Laser Skin Resurfacing

The best candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing are well balanced, in good general health, and possess realistic expectations. You are an excellent candidate if you’ve done your homework, have had your consultation, you are highly motivated to make the change and you have the ability to pause your daily responsibilities (work, family, school etc.) in order to undergo the procedure.

The best way to determine which Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is right for you is by scheduling a consultation. During the consultation, our expert will review your medical history, discuss your skin concerns, explain the treatment options available, and highlight their benefits. They’ll work with you to understand your personal skin goals and create a plan tailored specifically to you. While you’ve likely spent time in front of the mirror noticing things you’d like to improve, a consultation offers a deeper understanding of your skin’s unique needs and helps clarify the steps to achieve the results you’re seeking.

There is no specific chronological age that determines when you should have a rejuvenating procedure; the best way to know when it’s right to call for a consultation is when you look in the mirror and see something that truly bothers you. Whether it be because you wish to get rid of wrinkles, reduce unwanted hair, pigment unevenness, or acne breakouts, lasers can absolutely help.

We offer treatments to anyone aged 13 years and up. For minors, we require that a parent or legal guardian book on their behalf. Valid photo ID is required for both parent/legal guardian and minor. Student ID + birth certificate or any government issued ID are valid proof of ID for minors.

Our practice has 10 lasers for Laser Skin Rejuvenation. The best way to determine which one is right for you is through a consultation. During this session, our expert will review your medical history, address your skin concerns, explain the available options, and outline their benefits. They will work closely with you to understand your skin goals and develop a customized treatment plan.

Our expert will discuss your medical history, skin concerns, the treatment, its benefits, and your skin goals. We’ll take a photo (which will remain private) to help track your skin journey.

After a cleanse, our experts will numb the area, according to the type of laser and your choice our experts could use numbing cream, nerve block, or light sedation. With the advent of pixilated lasers (lasers broken down into smaller beams), treatments are non-ablative, and therefore with less downtime and discomfort, but with the same in-depth results.

After the Laser treatment, a customized medical-grade serum for your skin concerns and sunscreen is applied. Your skin may look red 30 minutes after (almost like you got a sunburn) but that should go away within 24-72 hours.

Lasers vary in their depth and result. Just as with chemical peels, the more intense the laser, the longer lasting the results, but the more involved the process. Depending on the level of treatment provided, most patients find the treatment well tolerated. Your practitioner may use cooling air and recommend numbing cream to help ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible.

In general, a laser wand is held to or near your skin, which will then expose the proper amount of light in order to achieve the desired effect. Your eyes will be covered to protect against the pulsed light.

With the gentler lasers, your skin might have been numbed with numbing cream in advance. You will experience little or no downtime, and can be back to work or your personal obligations immediately after.

For medium to intense lasers, you might undergo the procedure in the treatment room with numbing cream, nerve block or light sedation. Also, intense lasers can be performed in the operating room, depending on the results desired, as well as the extent of your issues.

Laser Skin Resurfacing is typically performed in comfortable treatment rooms. However, some laser treatements must be performed in the operating room to be effective. This is because patients either prefer to be in a comfortable sleep for the procedure, or because the depth and strength of the laser would be uncomfortable were the patient awake. Dr. Weintraub’s fully licensed, inspected surgical facility provides the opportunity for deep and effective laser treatment. This approach is especially common when the procedure is paired with surgical enhancements, such as facelifts, blepharoplasties, or neck lifts, to further enhance results.

Modern cosmetic surgery emphasizes privacy, safety, and convenience. While Dr. Weintraub holds privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, and The Center for Specialty Care, he prefers using the hospital-grade, state-of-the-art surgical center connected to his office at 800A Fifth Avenue. Staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and licensed operating-room personnel, this private facility ensures the highest standards of care in a discreet environment, complete with a private entrance for added patient confidentiality.

Proper preparation for Laser Skin Resurfacing depends on the intensity of the laser.

• No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment. Let a fresh tan—whether natural or artificial—fade for at least two weeks and to allow four weeks of recovery if you’ve recently experienced a sunburn.
• Do not wear makeup on the day of the treatment
• Excess hair may need to be shaved. Men should be cleanly shaved.
• If you’ve had a HydraFacial^™ or injectable treatments, wait at least two weeks before scheduling your laser session, and four weeks if you’ve undergone other facial services.
• Avoid the use of retinol, tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, vitamin C/ascorbic acid, AHA products, and any photosensitizing medications, including antibiotics, at least 10 days before your treatment.
• Avoid exfoliating or using active skincare ingredients for at least one week beforehand to ensure optimal results and safety.
• Avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, blood thinners, and gingko biloba or fish oil supplements for one week prior to your treatment.
• Additionally, steer clear of strenuous exercise, ibuprofen, aspirin, and alcohol for 24-48 hours before your appointment, as these may increase the likelihood of bruising.
• Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment.
• History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment.

For more potent lasers, Dr. Weintraub will customize the treatment according to your particular skin type and might start you on a series of tailored topical skin treatments starting weeks in advance, along with medical clearance from your physician.You will be given instructions as to how to prepare for the specific procedure you have chosen, and might be given prescriptions to be filled in advance. For those patients who live beyond a 50-mile radius of New York City and wish to have deeper lasers, Dr. Weintraub sometimes advises a two-night post-operative stay at The Mark, The Pierre, The Regency, The Surrey, or The Carlyle Hotel, where his patients are given a special reduced rate, and where he will visit you after your treatment. A private nurse can also be provided.

• Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week post-treatment. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours.
• Cleansing: Gently cleanse your skin twice a day with a mild cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, makeup, and bacteria without blocking your newly laundered pores. Avoid cleansing for the first 24 hours.
• Exfoliation: Refrain from physical exfoliation or using active ingredients such as Vitamin C, AHA, Glycolic Acid, or retinoids for one week to protect the treated area.
• Hydration: Apply a medical-grade Hyaluronic Acid serum every hour for six hours following your treatment to boost hydration and results. After six hours, use a soothing ointment like Aquaphor to alleviate sensitivity or dryness.
• Makeup and Heat Exposure: Avoid makeup, sunscreen application, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, or exercise for 72 hours post-treatment to minimize irritation.
• Flaking and Peeling: Some dark spots may rise to the surface within 1-2 days and flake off naturally over the next 1-2 weeks. Do not pick or scrub to prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Moisturization: Expect some redness, flaking, or peeling as part of the healing process. Keep your skin hydrated with gentle products to maintain a healthy barrier.
• Daily Routine: For the next 72 hours, continue with a gentle skincare regimen, including a hydrating facial sheet mask and a mild cleanser free of active ingredients.

By following these steps, you’ll maximize your treatment benefits and enjoy smoother, healthier, and rejuvenated skin!

Results vary depending on your treatment goals. For the day following your treatment, your skin may appear red and, depending on your level of treatment, you may see the small micro dots called mendz where the laser was applied. As the micro zones heal, they will darken and feel rough. Between days 3-5, the mendz will slough off, revealing the renewed skin beneath.

Our goal is to deliver the highest level of care and results.

Each patient is individual in his/her own makeup and anatomical configuration. Therefore, in order to give an accurate quote, it is best to schedule a consultation that will allow Dr. Weintraub to appropriately judge what is involved. For those patients who live overseas or outside the New York metropolitan area, photographs can be emailed or sent to the office, and a phone consultation can then take place.

Our specialists will design a personalized treatment plan and recommend the ideal frequency of visits to help you achieve your unique skin goals. To maintain vibrant, healthy skin, we encourage establishing a routine tailored to address your specific concerns. Depending on your goals, most clients benefit from a series of 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. After completing this initial series, we recommend annual treatments for ongoing maintenance and optimal skin health.

Injectables and RF microneedling are excellent complementary treatments that can be performed before or after Laser Skin Resurfacing to maximize results. Below are treatments that pair well with Laser Skin Resurfacing to enhance both recovery and overall outcomes:

• Surgery: Combined with facelifts, blepharoplasties, or neck lifts the results are awesome.
• Hydrafacial: Prepares the skin for laser treatments by deep cleaning and hydrating, ensuring the skin is in its best condition for the procedure.
• Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP): Helps accelerate recovery and amplifies results by boosting collagen production. This can be done immediately after laser resurfacing.
• Exosomes Infusion: Contain regenerative growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules that significantly accelerate recovery, boost collagen production, reduce downtime, and enhance skin rejuvenation. For optimal results, exosome therapy is usually applied immediately post-laser treatment.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Can be used post-laser to soothe the skin and boost hydration, promoting a healthy glow.

Social downtime refers to the period of recovery after a procedure where you may not be able to fully engage in social activities, but your regular daily routine is generally unaffected. Depending on the intensity of the laser treatment you’ve chosen, you may experience little to no downtime, or you could need a short break from social interactions due to temporary cosmetic effects like redness, swelling, or slight peeling. While you can continue with most of your activities, you might choose to avoid social settings to feel more comfortable. It’s recommended to schedule your treatment well in advance of any major events.

Skin lasers, including those used for resurfacing, should generally be avoided during pregnancy and nursing due to several reasons:

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and nursing lead to significant hormonal fluctuations, which can make the skin more sensitive. This can increase the risk of side effects from treatments like skin resurfacing, which might cause irritation, pigmentation changes, or even more severe reactions such as hyperpigmentation, especially in areas of the face where pigmentation changes are common during pregnancy.
• Lack of Research on Safety: There is limited clinical research on the safety of laser treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precaution, many healthcare providers advise against these procedures until after pregnancy and nursing, simply because there isn’t enough data to confirm that laser treatments are safe for both the mother and the developing child.
• Increased Skin Sensitivity: Pregnancy and nursing can lead to heightened skin sensitivity, and laser treatments can sometimes trigger adverse effects like redness, swelling, or scarring. It’s generally safer to postpone treatments until hormone levels stabilize after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For these reasons, it’s always best to consult with your obstetrician before undergoing any cosmetic treatments while pregnant or nursing.

Choosing a plastic surgeon for laser skin resurfacing offers several key advantages:

• Expertise in Skin and Facial Anatomy.
• Comprehensive Care.
• Advanced Techniques and Equipment.
• Customized Treatment Plans.
• Safe and Controlled Environment.

By choosing a plastic surgeon, you are investing in professional care, advanced skills, and a commitment to achieving natural, beautiful results.

When looking for a plastic surgeon, you should:

• Check for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (there are many other boards, some legitimate, some not, but there is only one American Board of Plastic Surgery, established in 1931)
• Ensure that the physician attends a major hospital in your community, and is in good standing with that hospital
• Confirm that he or she has a fine reputation amongst other medical professionals in your community
• Speak to the surgeon’s patients who have undergone similar procedures

Remember, this is your treatment, and you are interviewing the doctor as much as he’s interviewing you. Do not hesitate to bring a list of questions with you on your consultation. And remember: a good surgeon is someone who not only has the skill to perform the treatment, but is someone who understands what your specific needs and desires are. A good surgeon should listen, listen, and listen!

Have no fear during your consultation. This is a time to speak, to be heard, and to develop a trusting relationship. Questions can be answered, and fears allayed. And while Dr. Weintraub is at the forefront of his field in terms of his techniques and medical developments, you will find his office environment to be warm, personable, and inviting. He and his staff truly care about each and every patient, and take great pride in making themselves available to help with every step of the process.