Laser Treatments

What You Need to Know About Laser Treatments

If you are suffering from skin care issues, you are not alone. A 2023 survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology found that 80% of American adults experience skin concerns, and one in four people in the U.S. report experiencing a more serious skin condition. From redness and rosacea, to acne, unwanted pigmentation, scars or lines and wrinkles, skin problems can be frustrating and even embarrassing.

The great news is that recent advances in laser technology have revolutionized skin care, offering effectiveness in treating almost every specific skin conditions. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that that successful laser treatment is assured when the right laser treatment is matched to each patient’s specific skin type, concerns, and treatment goals.

But the word “laser” also sounds a little scary! Our Manhattan patients often ask us: Do lasers hurt? Are lasers safe? Will I have downtime after laser treatments? Which laser is best for me?

Our dermatologists’ expertise with multiple of the most advanced laser platforms enable us to develop customized treatment plans that address individual needs rapidly, effectively, affordably, and with the least possible amount of downtime. Our comprehensive approach begins with thorough skin analysis and consultation to determine which laser treatment, or combination of treatments, will provide optimal results while considering factors such as skin type, condition severity, and desired recovery time.

In this article, our board-certified Manhattan dermatologists explain laser treatments to first time laser users – to help you put your mind at ease, as you take the first step toward finally getting the skin that you’ll love to be in.

Laser Treatment Safety

The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery emphasizes that laser safety begins with proper physician selection. Board-certified dermatologists like Drs. Goldenberg undergo extensive training in laser physics, tissue interaction, and safety protocols. This expertise proves crucial as different skin types respond differently to laser energy.

Modern laser systems incorporate sophisticated safety features, including real-time temperature monitoring and automated power adjustments. These advanced systems continuously measure skin response during treatment, automatically adjusting power output to maintain safety while maximizing results. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Gary Goldenberg and Dr. Kristina Goldenberg maintain rigorous safety protocols exceeding industry standards.

Understanding the role of skin typing in laser safety remains crucial. The Fitzpatrick scale, which classifies skin types from I to VI, helps determine appropriate laser settings and treatment approaches. This careful evaluation prevents potential complications like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or thermal injury – ensuring a safe laser treatment and beautiful results.

Laser Treatment Comfort

Laser skin care experiences vary depending on the specific system used – but the dermatologists at Goldenberg dermatology make patient comfort their top priority. Gentler treatments like Laser Genesis feel warm on the skin and require no anesthetic and no downtime afterwards.

More intensive laser treatments work ‘ablating’ layers of skin and therefore may require topical or injected anesthetic.  Advanced cooling systems, built into many of our advanced lasers – along with anesthetic whenever needed – ensures our patients’ maximum comfort during all laser skin care procedures at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan.

Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg in Manhattan also provide detailed instructions and thoroughly explain what to expect after each laser skin care procedure. Most treatments only take between 15-45 minutes, depending on the area treated and the specific technology used. And any discomfort after the procedure typically resolves pretty quickly, and can be managed with over the counter medications like Tylenol.

Detailed and specific post-treatment care instructions will be provided to help optimize results, ensure proper healing, and relieve any discomfort.

Preparing for Your Laser Treatment

Proper skin preparation significantly impacts laser treatment success. Ideally the preparation process begins a few weeks before treatment, with patients following specific skincare protocols designed to optimize results. This may include avoiding sun exposure, discontinuing certain skincare products, and following prescribed pre-treatment regimens.

At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan we provide comprehensive pre-treatment guidelines based on the selected laser technology and individual patient factors. These instructions might include temporarily stopping retinoids, avoiding blood thinners when appropriate, and implementing specific skincare products to prepare the skin for treatment.

Documentation shows that patients who carefully follow pre-treatment protocols experience better results and fewer complications. This preparation phase also includes detailed skin analysis to establish baseline conditions for tracking progress.

Combining Laser Treatments for Enhanced Results

Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology demonstrates that strategically combining different laser treatments often produces superior results compared to single-modality approaches. This concept, known as combination therapy, allows for addressing multiple skin concerns simultaneously while potentially reducing overall treatment time.

Board-certified dermatologists Dr. Gary Goldenberg and Dr. Kristina Goldenberg offer expertise in multiple laser treatment platforms – which allows them to create sophisticated and customized laser treatment protocols that maximize results while maintaining safety. For example, combining Fraxel Dual for surface texture with ExcelV for vascular concerns can provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Clinical studies show that properly planned combination treatments can actually reduce overall recovery time while improving final outcomes. The key lies in understanding the interaction between different laser technologies and timing treatments appropriately. That’s why it is so important to see a board-certified dermatologist who offers several of the most advanced laser treatments available – and not just one or two lasers.

Post Laser Treatment Care and Maintenance

Each laser treatment requires specific post-care protocols to optimize healing and results. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan our board-certified dermatologists provide detailed, customized post-treatment instructions based on the procedure performed and individual patient factors. These protocols typically include specialized skincare products, sun protection requirements, and in some cases of the more intense lasers, a short period of activity restrictions.

Remember, recovery experiences vary significantly between different laser treatments. While some procedures like Laser Genesis require minimal downtime, more aggressive treatments like MixTo CO2 laser resurfacing need more intensive aftercare. Understanding these differences helps patients plan appropriately for their recovery period.

Long-term maintenance also plays a crucial role in preserving laser treatment results. This typically involves a combination of proper skincare, sun protection, and periodic maintenance treatments. Research shows that patients who follow recommended maintenance protocols maintain their results significantly longer. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan our dermatologists can provide you with the steps and products to accelerate healing, and ensure the most beautiful and long-lasting results.

The Role of Skin Type in Laser Selection

Understanding how different skin types respond to laser energy proves crucial for treatment success. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan we carefully evaluate each patient’s Fitzpatrick skin type, melanin distribution, skin texture and tone, and other factors before recommending specific laser treatments. This thorough assessment helps ensure optimal results while minimizing risks.

Certain lasers work better for specific skin types. For example, Laser Genesis and ExcelV generally prove safe for all skin types, while more aggressive treatments like CO2 lasers require more careful parameter adjustments and may not be recommended for darker skin tones. Our practice’s wide range of laser options ensures the safest and most effective laser treatment selection for every skin type.

Recent advances in laser technology have also expanded treatment options for patients with darker skin tones, who historically had fewer safe treatment options. We also offer modern laser systems with sophisticated monitoring and control features allow for safer, more effective treatments across all skin types, including darker skin colors.

Professional Laser Skin Care vs. At-Home Devices

You’ve probably seen the recent deluge of skin care devices on Tik Tok and other social media platforms – such as “red light” therapy. However, professional laser skin care delivers significantly more powerful and precise results compared to at-home devices. Medical-grade laser skin care systems like those at Goldenberg Dermatology provide deeper penetration, more accurate targeting, and sophisticated monitoring systems unavailable in consumer devices.

Board-certified dermatologists undergo extensive training in laser skin care physics, tissue interaction, and safety protocols. This expertise allows for treatment customization and immediate adjustment based on skin response, ensuring optimal results while maintaining safety. Additionally, professional laser skin care benefits from precise calibration, maintenance, and quality control measures that ensure consistent, reliable results impossible to achieve with at-home devices.

While you might get a minor or temporary boost in skin appearance with these at home devices, they simply do not have the power or penetration to repair, resurface, and remodel skin on a deep cellular level like medical lasers do.

Laser Treatments | Manhattan

Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan provides the most comprehensive array of advanced laser skin care platforms to address almost every skin concern. Each laser skin care system serves specific purposes, allowing Drs. Gary and Kristina Goldenberg to customize treatment plans based on individual patient skin condition, skin type, needs and goals.

Many dermatology offices only invest in one or two lasers – and try to box clients into using the laser treatments they offer. But Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan has invested in eight different laser skin care systems, ensuring the best treatment and optimal results for every skin condition and type.

Our practice utilizes Laser Genesis for gentle skin rejuvenation and texture improvement, while the Cutera ExcelV laser skin care system specifically targets vascular conditions, like rosacea, spider veins, and redness. For more intensive laser skin care treatments, the MixTo CO2 laser addresses deep wrinkles and significant sun damage. The Fraxel Dual laser skin care system offers versatile treatment options for both superficial and deeper skin concerns, while the innovative AviClear laser specifically targets acne-prone skin.

If you’re frustrated or embarrassed by skin issues of any kind, don’t trust your skin care to a ‘Med Spa.’  Instead see an actual dermatologist who is medical doctor with advanced training in conditions of the skin! Schedule a consultation at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan today, and we’ll help you decide which laser treatment is right for your skin concerns – so you will love the skin you’re in!

Manhattan Laser Treatments: 212-405-8202