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What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

One of the newest non-surgical treatments when it comes to beautifying your appearance is Laser Skin Resurfacing. Used to treat facial and body wrinkles, pigment irregularities, texture issues, scars, blemishes, divots, corrugations, acne, and unwanted hair, lasers permit a superior level of control. This allows for extreme accuracy, especially in very delicate areas.

Using a concentrated pulsating beam, Laser Skin Resurfacing allows Dr. Weintraub to target and remove unwanted, damaged skin in a very precise manner, one layer at a time. The benefit of this approach is that it reduces any chance of hypopigmentation (unwanted lightening of the skin). To improve the skin and remove wrinkles, the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is removed, and the dermis (underlying skin) is accessed, a process that stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers. As the treated area heals, the remaining skin becomes smooth, firm, beautiful, and glowing.

Utilizing the newest advancements in laser technology, we can safely treat the following conditions on most skin types:

  • Facial lines and wrinkles
  • Acne, surgical, and burn scars on the face or body
  • Aged or sun-damaged skin
  • Age spots and birthmarks
  • Uneven tone and texture
  • Unwanted hair

What is BBL, IPL, or Photofacial?

BBL (Broad Band Light) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are two terms that are often used interchangeably to describe a “photofacial” treatment. Both employ broad-spectrum light and photo-thermal energy, which target excessive pigmentation (age spots) and broken capillaries. However, though many medical practices advertise “photofacials,” this broad term does not guarantee that the most advanced technologies or equipment are implemented to provide your treatment. Dr. Weintraub exclusively uses Sciton’s trademarked BBL system, which is the best machine available, resulting in more luminous, even-toned, and younger-looking skin.

In contrast to other IPL devices, Sciton’s BBL handpiece contains a sapphire cooling plate that chills the skin during treatment. This minimizes patient discomfort and allows for higher energies that yield greater results with little to no downtime and with fewer treatments as compared to traditional IPL devices. Moreover, other systems do not allow as much variability in the settings, and therefore are not best suited for many skin types.

Any area of the body can be treated with the BBL system including the face, neck, chest, arms and hands, removing sun damage, broken capillaries and age spots.

Forever Young BBL Treatments

A groundbreaking study conducted at Stanford University and published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology concluded that subjects who received Sciton’s Forever Young BBL photofacial treatments at regular intervals (every 4 – 6 months) demonstrated a functional change in their gene expression pattern, resulting in collagen regrowth, tightening of the skin, decreased laxity and a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. With his Sciton system, Dr. Weintraub is able to offer these groundbreaking, anti-aging clinical treatments to his patients.

The BBL can also address:

  • Pigmented lesions such as freckles and brown spots
  • Unwanted hair
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Acne
  • Vascular lesions (small blood vessels)

What is a Micro Laser Peel or Nano Peel?

A Micro Laser Peel, also known as a Nano Peel, is a skin-resurfacing procedure that targets the mid-epidermal layer of the skin using Sciton’s Erbium laser. Micro Laser Peels help to reduce wrinkles, brighten the skin and smooth the texture and tone so that makeup application is rendered easier (if not obsolete!). It is a more technologically advanced version of microdermabrasion: rather than simply removing a limited layer of skin, it additionally boosts collagen and elastin production.

Using the Erbium platform, it is a TRL, or a Tunable Resurfacing Laser, meaning that the depth of the peel can be individualized, and Dr. Weintraub can tailor the treatment to suit each patient’s specific goals and downtime by offering peels of 4 – 50 microns deep.

A series of treatments can also optimize results.

What is ProFractional and Fraxel?

The ProFractional laser is a revolutionary new treatment for skin rejuvenation. Using the Erbium-YAG laser, ProFractional is a deeper epidermal peel to reduce wrinkles, yet because it is fractionated – meaning that the laser beam is dispersed into smaller pixelated beams – downtime and discomfort are decreased. Each column of light is about the size of a human hair, leaving bridges of intact skin, thus expediting the healing process. This allows patients to see dramatic results with little or no interruption to their busy schedules. The laser’s thermal heat stimulates the fibroblasts (cells in the body’s dermal layer), increasing collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin for up to six months following treatment. Patients can expect to see dramatic improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, scars, skin tone and texture. Increased collagen production means more beautiful skin!*

Combining Laser Treatments including the Trifecta

Laser treatments are often combined for beautiful synergistic results. Dr. Weintraub can assess your skin to determine which treatment is best for you – or, as is often the most effective, he can combine treatments to provide results greater than the sum of the parts.

Popular combinations are:

  1. BBL and Micro Laser Peel because the MLP makes the skin look healthier and more vibrant, while the BBL corrects pigment unevenness.
  2. BBL and Pro Fractional. BBL targets pigmentation, reduces acne, and removes hair, while Pro Fractional can stimulate collagen and correct texture issues.
  3. BBL, Micro Laser Peel, and Pro Fractional. This combination is also known as the “Trifecta” because it works on three different levels to bring your skin to its absolute best.

Laser Treatment for Hair Reduction

Dr. Weintraub offers the Sciton Broad Band Light (BBL) system to effectively treat specific hair and skin types. The BBL light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles and converted to heat that reduces the appearance of hair at the follicular level. Because of Sciton’s revolutionary sapphire cooling plate, there is minimal discomfort associated with the treatment, often preventing the need for topical anesthetics.

Several sessions are recommended (spaced four to eight weeks apart), depending on the area of the body and the color of the hair.

Areas we treat include the bikini, Brazilian, underarm, chin, upper lip, face, arms, abdomen, back, hands, and the back of the hairline on the neck.

Considering Laser Skin Resurfacing

There is no specific chronological age that determines when you should have a rejuvenative 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.

Goals of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The goal of Laser Skin Resurfacing is to remove the tired and dead surface of the epidermis and sometimes dermis to reveal the glowing skin below. Laser Skin Resurfacing can improve such things as:

  • Fine and deep lines or wrinkles of the face and around your eyes, forehead, or mouth
  • Scars from acne or chickenpox
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Blotchy skin tone with uneven pigment
  • Liver spots
  • The hue of your complexion if you have yellowish or grayish skin tones
  • Birthmarks
  • Enlarged pores
  • Hair growth of the entire body, including unwanted neck hair that rubs against the back collar of a man’s shirt
  • Rosacea
  • Acne breakouts
  • Small blood vessels

Your face and body will be smoother, firmer, more even in pigment, and without the fine crepey wrinkles or hair stubble that show themselves in unflattering light. Ideally, your skin should be dewy and revitalized, and should look clear and smooth. Imagine waking up and being beautiful from the moment you open your eyes!

Your Consultation

You’ve certainly looked in the mirror many times. However, when you look in the mirror and begin to see things that upset you, that’s when you should schedule a consultation. A consultation will help give you a better understanding of your own issues.

Even though some laser resurfacing is non-ablative (non-destructive), it is imperative that laser resurfacing be performed by a highly qualified practitioner because complications can result from improper use by inexperienced providers. The use of lasers is considered a subspecialty of surgery. Non-ablative laser treatment is serious, and should not be taken lightly!

For the treatments to address the deepest wrinkles like lipstick lines, crepey excess skin around the eyes, and extensive sun damage, Dr. Weintraub uses the Erbium laser by Sciton, which he believes is the best machine available, and also perform C02 treatments. Only Dr. Weintraub himself – with his extensive training and knowledge of anatomy – performs these deep, resurfacing procedures.

When choosing a 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 surgery, 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 surgery, 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, to learn, and to develop a trusting relationship. Questions can be answered, and fears allayed. And while Dr. Weintraub is at the cutting edge of his field in terms of technique and medical developments, you will find his office environment to be comforting, 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.

How Laser Skin Resurfacing is Performed

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.

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 or the procedure room, depending on the results desired, as well as the extent of your issues. You might also need a local anesthetic and a sedative to manage discomfort.

With the advent of pixilated lasers (lasers broken down into smaller beams) such as Fraxel and the Erbium laser’s Profractional platform, treatments are non-ablative, and therefore with less downtime and discomfort, but with the same in-depth results.

Where is the Laser Skin Resurfacing is Performed?

Though once limited to a hospital setting, the more modern approach to cosmetic plastic surgery is to perform such procedures in a safe, secure and completely private operating room. Although Dr. Weintraub has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital, and The Center for Specialty Care (outpatient limb of Weill-Cornell Hospital), he prefers the privacy of his hospital-grade, state-of-the-art surgical center attached to his office at 800A Fifth Avenue. This facility is attended by Dr. Weintraub’s team of board-certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating-room staff. With its private entrance, its standards are of the highest quality, and offer Dr. Weintraub’s patients the utmost in medical and plastic-surgical care.

The Best Candidates for Laser Skin Resurfacing

The best candidates for aesthetic plastic surgery 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, and the following three things are present:

  • You are highly motivated to make the change.
  • You have the ability to pause your daily responsibilities (work, family, school etc.) in order to undergo the procedure.
  • You have the financial wherewithal to make an elective cosmetic surgery come to fruition.

Preparing for Laser Skin Resurfacing

Depending on the intensity of the laser, the preparation could be minimal or more involved.

For most lasers, no preparation is required.

For the BBL, you will be asked to avoid tanning and self-tanners for two weeks prior to treatment.

For more potent lasers, Dr. Weintraub might start you on a series of topical skin treatments to prepare you for your procedure; often these treatments begin some weeks before your scheduled appointment, and you will also be asked to provide medical clearance from your family physician. Dr. Weintraub will customize the treatments according to your particular skin type to maximize your result.

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 peels, 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.

The Cost

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.

After Treatment

Again, depending on the depth of the laser you have chosen, the results will vary. There will sometimes be a short period of swelling. You must carefully follow all instructions provided by Dr. Weintraub in order to achieve the best results possible. For involved lasers, mild pain medication, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and medication to reduce swelling are all begun immediately following the procedure. Dr. Weintraub will advise you as to when you can return to your normal lifestyle and exercise routine. For all post-laser resurfacing patients, Dr. Weintraub will tailor a proper skin regimen, which will always include a 30+ SPF sunscreen to be used daily.

What Sets Dr. Weintraub Apart

Dr. Weintraub has always been blessed with a strong aesthetic sense. He possesses a unique blend of medical science and artwork, as it truly is artwork that he performs on the human form. His attention to detail ensures that he gets the best results possible, and he is meticulous about everything he does, from pre-op to post-op care and beyond.*

He studied medicine at Cornell during a time when core values were emphasized, and it is on these values that he bases his practice. He believes that physicians should be humble and respectful, and should never lose sight that the person they are operating on is exactly that: a person possessing real-life issues and concerns. The chairmen of the department of general surgery at Cornell at the time, Dr. Tom Shires, along with another luminary, Dr. Leon Morgenstern of Cedars-Sinai, taught Dr. Weintraub that “The operating room is a sacred place. It’s a very serious place.Never be cavalier about surgery.”

During his surgical residency training, Dr. Weintraub regularly visited Mexico to donate his time operating on deformed children and adults who couldn’t afford proper healthcare. In less-than-optimal conditions, he learned how to perform surgery with the basics, and received great satisfaction in making profound differences in people’s lives by restoring their faces and bodies. Similarly, when he was Chief Resident at the New York Hospital – Cornell Medical Center, and later when he was Chief Resident at the Reconstructive Unit at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, he found that his compassion for patients, along with his skill and precision as a surgeon, could change lives and bring people joy they never thought possible.

Dr. Weintraub believes that surgery is never a race. The patient is always number one. He keeps in his wallet a piece of paper that is his motto in the operating room: “Always demand what is right, and never accept second best.” He likes to consider himself a “thinking surgeon,” and does not enter the operating room with a mechanical series of steps to execute robotically, but likes to remain alert and ready for whatever intraoperative challenges might spontaneously arise. Although many notable surgeons openly listen to music while performing surgery, Dr. Weintraub does not, preferring the mood of the operating room to remain serious and focused.

Over 60% of Dr. Weintraub’s practice is comprised of complex redos of surgeries performed by other offices. Such procedures always involve difficult issues, since there exist not only the limitations of a patient’s own anatomy, but also the limitations of another surgeon’s aesthetic, and the scar tissue that has developed as a result. Patients seek Dr. Weintraub from all over the world to correct their aesthetic problems. He takes great pride in getting the best results, and always enjoys the challenges of such procedures.

Last, Dr. Weintraub will not hesitate to turn patients away if he feels they are not good candidates for surgery. If a surgery is not in someone’s best interest, he will be the first to say so. However, when a patient is a good candidate, the results produced by Dr. Weintraub can be magical, and he feels that it is an honor to give patients a gift they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

How To Get Started

Dr. Weintraub and his staff will be happy to discuss Laser Skin Resurfacing with you. Please call our office for a private consultation. We hope you look forward to our warm welcome and the opportunity for us to help you make an educated and confident decision.

Contact our office today and set up your consultation for laser skin resurfacing.