Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery in New York
Laser Resurfacing Wrinkle Treatment
Allure Plastic Surgery
How Laser Wrinkle Removal Works
As we age, cell reproduction slows. That loss of skin flexibility shows up as wrinkles and folds on the face and body.
Before & After
Sun exposure speeds this up. So do hormones and genetics.
Laser resurfacing, or laser wrinkle removal, reduces wrinkles and other skin problems such as blemishes and acne scars. It is not recommended for stretch marks. Studies also show that people with very dark skin respond less to this treatment, so consult your doctor before undergoing it.
At Allure Plastic Surgery, we adjust the laser to each skin type. It treats the outer layer of skin and stimulates the collagen fibers, which renews the skin and increases collagen production.
If you're interested in learning more about the laser wrinkle removal and skin treatments available to you, we suggest you call us at (866) 477-2023 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to decide whether the procedure is right for you.
Overview
Is Laser Wrinkle Removal The Right Choice For You?
Every treatment starts with a consultation. We take a complete medical history and current health assessment to plan the best result. Tell your doctor if you are prone to cold sores or blisters around your mouth, since laser resurfacing can trigger breakouts. Your doctor may ask you to stop medications that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E. These are usually halted about 10 days before surgery. Do not smoke for at least two weeks before and after treatment, as it interferes with healing. Sometimes doctors prescribe antibiotics to avoid secondary bacterial infections. Tell your caregiver about any allergies.
During your consultation, the doctor will discuss the options for laser rejuvenation, which include:
Laser Resurfacing
One of the most common techniques is the carbon dioxide (CO2) method. It treats wrinkles, scars, warts, enlarged pores or glands, and more.
The newest version of CO2 resurfacing directs very short, concentrated pulses of light, known as ultrapulse, in a scanning pattern. This removes thin layers of skin precisely, with minimal heat damage.
We typically use the CO2 laser to smooth facial wrinkles and treat uneven tone. It works well on frown lines around the mouth and lips and the “crow’s feet” around the eyes.
This is the heaviest resurfacing procedure, but it produces excellent results. It can be done under IV sedation or local anesthesia. Recovery takes about 7 days, after which you can apply make-up.
In some cases we use Erbium Laser Resurfacing, which removes surface or moderate skin problems. Recovery takes a little longer than the CO2 method, but people with very dark skin tones respond better to it.
Fraxel® Laser
The Fraxel® laser diminishes wrinkles around the eyes for smoother skin with better tone and texture. It also treats acne scars and resurfaces skin.
Unlike other lasers, the Fraxel® laser treats thousands of microscopic areas of the skin at once. It clears old, damaged cells and stimulates the body's natural healing process, prompting the collagen production that reveals fresh skin.
The Laser Wrinkle Removal Procedure
Treated areas vary by patient, but most people do not need to stay overnight in the hospital. Depending on your doctor's advice and the procedure, the surgeon may treat a specific area around your eyes, mouth, or forehead, or your entire face at once.
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthetic. If your entire face is treated, you may be put under general anesthesia, since that takes longer. A single area takes 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment can take up to two hours.
After treatment, the area is covered in bandages. You will clean it four to five times a day, starting 24 hours after treatment ends. You will also be prescribed an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to prevent scabs. Expect minimal swelling around the area.
Recovery
You may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for swelling. To stay comfortable during recovery, sleep with extra pillows to raise your head and use an ice compress on the treated area when needed.
Itching or slight stinging is normal and can occur up to 72 hours after the procedure. Do not be alarmed if your skin becomes dry or peels around five to seven days after treatment. That is normal.
The treated areas usually heal completely within 10 to 21 days, depending on your prior skin condition. By then your skin will most likely appear lighter.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential during this time. Choose a product that screens UVA and UVB and contains at least SPF 30.
Reapply every four hours, and limit sun exposure even with sunscreen on. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so stay indoors during those hours when you can.
Peeling is common, so hydrate your skin with moisturizers. Ask your doctor which types to use and which to avoid.
Some redness may appear and will fade in two to three months. Use oil-free, eco-friendly makeup to neutralize the color and camouflage the skin. Redness can last longer in people with fair skin, since people with dark skin usually have darker pigmentation. Do not be alarmed if it lasts a while. If you have any post-treatment concerns, contact your surgeon. Every procedure has risks and benefits, and you can minimize many risks by being honest with the doctor during your consultation. Disclose anything you think might affect your treatment, even small things, so known complications can be avoided.
Some patients have experienced scarring, uneven skin tone, heat damage from the laser, bacterial infections, and reactivation of herpes cold sores after treatment. This is unlikely when you give the surgeon all relevant information, and it typically only happens when a patient fails to disclose pertinent details beforehand.
As your face heals, you may develop milia on the treated areas. These are small, white bumps. If you see them, consult your doctor for further treatment.
Here at Allure Plastic Surgery, we do our best to analyze each patient’s unique skin type before performing treatment to ensure the best results possible. To learn more about treatments for eliminating wrinkles and other uses for our laser technology, please contact Allure Plastic Surgery online or by phone at (866) 477-2023 today to schedule an appointment at our office.
★★★★★
The laser wrinkle treatment at Allure softened the lines around my eyes and mouth beautifully. It still looks like me, just smoother and rested. Professional team.Susan W., Google Review
Flexible Financing
Pay Over Time with Affirm, Cherry, or CareCredit
We work with Affirm, Cherry, and CareCredit so you can spread the cost of your procedure into manageable monthly payments. Approval usually takes minutes, and there is no penalty for paying off early.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.