Laser Resurfacing
Personalized and sophisticated plastic surgery and concierge patient care from one of NYC’s premier providers.
What is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses concentrated pulses of light on the surface of the skin to reduce or remove the appearance of minor flaws such as:
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- Acne scars
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Birthmarks
- Damage from sun exposure
- Hyperpigmentation caused by medical conditions (rosacea, localized psoriasis, melasma, etc.)
- Mild drooping (ptosis)
Because laser skin resurfacing comes with minimal downtime and no incisions, many patients hoping to restore their youthful appearance seek out this treatment.
It is important to note that laser resurfacing cannot successfully treat all skin conditions. Patients with excessively droopy skin, deep wrinkles, severe dark spots, or active acne conditions should meet with Dr. Maman to determine which non-surgical and facial rejuvenation techniques will deliver the best results.
How does laser resurfacing work?
In laser resurfacing, laser energy is employed to create controlled, microscopic injuries in the deep layers of the skin. As they heal, skin cells in affected treatment areas grow new, undamaged collagen fibers that result in toned and radiant skin.
Laser technologies for facial rejuvenation are divided into two types: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative lasers are the most powerful treatment option. They carefully and precisely remove the top layer of skin, or epidermis, before treating the tissues beneath.
Non-ablative lasers heat deep skin layers without damaging the epidermis. Because they cause less damage, non-ablative lasers are often a better option for patients with darker skin tones.
CO2 laser resurfacing
CO2 lasers combine carbon dioxide and an ablative laser to treat visible or pronounced flaws. A CO2 laser resurfacing procedure has a longer recovery time because of the amount of skin removed.
Erbium laser resurfacing
Erbium lasers have similar ablative properties to CO2 lasers, but they are increasingly popular because they tend to result in fewer side effects and an easier recovery.
Pulsed-dye laser resurfacing
A pulsed-dye laser is a non-ablative treatment option that absorbs pigmented cells after heating the skin. For this reason, it is an excellent option for patients suffering from hyperpigmentation and redness.
Fractional laser resurfacing
Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. This technique separates laser energy into thousands of beams, allowing the physician to avoid damaging all the skin at the treatment site. Leaving tiny sections of intact skin tissue throughout the treatment area facilitates a faster, less painful healing process. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies.
IPL therapy is not a laser resurfacing technique but is a non-ablative treatment for patients with sun-damaged skin. Instead of using a laser, IPL therapy uses multiple wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen production.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery processes look very different based on whether an ablative or non-ablative laser is used to deliver treatment. With both types of treatment, it is normal to have pink or red skin at the treatment site for up to three months.
Ablative laser resurfacing recovery
After treatment with an ablative laser resurfacing technology, a special antibiotic ointment and gauze bandages are applied to the treated area. These dressings will remain in place for several days. After the bandages come off, treated skin blisters and peels in a manner similar to the recovery from a bad sunburn. It is not uncommon for this period of oozing, crusty scabbing to continue for up to two weeks. While it may be tempting, picking at or scratching healing skin will negatively affect results, extend healing time, and increase the risk of infection. Many patients find pain relief through the use of ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers during this time.
After approximately two weeks, new skin will replace the scabs, with fully healed skin appearing between post-procedure weeks two and four.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing recovery
Unlike its more aggressive counterpart, non-ablative laser resurfacing does not result in blistered or peeling skin, but patients can still experience swelling, redness, and discomfort that takes several days to resolve.
Who performs laser resurfacing?
While laser resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure, it is not without risk. Some skin types and pigments are more prone to infection, swelling, scars, and hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing.
Many states allow master estheticians and medical spa employees to perform laser resurfacing without extensive oversight of their credentials. A skilled plastic surgeon who has undergone years of rigorous training is more qualified to help patients avoid potential complications and deliver the best possible results.
The Procedure
We make sure you have the information you need to feel good about your decision throughout the entire process, from your inquiry to our practice, through the consultation, and beyond.
We provide:
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- In-depth initial consultations with a complete medical history review and physical assessment by Dr. Maman
- Multiple pre-procedure visits (if needed) to answer your questions and make sure you are comfortable
- Specialized surgery coordinators to help you navigate scheduling, financial, and insurance processes
Once you have moved forward with surgery, we make sure you are just as cared for. Patients receive:
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- Convenient and safe operating facilities in NYC
- Complimentary scar-treatment regimens
- Attentive and routine aftercare visits
Personalized, Holistic Patient-Centered Approach
Understanding each patient’s personal and clinical needs is central to our practice. We customize treatment plans for each patient and each patient receives Dr. Maman’s personal contact information along with direct round-the-clock access to our nurse and surgical coordinator.
“I am in my late 30’s and started noticing lines on my forehead that were making me feel older, so I called Dr. Maman. WOW!!! Not only is his office incredible, he is so nice and comforting. He and his assistant really took care of me. I’m totally returning for additional treatments.”
Results & Recovery
We take every measure to provide the highest degree of comfort for our patients throughout their time in our care.
We believe that all patients should be fully informed. We stay in close contact before and after treatment to ensure each patient receives prompt and personalized care.
Recovery timelines vary depending on your procedure, but we offer thorough aftercare to ensure your optimized recovery and results.
For more information, read our FAQs below.
See our results. Contact us to find the right approach for you.
Meet Dr. Daniel Maman
Dr. Daniel Maman is a Harvard fellowship-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face.
About Dr. Daniel Y. Maman, Board-Certified NYC Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Maman completed a Harvard fellowship in aesthetic breast surgery as well as a 6-year plastic surgery residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He has appeared on The New York Times Top Doctors and Super Doctors in Plastic Surgery lists.
Dr. Maman is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Whether your reasons for a mommy makeover are personal, clinical, or both, you deserve an experienced surgeon who is a partner in your care.
Contact us today to request a consultation.
Basic Laser Resurfacing FAQs
How much do you charge for laser resurfacing?
A laser resurfacing treatment plan is carefully individualized to each patient based on their long-term goals and medical history. Because we customize treatment for each patient, pricing can vary. During your initial consultation, Dr. Maman will conduct a detailed assessment. Afterward, you will receive an itemized price quote to help you make your decision.
Am I a good candidate for laser resurfacing?
The best candidates for laser resurfacing are generally healthy non-smokers with mild to moderate scarring, wrinkles, or sun damage on their skin.
While laser resurfacing is not a surgical procedure, some conditions and medications can adversely affect the results. Chronic and autoimmune diseases can increase recovery time and the risk of infection, as can certain acne medications. Additionally, patients with darker skin tones can have a higher incidence of hyperpigmentation.
Meeting with Dr. Maman is the best way to determine whether laser resurfacing is the right treatment option for you or whether another technique will be better able to deliver the results you are hoping for.
When should I have my laser resurfacing procedure performed?
Middle-aged and senior patients are not the only individuals eligible for this procedure. Laser resurfacing can be done at any age depending on the condition involved. For example, large birthmarks on the face can be treated in infancy and young adults can receive treatment for acne scars and early fine lines.
Because laser resurfacing results in sensitive, delicate layers of new skin, many patients choose to seek treatment in the fall and winter, when UV rays from the sun are less potent. Regardless of when the procedure is performed, high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are critical to both the healing process and to maintaining results.
Where will my procedure be performed? How long will it take?
Dr. Maman usually performs laser resurfacing at an in-office, AAAASF-certified facility or an outpatient ambulatory surgery center (ASC). He also has operating privileges at Mount Sinai Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, and Englewood Hospital. We work with you to select the best facility for your needs.
This procedure usually takes no more than 30 minutes, but please note many patients require more than one session to achieve their desired results.
How long do I have to wait to work out after laser resurfacing?
Recovery time will vary depending on the type of laser treatment used. Patients who undergo treatment with an ablative laser may need to wait for up to two weeks to restart their exercise program, while those who use non-ablative lasers need only to wait a few days.
How long is the recovery period for laser resurfacing?
Recoveries vary based on the type of laser used. The scabs and raw skin from ablative laser resurfacing take about three weeks to heal. Non-ablative laser treatments may result in several days of red and swollen skin, which usually resolves in approximately one week.
Will I have to pay for follow-up visits after my surgery?
How long will the effects of microneedling last?
Microneedling results usually last for several months. It is important to wait four to six weeks between treatments, as too-frequent microneedling can damage capillaries and lead to tougher skin.
Adding other non-surgical treatments like chemical peels, Botox, and fillers to microneedling can extend the life of your procedure.
Will I have to pay for follow-up visits after my procedure?
Because we value our patients’ health and satisfaction above everything else, we do not charge for post-procedure follow-up visits.
If you have general questions about consultations and the practice, please click here.
Request A Consultation
Call Today 212.920.6800
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Maman or to get more information, kindly submit your details using the adjacent form and a member of our patient concierge team will promptly be in touch. We look forward to welcoming you to Maman Plastic Surgery.
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