Laser Skin Resurfacing in Syracuse & Rochester, NY

Ready to get started?

Contact Us

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Finely-etched wrinkles on the skin are known as “atrophic rhytids”. While it is easy to assume these are changes on the outer surface of the skin, in reality, they are caused by changes happening in the under-surface of the skin – a supportive layer known as the dermis. People develop fine wrinkles on their skin because their skin’s dermis layer has thinned and undergone changes. These changes include loss of strength and ability to stretch and recoil due to loss of collagen and elastin in the dermis as well as permanent changes in architecture of the dermis. This is why any meaningful therapy to restore the skin texture and appearance has to involve treatment at the under-surface of the skin to induce repair and remodeling of the dermis. The fundamental decision process for selecting the types of laser therapy should be based on efficacy-to-risk ratio for treatment of skin texture and wrinkles. Simply stated, the more aggressive the laser treatment, the more likely that you will have noticeable improvement. But it also means a  higher risk of complications such as scarring, or skin pigment changes.

There are many different types and brands of laser devices available today. A simple way to think about various lasers is to put them into one of the two categories: ablative vs non-ablative. Non-ablative lasers are generally considered gentler and therefore safer lasers. It also means that the outcome may not be as noticeable, but recovery time is also generally shorter. Newer laser devices tend to be based on non-ablative lasers to emphasize safety and quicker recovery.

What Can I Expect From Laser Skin Resurfacing?

From an efficacy standpoint, ablative lasers based or CO2 or Erbium remain the gold standard. However, first generations of CO2 and Erbium lasers had a high risk profile due to significant collateral heat damage to the surrounding skin. The subsequent generation of CO2 and Erbium (or combination of the two) lasers are in fractionated mode to reduce the risk profile. Fractionated means that a precise pattern of laser delivery is performed by the device to preserve surrounding tissue to enhance recovery and repair. A specific pattern of the fractionated laser also allows maximal time for cooling to prevent collateral heat damage to the surrounding skin. In experienced hands, a fractionated ablative laser delivers superior outcome for deep wrinkles and sun-damage while managing the risk of side-effects compared to non-ablative laser therapy.

In our practice, we utilize ablative fractionated CO2 lasers to improve skin texture and restore skin wrinkles from aging and sun damage. While the energy setting is adjustable depending on the individual patient’s outcome expectation and recovery time, typical protocol involves recovery of 7- 10 days. If full face resurfacing is planned, then most patients will benefit from conscious sedation. Treatment itself takes 30 minutes or less. If partial resurfacing is planned (around mouth or around the eyes), light sedation may be sufficient.

Restore Your Youthful Complexion

Based on our typical protocol, patients are expected to have downtime of about 7-10 days. During this time, meticulous care of the resurfaced area is very important to ensure an optimal outcome. It is not a painful recovery, but the treated site will look impressively raw and covered in emollient. After the initial 7-10 days of downtime, skin should have completed its initial repair. The redness of new skin will persist for several weeks, but at this stage, patients can cover with light make-up which our staff can demonstrate in the clinic. Patients are expected to avoid the sun for the first 3 months. About 6 weeks after, patients resume their maintenance skin regimen such as tretinoin and neuromodulator injection.

All Photos

Very High Praise - Syracuse, NY - Finding Dr Kim was the best gift I could give myself. His credentials, artistry and talent are unsurpassed. I can’t say enough about his entire team as soon as I entered his office. I will definitely work with him for future skin care. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself. You will be so happy with what he has to offer to help you.

M. RealSelf

Dr. Kim is amazing. I work with clients daily and my face has to be on it's A game. I've had a rhinoplasty, Botox, fillers, and scar treatment done here. It's been flawless work. He's a Harvard trained surgeon and an expert in his craft, but he is quiet humble and down to earth and you won't hear him rattle off his credentials until you ask. When you go to him for cosmetics, please trust his vision. He's as much as a surgeon as he is an artist.

D.M. Google

2

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

About Us
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.