Information About Laser Resurfacing and Skin Peels in New York with Dr. Andrew Jacono.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser Skin Resurfacing One of Dr. Jacono’s CO2 laser resurfacing patients discusses her skin resurfacing procedure and results.
As we age, the skin’s deeper layers change. The result is a loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Fine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth can also develop with time.
Thankfully, there are ways to treat these issues, namely laser skin resurfacing. L.A.S.E.R. stands for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In other words, a laser is an intense beam of light energy.
There are many kinds of lasers, each with its own unique properties. Laser skin resurfacing smooths fine lines and wrinkles and tightens the skin’s deeper layers. The most effective resurfacing treatment is the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser.
It not only softens facial folds, crow’s feet, and smile lines but stimulates the production of collagen. Dr. Jacono also offers Fraxel laser resurfacing.
How Effective Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Skin laser resurfacing smooths skin reduces acne scarring, and even tightens underlying tissue. However, this treatment has limitations. The CO2 and Fraxel lasers cannot correct excessively aged eyelid, brow, and neck skin. For these more complex aesthetic problems, Dr. Jacono recommends a blepharoplasty, an endoscopic brow lift, and a facelift.
Not all patients are candidates for laser skin resurfacing due to their pigmentation. Skin pigmentation is graded from 1-5 on a scale called the Fitzpatrick scale. 1 refers to an extremely fair person that burns easily in the sun, and 5 refers to someone of African American descent. Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick 3-5) can suffer pigmentary disturbances after resurfacing procedures.
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Is Laser Treatment Good for the Skin?
These treatments are good for the skin. They refresh the appearance and reduce veins, wrinkles, and scars. They can also treat sagging skin, unwanted hair, and tattoos. Because different lasers target different structures in the skin, they are very versatile treatment options.
Does Laser Acne Scar Treatment Work?
Without proper treatment, acne scarring is difficult to reverse. Thankfully, laser scar treatments are effective. The CO2 and Fraxel lasers have been proven to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Heat from the lasers removes the top layer of the skin, where scars have formed. Once this layer is gone, the skin beneath appears smoother, and the scar’s appearance is less noticeable. As scar tissue continues to dissipate, the lasers’ heat and light encourage the production of collagen and fresh skin cells. The result is smoother, tighter skin.
What Types of Skin Resurfacing Does Dr. Jacono Perform?
While the CO2 and Fraxel lasers are the most effective skin resurfacing treatments, Dr. Jacono offers a host of other options. These include dermabrasion and chemical skin peels.
Dermabrasion uses a special instrument to “sand” the skin. This procedure scrapes away the skin’s outermost layers to unveil gentler contours beneath. The skin that grows back is also smoother. Dermabrasion most commonly treats acne scarring and deep-set lines around the mouth.
Chemical peels, on the other hand, are acidic solutions that, when applied to the face, smooth the surface of the skin. They also improve skin tone and decrease pore size. Dr. Jacono uses several peels, including Obagi Blue Peel™, European skin peels, and glycolic acid peels.
Before any skin resurfacing procedure, Dr. Jacono provides patients with vitamin supplementation and herbal therapies. This improves healing after treatment. Appropriate skin care after the procedure can also maximize results.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery
Laser skin resurfacing treatments require some downtime. CO2 and Fraxel lasers demand about a week of recovery. Some patients experience redness and irritation, though these symptoms will subside after a few days.
The skin may look pink for up to 8 weeks, but this can be camouflaged with makeup. Dr. Jacono also carries hypoallergenic makeup designed to mask discoloration.
What Are the Side-Effects of Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The side effects may include:
- Swelling, itching, and minor pain
- Resurfaced skin may swell, itch, or burn.
- Infection
- Laser resurfacing may cause bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Changes in skin color
- Treated skin may become darker than it was prior to treatment.
- Scarring
- Ablative lasers pose a slight risk of scarring.
Prospective patients should be aware that more severe side effects are rare. The vast majority of Dr. Jacono’s clients recover quickly and seamlessly.
Am I a Candidate for Skin Resurfacing Procedures?
If you suffer from wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, or other issues, you may be a candidate for this type of treatment. Older and younger patients can undergo treatment if they are unhappy with the quality of their skin. All patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations.
If you would like to learn more about skin resurfacing procedures, please contact Dr. Jacono’s New York City office at 212-570-2500, or call his Long Island office at 516-773-4646. If you would like to ask a question or use our online consultation form, our patient care coordinators would be happy to assist you.
Before and After Patient Photos
Laser Skin Resurfacing – Patient 1:
This patient underwent laser resurfacing to treat the lipstick bleed lines around her mouth. She also had a lip augmentation complete with dermal fat transfer.
Laser Skin Resurfacing – Patient 1:
This patient underwent laser resurfacing and dermabrasion around her mouth to treat her deep lipstick bleed lines.
