WNY Plastic Surgery: Andrew P. Giacobbe, MD, FACS
7 Hopkins Road
Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: (716) 634-5555
Locations Hours: Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
We specialize in laser skin resurfacing for Buffalo and Williamsville, NY, patients who want a nonsurgical skin renewal option. Our device uses powerful laser energy to restore your skin’s healthy glow. In our adept hands, we can reduce your most bothersome symptoms for lasting results.
How Do Laser Skin Treatments Work?
Laser skin treatments deliver powerful laser energy deep within the skin. During a skin resurfacing treatment, the laser delivers short, concentrated pulses of laser energy to remove unwanted, damaged skin in a very precise manner, one layer at a time. Fractional ablative lasers minimize recovery by removing pinpoint areas of skin, leaving an equal amount of the surface untouched.
The laser beam used in laser resurfacing will remove your outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. At the same time, it heats the underlying skin, called the dermis. This heat stimulates new collagen growth. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer.
We also offer laser hair removal for lasting smoothness.
What Does It Treat?
Laser skin resurfacing is effective for treating a range of skin concerns, usually on the face, neck, décolletage, arms, and backs of the hands, including:
- Fine to deep lines and wrinkles
- Discoloration
- Enlarged pores
- Scars from surgery and injury
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is safe and effective for all skin types. Ideal candidates are in good health and want smoother, firmer, more evenly colored skin.
What Happens During a Laser Skin Treatment?
Your laser experience is administered here in our Williamsville practice, and the length of your treatment depends on which areas of your skin you’d like to treat. To begin your treatment, your practitioner prepares your skin and provides you with protective eyewear. They use the laser handpiece to deliver pulses of laser energy to your skin. You may feel a warm or stinging sensation during this time.
Dr. Giacobbe
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Giacobbe is proud to be your partner in aesthetics. He and his remarkable team offer a variety of surgical and nonsurgical options to help you look and feel your best.
Dr. Giacobbe View Before & After PHotosDr. Giacobbe
Meet Dr. Giacobbe
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Giacobbe is proud to be your partner in aesthetics. He and his remarkable team offer a variety of surgical and nonsurgical options to help you look and feel your best.
Dr. Giacobbe View Before & After PHotosWhat Is the Cost of a Laser Skin Treatment?
The cost of laser skin resurfacing can vary from patient to patient based on the skin’s condition, the patient’s goals, and the area or areas treated. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your options and provide a specific price quote. Even though cost is important to most patients, it shouldn’t be the primary factor in determining your choice of a provider.
What Is Laser Treatment Recovery Like?
Your recovery experience depends in part on the type of laser used (fractional or full field), intensity of treatment, and individual patient factors. Here is a typical recovery timeline for fractional laser skin resurfacing.
- Days 1 to 2: Expect redness and swelling similar to a sunburn in treated areas. You may see tiny dots or grid marks on the skin from the laser.
- Days 5 to 7: The treated skin will look red and feel rough and dry, then peel and flake off, revealing new skin underneath.
- Days 6 to 10: Peeling is complete, revealing new, firmer, smoother skin that may be pink or red and slightly sensitive.
- Weeks 2 to 4: Skin tone evens out. Skin becomes smoother and firmer as new collagen develops.
- Up to 6 months: Skin continues to improve as redness fades and collagen continues to form.
For all laser skin treatments, it’s very important to use 30+ SPF sunscreen daily and avoid sun exposure while your skin heals. Some laser resurfacing patients require multiple treatments for optimal results.
Combined Treatments
For more extensive rejuvenation, many patients combine laser skin resurfacing with other options, such as:
During your consultation, your provider will recommend a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and cosmetic goals.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQ
How long do laser skin resurfacing results last?
Results are long-lasting with consistent sun protection. Because the aging process continues, many people have maintenance treatments every year or so.
How many sessions does laser resurfacing take?
The number of sessions needed depends on the severity of your concerns and the intensity of your treatment. People often start with 4 to 6 sessions, each spaced about a month apart, then have regular maintenance treatments each year.
What’s the best age for laser skin resurfacing?
Your concerns, not your age, are the determining factors for laser skin resurfacing. We can adjust the laser to address mild concerns or more advanced signs of aging or sun damage.
Can I use this treatment as an alternative to a facelift if I’m not ready for surgery?
Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent part of a nonsurgical facelift alternative. Most patients also need fillers to replace facial volume and BOTOX to smooth expression lines caused by muscle contractions.
How painful is the treatment?
We use topical numbing medication to minimize discomfort during laser resurfacing.
How much younger does laser resurfacing make you look?
If wrinkles, discoloration, and laxity are aging your look, laser resurfacing can make you look radiant, refreshed, and years younger.
What’s the difference between laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation?
Laser skin rejuvenation, such as IPL treatments, addresses early surface-level concerns such as fine lines, mild laxity, and sun spots. Laser skin resurfacing penetrates deeper to correct more significant wrinkles, laxity, and pigment issues. Combining these treatments can be a good choice for patients who want to address multiple concerns.
In Buffalo, NY, there are multiple med spa options for laser treatments. We invite you to request a consultation using the online form or call WNY Plastic Surgery at (716) 634-5555 to book your visit.