME IS NEEDED FOR LASER SKIN RESURFACING?
After Laser Skin Resurfacing, the skin goes through an initial healing period, which includes redness and puffiness that typically lasts 2-3days. At this point, most patients return to normal activities and makeup may be applied. The fresh, new skin will be reddish pink, a good sign that healing is taking place and that blood is nourishing the growth of new skin cells. Resurfacing of the neck and décolleté result in additional down time due to thinner skin. The neck will remain red for five to seven days and the décolleté can take up to two weeks to return to normal color.
My staff offers instructions for post-operative care that will aid in the healing process.
ALL TYPES OF DOCTORS SEEM TO BE PERFORMING LASER SKIN RESURFACING, WHO SHOULD I GO TO TO GET THE BEST RESULTS?
I am, of course biased with this regard, but I truly believe that Board Certified Plastic Surgeons are most qualified to perform Laser Skin Resurfacing. We are highly trained in facial anatomy and aesthetics of the face, and we get the most consistent results. Some board certified cosmetic dermatologists also are reliable.