Laser + Skin Institute • 417 Main Street • Chatham, NJ 07928 phone: 973.635.5050 • fax: 973.635.4567

Laser + Skin Institute offers
Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing



Today there seems to be an endless array of options for skin rejuvention. As you consider what you may want to have done, it's important to understand how each procedure can accomplish different objectives, to varying degrees, with shorter- or longer-term effect.

If you desire a long-lasting, comprehensive approach, rather than treating wrinkles and spots individually or gradually over time, talk to Dr. Lisa Breslauer about laser skin resurfacing.

Whether you treat the whole face or specific areas, laser resurfacing does more than soften the appearance of imperfections. It can actually eliminate evidence or sun damage such as wrinkles and discoloration, and it can significantly improve depressions in the skin, such as acne scarring. If you have less photodamage, or if you desire a faster recuperation time, you may choose a lighter, or more superficial, "laser peel."

How do laser treatments work?

With facial resurfacing, high-energy beam of CO2 light is used to vaporize lines, wrinkles, scars, dark spots and other irregularities, layer by layer. This process also stimulates the formation over time of new, underlying collagen to provide better elasticity and support for the skin. (see process below)

Are laser treatments safe?

Lasers have been used in cosmetic surgery for more than 20 years and have been proven to provide safe, predictable results. Alternative treatments such as deep chemical peels and dermabrasion have largely been replaced by laser procedures due to the precision and uniformity that laser resurfacing provides.

What is the difference between a light and deep skin resurfacing?

Because laser resurfacing is so precise, Dr. Lisa Breslauer can tailor treatment according to the nature and extent of skin damage, skin type and your individual requirements for recovery time. Some patients may choose deeper resurfacing for its maximum effect, while others need only light resurfacing or desire a faster recovery. In either case, the Encore laser reverses damage and provides significant cosmetic improvement.

What about my recovery time for facial skin resurfacing?

For moderate to deep resurfacing, your skin will go through an initial healing period which includes weeping and crusting that typically lasts 7 to 10 days. At this point, most patients return to normal activities and make-up may be applied. Your fresh, new skin will be reddish pink, a good sign that you're healing and that blood is nourishing the growth of new skin cells. This redness gradually fades within 4 to 12 weeks depending on skin type and depth of laser treatment. For light resurfacing, patients can typically return to normal activities within 5 to 7 days, and redness disappears within 3 to 5 weeks. Of course, adhering to the Doctor's instructions for post-operative care will aid in healing.

Are the procedures painful?

Treatments are performed in Dr. Lisa Breslauer's office using a local anesthetic. Because pain tolerance is highly individual, the Doctor will tailor the approach to ensure your comfort - both during and after the procedure.

What results can I expect, and how long will the benefits of my treatment last?

Laser resurfacing can restore your skin to a healthy state, similar to that of skin that has not experienced sun damage or scarring. With proper sun protection, results can persist for more than five years. In areas where muscle activity is strong, lines may begin to reappear sooner.

As skin continues to age at a normal rate, you may choose to maintain results with a "touch-up" resurfacing treatment. In any event, with cosmetic laser resurfacing you will have definitively "turned back the clock!"

What is the process of Fractional CO2 Resurfacing?

Continuously Adjust Healing Zone By carefully choosing the volume of skin left untreated, Dr. Lisa Breslauer can tailor treatments to the indication and patient’s tolerance of downtime. The Fractional CO2 laser she uses provides the flexibility to leave 95% to 0% of tissue intact.

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Select Volume Treated Superior treatments balance spot size and treatment depth. As the spot size is reduced, depth can be increased without increasing downtime.

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Ablate, Contract and Remodel Each pulse ablates a column of tissue, eliminating discolorations at the surface and causing volumetric skin reduction. As ablation occurs, deep heating stimulates immediate collagen contraction and long-term collagen remodeling.

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Press Contact
Glenn C. Breslauer
973.635.5050

Lisa Breslauer, M.D.
© Laser + Skin Institute

(source: Lumenis, Inc)