Smooth, Even Skin: Laser Skin Treatments NYC
The most effective and technologically advanced lasers for treating surface-level cosmetic skin conditions from one of NYC's leading laser dermatology specialists
- Last Updated: December 6, 2024
- By Julia Tzu, MD FAAD
If you’re in NYC and struggling with uneven skin tone and color, laser skin treatments can revolutionize your face. There are several lasers used to make skin appear more youthful and even. The best laser and settings depend on a variety of factors, including skin color and condition, the purpose of treatment, and your medical background.
The field of laser surgery is complex and requires a deep understanding of the interactions between laser light and human skin. One should always carefully choose a dermatologist with subspecialty training and experience in this field for laser treatment.
Dermatologist Dr. Julia Tzu Approach to Laser Skin Treatments
“Laser treatments are one of my favorite procedures because of how safe and effective it is for removal of brown spots, red spots, acne scarring, and a variety of other cosmetic skin conditions that other procedures cannot address. I always personally perform the laser procedures because I’m a firm believer that knowledgeable and skilled delivery of laser energy yields the safest and best cosmetic outcomes.”- Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD
What Does Laser Treat?
Our dermatology practice houses a selection of the most technologically advanced lasers. Our lasers are, by strict scientific definition, true lasers and are, therefore, more effective than other patented light technologies.
Conditions that commonly respond to laser treatment include:
- Redness and red spots
- Blood vessels
- Acne and rosacea
- Acne scars
- Tattoos
- Discoloration
- Brown spots and Age spots
- Melasma
- Scars
- Stretch marks
- Moles
All of our lasers have been purchased new and directly from the laser manufacturers for quality control and consumer safety, and they represent the newest models available. We do not short-change quality for cost, allowing us to excel at the removal of red marks, scars, brown spots, broken blood vessels, and more.
Laser Freckle Removal
Freckles are small, flat brown spots on the skin that appear due to an uneven distribution of melanin. Many people naturally have freckles, but more or darker freckles can appear as you age and your skin is exposed to sunlight. Freckles typically appear on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, chest, or arms and range from light tan to darker brown in color.
If you want to have a more even skin tone, laser freckle removal can be a great solution. Lasers used for freckle removal are set to a specific wavelength to target and dissolve the melanin in the skin that causes hyperpigmentation. Depending on the number of freckles you have and how dark they are, you may need between 2 and 4 treatments to achieve optimal results.
Laser Treatment For Dark Spots (Brown Spots)
Dark spots—sometimes called sunspots—form when your skin focally produces too much melanin. These flat, round areas are typically larger than freckles and are relatively isolated from each other. They form on areas often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, and face.
These spots are often associated with aging and can disrupt an otherwise even skin tone. Laser treatments for dark spots can lighten and brighten these areas to give your skin a smooth, youthful appearance.
Lasers for dark spot removal emit light calibrated to be absorbed by the more darkly pigmented skin cells. Those cells then die and gradually fade away over the next couple of weeks.
Melasma Laser Treatment
Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face or sometimes even the arms, usually due to hormonal fluctuations. Pregnancy, taking oral contraceptives, and menopause can cause or worsen melasma, as can hormone-related conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, many people without these predisposing risk factors can also develop melasma. While these patches sometimes fade as hormones stabilize, they can also become permanent.
While melasma is often treated with topical creams, laser treatment is typically the most effective—and permanent—solution. During laser treatment, pure wavelength, coherent light is passed over the dark patches. This light energy targets and gently destroys more darkly pigmented skin cells, allowing lighter cells to take their place and create an even skin tone.
Multiple treatment sessions are required. During and after treatment, patients are advised to avoid sun exposure and use sun protection such as sunscreen and broad-brimmed hats. This will maintain the effect of the laser treatment.
Types of Lasers Used For Skin Treatment
There are many types of lasers, each with its own wavelength of light that is absorbed differentially by various structures in the skin. Which laser treatment is best for you depends on what structure you are targeting in the skin. Our dermatologist in NYC will conduct a thorough evaluation of your skin to determine the right laser for your needs.
The most popular lasers at our practice include those that target brown discoloration (Q-switched lasers) and redness and inflammation (Pulsed-dye lasers). Patients who request removal of brown spots, freckles, and melasma may benefit from Q-switched lasers, while those who would like to treat red spots, acne/rosacea, and scarring may choose Pulsed-dye lasers.
You can see our Before & After gallery for laser treatment skin results, including laser treatment for melasma, angioma (red spots), scar revision, stretch marks, and acne scarring.
Dr. Julia Tzu’s Experience in Laser Skin Treatments
Dr. Julia Tzu is fellowship-trained in surgical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and has over a decade of experience in the aesthetic application of laser treatment in NYC.
She has conducted investigative research for the development of advanced, new laser technology devices as well as new applications of existing lasers. Dr. Tzu has helped countless patients all over the country achieve their aesthetic goals via laser treatment and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Laser Skin Treatment Cost NYC
The cost of laser treatments in NYC depends on the size and location of the treatment area, the type of treatment, and the number of individual lesions to be treated. In general, average costs for laser treatments may vary between $650 to $2,500 per treatment session.
In many cases, laser treatment may require multiple sessions to achieve the best and safest outcomes.
When developing a plan for treatment, we consider your budget and desired outcomes to optimize patient satisfaction. During your consultation, Dr. Tzu will discuss the best type of laser that can be used to address your concern and what to expect after the laser treatment is completed.
Laser Skin Treatment Procedure
Patients are instructed to thoroughly cleanse the skin to remove all make-up and sunscreen prior to the procedure. For most of our laser procedures, no numbing cream is required. Protective eyewear is provided to our patients. With the patient in a reclined position, the laser procedure then begins.
Laser procedures typically take about 10-30 minutes to complete, depending on your goals and the size of the area of treatment. Dr. Tzu will review the entire procedure with you so you know what to expect beforehand.
How Long is Laser Skin Treatment Recovery?
In general, you can expect recovery to take between five to 21 days, depending on the type of laser used and the particular area treated. During recovery, you may experience what feels like a mild sunburn.
As the skin heals, it can darken or redden, depending on the laser used, to reveal new healthy skin underneath. You should avoid abrasive skincare products and extended sun exposure during recovery. After the areas have healed, you can begin to use makeup to hide any redness or discoloration until fully recovered.
When Can You See Results From Laser Skin Treatments?
You will usually see results from your laser skin treatment after the healing process, which can take two to three weeks. Your skin should appear more even in color and tone.
Book a Cosmetic Consultation to Evaluate if Laser Skin Treatments Are for You
You deserve skin that reflects your inner beauty. At Wall Street Dermatology, we understand the effect the condition of your skin has on your confidence. We’re ready to help you restore the natural beauty of your skin. Are you?
If you want to explore laser skin treatments, book a consultation with Dr. Tzu in NYC today.
Before & After Gallery
Laser Skin Treatment FAQs
The number of treatment sessions you’ll need depends on your aesthetic goals, the current condition of your skin, and the type of laser recommended by your dermatologist. For most laser procedures, three to five sessions are often beneficial. Who is an ideal candidate for laser skin treatments?
You may benefit from laser skin treatments if you have acne, acne or chickenpox scars, uneven skin pigmentation, scars, stretchmarks, age spots, tattoos, or birthmarks. Your dermatologist will assess your skin to determine if laser treatments are the right choice for you.
Depending on the condition targeted, laser results can last anywhere from three to five years, and sometimes indefinitely. Some patients choose to maintain their results by going in for touch-up appointments every so often based on a dermatologist’s recommendation.
