Skin Resurfacing Upper East Side | Olivia Hutchinson, MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Skin Resurfacing with Lasers or Dermabrasion

Lasers are most often used on the face, either as full-face resurfacing or in target areas to tighten tissues and smooth out wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Some lasers are also effective for tightening loose skin of the neck. Another non-surgical procedure, dermabrasion, has been proven to be safe and useful for achieving significant improvement in wrinkle reduction and skin resurfacing in certain areas, such as deep wrinkles around the mouth or for unsightly scars.

What Can Skin Resurfacing Address?

Pigmentation
Unwanted freckles
Age spots (brown spots)
Acne scars
Scars from surgery or injury
Sun damage
Uneven skin tone
Sagging skin
Keratosis
Superficial wrinkles
Pre-cancerous skin patches

Laser Skin Resurfacing

There are numerous uses and applications for lasers in medicine, and they have proved an invaluable asset in the area of skin rejuvenation.

Different lasers target different skin components (pigment, water content, etc.) and can be used at various depths, frequencies, amplitudes, and intensities for ultimate customization. They are most often either erbium or CO2 lasers. Furthermore, fractionated laser technology has allowed CO2 lasers to achieve similar results to their earlier counterparts in terms of skin tightening and wrinkle eradication, but with fewer side effects and quicker recovery.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Although lasers provide an excellent option for skin rejuvenation, not everyone is a candidate. Skin characteristics (including thickness, color, pigment, sun damage) and any previous skin treatments will influence the decision-making process in terms of candidacy for laser skin resurfacing. Determining if you are an appropriate candidate will depend on whether or not you:

Are bothered by the current appearance of their skin
Have non-oily skin that is still fairly elastic
Are in good general health, with no pre-existing health conditions
Do not have any active infections or sores
Have not used Accutane® for the past six months
Have not had other skin resurfacing treatments in the last few months
Are not prone to developing keloids or thick scars

Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure Details

Dr. Hutchinson performs laser treatments most frequently as ancillary procedures with facial plastic surgical procedures including blepharoplasty, facelift, and neck lift.

During your consultation with Dr. Hutchinson, she will personally examine and evaluate you to design a treatment plan that addresses all of your skin concerns.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion removes the uppermost layers of skin and stimulates the production of healthier, younger looking skin. This procedure works by using a diamond tipped instrument to effect intense exfoliation. As the top layer of skin is removed, this promotes new collagen and elastin production. Dermabrasion is often combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures including facelift, microsuction, and fat injections.

What is Dermabrasion Commonly Used For?

Perioral resurfacing to reduce vertical wrinkles of the upper and lower lips and around the mouth
Scar resurfacing to minimize acne or post traumatic scarring
Removing solar and actinic keratoses, or other pigmented lesions
Treating rhinophyma

Dermabrasion Procedure Details

Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation in Dr. Hutchinson’s AAAASF certified operating room at her office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This treatment may also require preoperative prophylaxis with an antiviral medication in patients who have a history of herpes or cold sores.

Your skin will be cleansed and prepped, and a numbing agent or another type of local anesthesia will be used to help with any discomfort.

Due to the thoroughness of dermabrasion, patients can expect several days of recovery (typically 7-14 days, depending on how much skin resurfacing was done). During the first couple of days, patients may experience some discomfort which can be helped by using oral pain medication. They may also experience red, swollen, and/or irritated skin during the healing period.

Why Choose Dr. Hutchinson for Skin Resurfacing?

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson brings honesty, knowledge, experience, skill, and excellent judgment in her approach to every patient. As a Fellowship trained, board certified aesthetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Hutchinson upholds the highest standards of quality, safety, and care at her Upper East Side practice. For over two decades, Dr. Hutchinson has provided patients with a high end, sophisticated, and detail oriented experience focused on natural looking, elegant outcomes. She offers top notch concierge services for maximum privacy and convenience. If you’re interested in our skin rejuvenation treatments, please call us or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hutchinson.

Skin Resurfacing