Click here to read our response to COVID-19

Photofacial

Photofacial treatments use advanced laser resurfacing or intense pulsed light (IPL) to quickly restore a youthful smoothness and luster to the skin. Laser skin resurfacing is highly effective at eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, visible veins, and discolorations that can result from sun exposure or the natural maturing process.

Depending on your desired outcome, top New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Loeb will perform IPL photofacials at his office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side using either CO2 ablative lasers or non-ablative fractional lasers, which utilize the latest state-of-the-art Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 technology.

Dr. Loeb will carefully consider which anti aging skin treatment technique is best suited to return the natural hue and vibrancy to your face, and have you looking years younger.

Planning

In consultation with Dr. Loeb, you will decide which laser skin resurfacing treatment will best achieve your desired results. Dr. Loeb will then outline the different preparations required for the two procedures. Patients who choose ablative CO2 treatments should avoid tanning before undergoing laser resurfacing, and should wear sun block when outdoors to ensure minimal pigmentation of the skin. Dr. Loeb may also suggest a lightening or retinol topical cream to further enhance the uniform color and texture of the skin.

If you select the non-ablative Fraxel laser skin resurfacing procedure, preparation is minimal, though sun tanning should be avoided.

Procedure

The revolutionary non-ablative Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 laser system uses thermal energy, or “deep heat,” to stimulate skin cell regeneration and collagen development beneath the surface of the skin. Fraxel laser pulses allow Dr. Loeb to target microscopic areas of the skin with pinpoint accuracy, leaving surrounding sections untouched, resulting in rapid healing. Dr. Loeb will administer a topical anesthetic before the procedure, which typically lasts no longer than 30 minutes. One of the advantages of Fraxel over CO2 is less discomfort during the procedure and faster recovery, and less downtime, afterwards. Dr. Loeb usually conducts Fraxel laser treatments over 2-4 sessions.

Ablative CO2 laser resurfacing vaporizes (or “ablates”) cells on the surface of the skin, and is generally used to treat deeper wrinkles or skin that has undergone more significant textural alterations. With CO2, fewer laser therapy sessions are typically required to achieve dramatic results, though recovery time is greater than with Fraxel laser treatment. Dr. Loeb will administer local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation, before a CO2 laser session.

Both Fraxel and CO2 lasers are powerful treatments that can enhance multiple areas of the face, including the eyes and lips.

Recovery

After non-ablative Fraxel photofacial resurfacing, you will likely be able to return to work within 1-3 days after the procedure. During that time, you may experience some redness and swelling. Light aerobics should be postponed until two days afterwards, with more strenuous activity resuming between 5-7 days after treatment. Recovery from ablative CO2 laser skin resurfacing usually lasts between 4-7 days. Regardless of which procedure you select, Dr. Loeb will schedule a series of return visits to monitor your progress.

Related Procedures

CO2 and Fraxel laser skin resurfacing treatment can be performed alone, or in tangent with other procedures, such as a face lift, fat transfer, or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).

If you would like to learn more about having a photofacial in NYC, or have questions about your plastic surgery options in Manhattan, please call the Fifth Avenue office of Dr. Loeb at 212-327-3700 to schedule a private consultation.

    Latest Aesthetic News

    Manhattan

    994 Fifth Avenue
    New York, NY 10028
    212-327-3700
    Click for directions

    Great Neck

    1000 Northern Blvd, Suite 340
    Great Neck, NY 11021
    516-487-3134
    Click for directions