Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing in New York

Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, or chest. The technique emits concentrated pulse beams of light to the skin in order to remove layers in fractions.

Its most effective capability is minimizing wrinkles and brown spots on the skin of the face, neck, chest, and hands. This laser works by creating minimal burns to the skin resulting in collagen production. It only treats microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin. Each pulse stimulates new skin production while evening out the irregularities in the skin.

There are two types of lasers that are most commonly used for resurfacing which are carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and erbium lasers. Each laser treats the skin cells at a surface level, which means this isn’t a deep treatment. CO2 laser resurfacing emits short-pulsed light energy or continuous light beam to create micro-damage sites. This minimal heat damage stimulates collagen production, ultimately leaving behind a newer and tighter layer of skin. CO2 laser resurfacing is considered one of the most effective treatments for those with wrinkled skin.

Patients have said laser resurfacing feels hot on their faces but is easily tolerated with topical anesthetics that are applied to the treatment area an hour prior to the procedure.

Dr. Rokhsar will provide clear instructions for after-treatment care. The skin has gone under a treatment process so it is important to keep the skin hydrated, preferably with Aquaphor throughout the days following until dryness decreases. Allowing the skin to dry out will slow down the healing process. Cold compresses are also used to help reduce any swelling and sunburn feeling you may experience.

Side effects are rare, and with a skilled physician such as Dr. Rokhsar, they are very unlikely. Scarring, bacterial infection, changes in skin pigmentation in areas of darker or lighter skin, and burns are rare cases, however, the precision of the laser provides the physician with enough control to avoid said from happening.

CO2 laser resurfacing causes dramatic tightening of the skin and for those that undergo one treatment, only one week of downtime is necessary. For those that undergo multiple treatments in order to treat severe wrinkles, full recovery may take up to 2 weeks. Because the skin is being damaged at a microscopic level there will be redness and downtime, but nothing extensive. Erbium laser resurfacing treatments will result in some swelling and redness, however, the full recovery time should only last up to a week.

A fractional laser is a type of laser used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. It delivers a laser beam that is divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones, targeting only a fraction of the skin at a time, which allows for more rapid healing and less risk of side effects than traditional laser treatments. Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative, and they can treat a variety of skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture. The FDA has cleared fractional lasers for the treatment of periorbital wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, dyschromia, and pigmented lesions such as age spots, sunspots, and melasma. The Fraxel Restore Dual laser is a popular non-ablative option that combines two wavelengths to safely achieve optimal results with no downtime. Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser and introduced Fraxel around the world in 2004-2005 to Australia, Asia, Europe and in 2003 in South America.

Fractional CO2 treatments are also available and use an ablative laser for deeper skin resurfacing with approximately one week of recovery. Overall, fractional lasers are a safe and effective option for those seeking to improve the appearance of their skin with minimal downtime and risk of negative side effects. Dr. Rokhsar was trained by the inventor of the CO2 laser. He is considered an international authority on laser skin resurfacing procedures and has performed more of these procedures than any other physician in the U.S.

The CO2 laser emits a wavelength of light which gently heats the skin and evaporates skin in a controlled manner there and stimulating new skin and also production of collagen – a protein that improves skin appearance. The water within the skin cells absorbs this type of wavelength, resulting in the removal of thin outer layers of skin (epidermis) and heating of the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of collagen – a protein that improves skin appearance.

CO2 laser resurfacing can be used to address fine lines and wrinkles, moderate to severe lines and wrinkles, discoloration (including sun damage and age spots), acne scars, stretch marks, surgical and burn scars, and uneven skin texture on the face, neck, and chest. It can also treat benign skin growths like enlarged oil glands (sebaceous hyperplasia), xanthelasma, warts, and some skin cancers. Dr. Rokhsar was trained by the inventor of the CO2 laser, the late Richard Fitzpatrick, MD. He is considered an international authority on laser skin resurfacing procedures such as the CO2 laser and Fraxel laser and has spoken on this subject all over the world.

A non-ablative fractional laser uses a device to deliver a beam that targets a fraction of the skin at a time. Unlike ablative lasers, non-ablative fractional lasers are less invasive and do not damage the surface layer of the skin. Instead, they gently heat the underlying skin tissue causing focused coagulation, leading to the production of new collagen in the skin. Fractional lasers are FDA-cleared for safety in treating periorbital wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, dyschromia, and pigmented lesions, such as age spots, sunspots, and melasma. This technique is a less aggressive approach than an ablative laser and has a shorter recovery time. The Fraxel Restore Dual laser is the gold-standard non-ablative laser used all over the world. Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser and introduced Fraxel around the world in 2004-2005 to Australia, Asia, Europe and in 2003 in South America. Dr. Rokhsar is an international authority on the Fraxel laser and has done more procedures than any other physician in the U.S.

The cost of fractional laser treatment varies depending on several factors, including the type of laser treatment, the size of the area being treated, the provider’s level of experience, the practice location, and the number of treatments required.

It’s important to note that other factors can also impact the price of fractional laser treatment, such as the number of treatments required, the size of the treatment area, the skin condition being treated, and the geographic location. Additionally, the cost of the procedure is only part of the total price, and other related expenses may apply, such as aftercare and follow-up appointments.

To prepare for fractional CO2 laser treatment, there are several things you can do beforehand to ensure the best possible outcome. Patients will also receive a printout of detailed instructions during their consultation with Dr. Rokhsar.

Firstly, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure for at least one week prior to treatment, and to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to protect the skin from further damage. Additionally, patients are advised to stop using retinoids and all skin rejuvenating products at least one week before the treatment. If patients are using any lightening creams, such as hydroquinone, they may be instructed to continue using them before the treatment to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

It is also important to avoid any tanning products or spray-tans before the treatment. If patients have any spray-tanning products on their skin, they should exfoliate the treatment area to remove the product. Any vitamin C or glycolic acid products should be avoided for at least three days before the treatment. During the treatment, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and patients may be given an oral sedative to help them relax. Some patients also chose to take laughing gas like Pronox.

After the treatment, patients may experience swelling and redness for 2-7 days, and they are advised to avoid all sun exposure during the healing time. Dr. Rokhsar advises patients to apply vinegar/water soaks and Aquaphor healing ointment constantly throughout the recovery period for the CO2 laser. He also prescribes three medications to prevent infection. Following Dr. Rokhsar’s instructions for aftercare minimizes the chances of infection and makes the recovery period painless. If excessive bleeding or pain occurs, patients should contact Dr. Rokhsar or his office immediately.

The number of fractional CO2 laser treatments needed varies depending on the extent of sun damage, scarring, or wrinkles and the intensity of the laser used. Generally, the results from one treatment lasts 3 to 5 years. The downtime from one treatment is approximately 5-7 days. During a consultation with Dr. Rokhsar, he will advise you on which procedure(s) is/are best for addressing your concerns and the number of sessions that may be needed.

The healing time for CO2 laser resurfacing can vary depending on several factors such as the depth of penetration of the laser, the type of laser used, the patient’s health, and their general healing rate. The procedure has 5-7 days of downtime during which Dr. Rokhsar advises patients to keep their skin moist with Aquaphor healing ointment and do vinegar/water soaks every few hours. Dr. Rokhsar provides patients with a print out of detailed instructions for aftercare.

Immediately after the procedure, the treated skin will be raw, swollen, and oozing. After the 5-7 day recovery period, the skin will transition into new, pink skin. The pink or red skin can be covered with makeup after the treated areas have fully healed. The pinkness may last up to 2 months, after which the patient will notice tighter, more youthful skin.

The optimal results of CO2 laser resurfacing can be seen three to six months after the treatment, as new collagen continues to develop and tighten the skin. Patients should follow Dr. Rokhsar’s aftercare instructions to help with healing and lower the risk of complications. Additionally, combining CO2 laser resurfacing with other skin-improving technologies such as RF Microneedling, Fraxel Restore, or injectable treatments such as Botox and fillers can enhance the results.

Patients will see gradual improvement over time, with full results seen 3-6 months after treatment. However, some patients may see immediate results as soon as the redness and swelling go away, with more results appearing gradually over the next six months as new collagen is produced and internal repairs are completed. Patients will notice tighter, more youthful skin once new skin forms after the 5–7-day recovery period. During the recovery period, the skin will be very sensitive. The guidelines for post-treatment care should be followed to help the skin heal and prevent infection. The new skin appears pinkish which can last up to two months as the skin continues to tighten and improve.

It is worth noting that the results of CO2 laser treatment can last for up to 5 years, depending on the aesthetic concerns being treated. Sun damage or pigmented lesions, for example, can be treated for a year or more if the patient takes care to avoid further skin damage. Results of a CO2 laser resurfacing treatment will likely generate permanent improvement in the skin, with the most apparent and dramatic results seen after the first six months.

Both Fraxel laser and Microneedling are popular skin rejuvenation treatments that can address fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. However, which treatment is better for you will depend on your skin concerns and goals.

Fractional laser treatments use heat energy to penetrate the skin’s surface and safely heat the tissues, which stimulates collagen production and promotes skin tightening. It can effectively improve the overall tone and texture of the skin and can be used on the face and other parts of the body. Immediately after the procedure, the skin is red, swollen, and may flake for approximately 3-5 days after the procedure. Dr. Rokhsar recommends applying Aquaphor healing ointment or a ceramide-rich cream three times a day until the skin completely heals. However, there is no downtime and patients may return to their normal day-to-day activities.

Microneedling is another treatment that involves the use of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, triggering a healing response that stimulates collagen and elastin production. It can help improve skin texture and tone and is generally associated with minimal downtime and side effects such as redness, swelling, and dryness that subside within 24 hours of the procedure. Microneedling can also be used on various parts of the body and is suitable for patients of all ages. However, Microneedling has a higher risk of bleeding during the procedure than the Fraxel Restore.

Both procedures require multiple sessions for noticeable improvement of skin texture. The Fraxel Restore is the gold-standard for laser resurfacing and Dr. Rokhsar generally prefers the Fraxel over Microneedling as it has minimal bleeding during the procedure and is a more effective modality for improving scars, stretch marks, and sun damage.

Fraxel and fractional laser are related terms that refer to specific types of laser treatments for the skin. Fraxel is a brand name for a type of fractional laser, but there are other types of fractional lasers as well. The main difference between fractional and non-fractional lasers is that fractional lasers treat only a fraction of the total surface area of the skin, allowing healthy skin to remain and minimizing downtime. Fractional lasers were developed to reduce recovery time and side effects, while also treating issues such as fine lines, loss of skin tone, and improving complexion.

Fraxel Restore Dual is a type of non-ablative fractional laser that uses a fractional Erbium laser to target only a fraction of the skin, stimulating collagen production while keeping the surface of the skin intact. The Fraxel restore dual laser is considered the best fractional laser and the most widely used abd tested out fractional laser by most experts. It was also the first fractional laser developed. Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser and introduced Fraxel around the world in 2004-2005 to Australia, Asia, Europe and in 2003 in South America. Dr. Rokhsar is an international authority on the Fraxel laser and has done more procedures than any other physician in the U.S.

Overall, fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam that targets a fraction of the skin at a time.