Skin Resurfacing

Skin rejuvenation, also known as skin resurfacing, has always been a confusing subject for our patients.  This section of our web site is dedicated to making this easy, so that you can make an educated decision about helping your skin look its best. 

Most of our patients deal with the same issues: large pore size, sun damage, acne scars, fine lines/wrinkles and loose skin.  Dr. Kulkin has extensive experience with each of these issues.  We have developed a simple and easy approach to help you understand skin improvement and the treatment options that are available to you.

We divide our procedures into DOWNTIME Procedure- (Fractional C02, also called a Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser) and our NO DOWNTIME Procedure (Affirm Laser).  

Downtime procedure – Fractional CO2:

Dr. Kulkin feels that this is the best procedure available for skin resurfacing.  It is so effective, that many facial plastic surgeons perform this procedure in conjunction with face-lifts to further enhance surgical results.  It effectively tightens the skin, reduces sun damage, shrinks pore size, diminishes acne scars, and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, including those around the mouth.  See before and afters below:

The Procedure:

Before we perform this procedure we apply a numbing cream to your face for one hour, to prevent any discomfort.  Our patients find that this works extremely well.  After washing your face thoroughly, we use a computer guided laser to deliver the energy in a grid-like pattern which creates “micro wounds” in the skin.  Heat from the laser enters these wounds stimulating new collagen to be produced, resulting in younger, more vibrant looking skin.   This new technology allows us to wound only about 20% of the skin’s surface, the benefit is having only a few days of downtime and rapid healing    The laser also remodels the existing collagen making your skin much smoother.  The result…it diminishes the appearance of scarring, improves texture, reduces pore size, eliminates sun damage and tightens the skin. 

The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes.  You will have immediate redness and swelling, and possibly some mild peeling for the first few days.  You should anticipate some redness (like sunburn) for up to 7 days after the procedure.  We provide all patients with at-home skin care products to be used for the week following treatment.  You will apply Aquaphor (similar to Vaseline) to your face for the first 2 days and then Cetaphil lotion for another two days.  Many of our patients are able to apply make-up as early as 3 days after the procedure, but be prepared to spend 4-5 days without make-up. Because your skin is responding like it would to a wound, you will continue to see plumping and smoothing of the skin for up to 6 months following your treatment.

While the downtime may seem significant, be assured there is no pain associated with this procedure and our patients have been thrilled with the results.  Sun damage reduction has been quite dramatic.  It is important to note that this procedure is only performed on light skin types.  While most patients will only require 1 treatment, there are those that may require additional sessions (ie. Deep acne scarring).

Feel free to call us or e-mail if you have any additional questions or if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

Cost:
$1,795 for one session
If you would like a second session the cost is $1,195. 

NO Downtime Procedure – Affirm Laser

Affirm Laser – We understand that downtime procedures are simply not for everyone.  While the CO2 laser makes micro-cuts in the skin, the Affirm Laser works by delivering laser energy into the skin without cutting.   Studies presented at recent laser meetings indicate that we can achieve comparable results with the Affirm laser, however, eight sessions at one each month intervals, are necessary.   We do NOT typically use a numbing cream for this procedure though some prefer it.   While the improvement in the skin texture, tone and pore size is quite significant, acne scarring and sun damage respond better with CO2.  Patients leave the office looking quite red, however, this is short lived often lasting minutes or up to 24 hours after the procedure.  Make-up may be applied immediately.  This procedure may be performed on all skin types making this one of the few skin rejuvenation procedures that can be safely done on darker skin types. 

Last, but certainly not least, we believe daily skin care and skin protection are critical to the success of reaching and maintaining your skin improvement goals. A WIFH Total Skin Care program is included with each of our Skin Rejuvenation services; they are designed to enhance and optimize your results.

Cost:
Face (8-sessions) $2,960
*8-session Affirm package includes the WIFH Total Skin Care Package
*Add Microdermabrasions for $800 (8-sessions of Affirm + 8-Microdermabrasions $3,760)

We are results oriented and have committed ourselves to ongoing learning about the latest advancements in science and laser techniques.