What is Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Dramatic Results with Shorter Recovery

The use of CO2 lasers dates back to the early 1990s and has a long-standing history in the treatment of various skin conditions. CO2 laser technology is based on the emission of invisible infrared radiation at a specific wavelength, which is absorbed by water and causes vaporization of the target tissue - in this case, skin. Early devices delivered on the promise of younger skin and correction of severe sun damage (photoaging) by applying laser energy across the entire surface of the skin, leading to dramatic results at the cost of prolonged healing times. Newer devices using “fractional” CO2 technology combine the strong performance of traditional laser therapy without the long recovery. While traditional lasers work by removing an entire portion of the skin’s layers, fractional CO2 lasers instead create narrow and deeper columns of tissue injury, leaving interspersed areas of untreated skin that support nutrition and healing.

Additional Reading

This balance of treated and untreated columns of skin led to favorable tissue effects such as skin tightening and resurfacing of the outer layer, while also reducing the likelihood of side effects such as scarring or pigmentary changes. Today, the fractional CO2 laser has become the leader among devices that treat the signs of skin aging. By using modern fractionated technology, this type of laser is ideal for patients who desire a customized level of laser skin resurfacing with more rapid healing, less downtime, and a decreased chance of complications. At our boutique practice located in Northern Brooklyn laser skin resurfacing is performed by Dr. Khelemsky using the Secret™ PRO platform, offering the most innovative fractional CO2 technology available today to rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck, and hands.

Brooklyn co2 laser resurfacing Model with blonde hair

What are the benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Your Solution for Younger Skin

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing is a safe and highly effective treatment specifically designed to treat various skin conditions ranging from photoaging, skin laxity, scars, and mild pigmentation. Patients can elect to treat several regions, including the face, neck, chest, as well as the top surface of the hands. Using the highly innovative and versatile Secret™ PRO platform, fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing addresses the following skin concerns:

Skin aging including fine to moderate lines and wrinkles
Rough, sallow, and bumpy skin texture
The appearance of chronic sun damage
Mild laxity of skin along the face and neck
Prior traumatic, surgical, and hypertrophic scars
Acne scarring
Early signs of aging and “pre-juvenation” for a refreshed appearance
Uneven or mottled skin pigmentation

“Dr. Khelemsky brings the “art” of medicine to a whole new level. She is a perfectionist that took her time with my procedure. I couldn’t be more pleased with my results. My surgery was on a Friday morning, and Dr. Khelemsky came in on both Saturday and Sunday to ensure that I was healing appropriately and my pain was being managed… I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the results even now.”

—Facelift patient | RealSelf

“Dr. Renata Khelemsky did an amazing job with my rhinoplasty. In the consultation, she identified what changes would be made to best work for my face and listened to my concerns. I am so happy with the results and would highly recommend her to anyone interested in this procedure.”

—Rhinoplasty patient | RealSelf

“Dr. Khelemsky is an amazing doctor and artist. She did my filler and I am so happy with it. I will recommend her to everyone I know. She explains everything so that you can understand.”

—Dermal filler patient | RealSelf

“Dr. Khelemsky is an outstanding physician... She herself is very calming and makes you feel at ease and confident in the decision you are making. I am overjoyed with the results of my facelift, and would definitely do it again. If someone is thinking about a facelift or any procedure and is apprehensive... Dr. Khelemsky will give you great reassurance… When I look in the mirror, in Zoom, in selfies - I now love my jawline and my whole face in general.”

—Surgical Facelift patient | RealSelf

“Awesome! She was patient and very quick with no pain. She explained everything thoroughly with me and definitely knows her skill set! I trusted her expertise in natural-looking adjustments and it turned out fantastic!”

—Dermal filler patient | RealSelf

“I love coming to see Dr. Kelemsky! She has the patient’s best interest in mind and I always feel Dr. Kelemsky addresses what look I am going for and is right on the money. I walk out of the office feeling much more confident than when I came in. I will always trust Dr. Kelemsky and she most definitely has a patient for life. She does both my Botox and lip fillers and both procedures have always been flawless.”

—Lip filler patient | RealSelf

“Dr. Khelemsky did an outstanding job on my nose. She explained everything in detail from the very first consultation. She’s professional, caring and her attention to detail makes her the absolute best surgeon! I’m extremely happy with my results and highly recommend her to anyone.”

—Rhinoplasty patient | RealSelf

“I had a wonderful experience from start to finish. She was extremely professional, answered all my questions before my Botox and injectable treatment. There was very little discomfort and hardly any bruising at all. I am thrilled with the results and will use her again for future treatment. I would highly recommend her.”

—Botox patient | RealSelf

“My experience was great! Dr. K is very good at explaining her vision for results with injectable fillers. She is warm and friendly and a delight to chat with. It has been years since I have had a “real” Doctor sit and talk and do an almost painless procedure.”

—Dermal filler patient | RealSelf

“I recently had eyelid surgery performed by Dr. Khelemsky… From the moment I saw her in the surgery center I felt at ease and knew everything was going to be OK. The surgery went well… Referred by my eye doctor, my eyesight is better already. I look forward to recommending my family and friends to Dr. Khelemsky, she has the qualities that everyone seeks out in a true medical professional.”

—Blepharoplasty patient | RealSelf

Am I a good candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

ADVANCED LASER TREATMENT USING THE SECRET PRO PLATFORM

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing using the Secret™ PRO platform is a minimally invasive facial cosmetic treatment that is both safe and effective. However, proper patient selection is key to ensuring optimal results. In general, patients who are candidates for fractional CO2 laser treatments will have:

A compatible skin type, as determined by a professional skin evaluation
Manageable skin conditions without active infections
A successful pre-laser skincare regimen that includes daily sunscreen use
A willingness to be compliant with aftercare and post-laser sun avoidance
No history of certain connective tissue diseases or prior radiation
No history of Accutane medication use in the last 12 months
Reasonable expectations regarding treatment goals and recovery

During your Brooklyn laser skin resurfacing consultation with Dr. Renata Khelemsky, you will receive a comprehensive skin evaluation followed by specific recommendations to address your concerns. Due to the complex nature of skin biology, all patients looking to undergo laser resurfacing will require counseling on the appropriate pre- and post- laser skincare regimen. While every situation is unique, when it comes to laser skin resurfacing Brooklyn patients who are in poor health and have extensive sun exposure may not qualify, given the propensity for scarring and other complications. In these cases, alternative modalities may include the Secret™ PRO RF microneedling and medical-grade skincare.

What is the Secret™ PRO?

The Secret™ PRO platform is a leading cosmetic treatment device that combines two proven technologies in the science of skin rejuvenation: fractional CO2 laser and RF microneedling. This platform is able to safely and effectively treat skin at various depths using two systems in one session, producing an array of customized treatment possibilities.

Secret PRO Refine: Refine your overall skin and complexion using radiofrequency (RF) microneedling to address the signs of aging such as fine lines, large pores, acne scars, surface irregularities, among others. Treatment is performed once a month for three to four months, followed by a rapid recovery with minimal downtime following each session.

Secret PRO Ultra-Light: Also known as a micro-peel, this gentle CO2 laser treatment is designed to improve uneven skin texture, dull skin tone, and the overall skin appearance by resurfacing only a thin outer layer of the epidermis, without entering the deeper layer of the dermis. This is often a single treatment and is excellent for patients who wish to “pre-juvenate” or add a powerful boost to their new skincare routine. Patients enjoy the benefits of glowing skin and healthy radiance with the comfort of a quick recovery.

Secret PRO Ultra: This treatment is tailored for more advanced signs of skin aging and photodamage, using the full power of fractional CO2 laser skin to target both the outer and inner layers of skin. A single treatment at this setting is designed to achieve immediate results by vaporizing the damaged layers and inducing the skin’s natural repair mechanisms to produce a newly resurfaced, youthful, and healthy complexion. The secondary benefit is the continued collagen development and skin tightening that continues in the months following the initial recovery. This treatment carries longer downtime compared with Ultra-Light settings, yet it dramatically improves skin texture, tone, smoothness, and can be used to treat scars of various nature.

Secret PRO Revive: This unique treatment combines fractional CO2 laser and RF microneedling technologies in one to allow for maximum treatment versatility. The benefit of this advanced approach is that RF Microneedling is used specifically to target deeper tissue layers while fractional CO2 laser energy is maintained at the superficial skin layer, producing a customized treatment protocol that maximizes results while reducing the chance for unwanted side effects. When combined with PRP, this innovative treatment provides the most comprehensive skin renewal.

Your Fractional CO2 Laser Procedure

Resurface Your Skin, From the Inside Out

Pre-treatment preparation

Brooklyn CO2 laser resurfacing provider Dr. Khelemsky will prescribe a pre-treatment regimen consisting of topical skincare products to condition your skin as well as oral and topical medications to ensure a smooth recovery process. Each regimen is tailored to your unique skin type and medical history. Detailed instructions on how to care for your lasered skin at home will be reviewed. Patients must pay careful attention to each aspect of their pre-laser preparation to ensure a safe and pleasant recovery.

The day of your procedure

Patient arrive at our clinic approximately 1 hour ahead of their scheduled laser treatment. Skin is thoroughly cleansed and numbing cream will be applied and removed after one hour Patients may also take an oral sedative medication to help stay relaxed during treatment. The eyes will be protected with special goggles or lenses and laser treatment begins. Usually to two passes are required, and the entire treatment takes anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Your comfort during the session is Dr. Khelemsky’s top priority.

Immediately after laser treatment

Immediately after treatment, the skin will have a whitish or pinkish hue, and there may be areas of pinpoint bleeding. A thin layer of emollient will be applied to the treated areas in addition to a cool compress. A designated driver may take you home shortly after treatment. Patients are reminded to sleep on their back with the head elevated to reduce swelling. Following all post-laser aftercare instructions and continuing the proper medications are the key aspects of a safe recovery. Patients will return to the office the following day for a follow-up visit to reinforce proper laser aftercare.

Fractional CO2 Laser Recovery

A Recovery Process Tailored Specifically for You

The length of your recovery is directly related to the intensity of your treatment. While some patients desire to simply refresh their skin texture and may only need a gentle treatment of the superficial skin surface, other patients treating extensive sun damage require a greater depth and intensity of settings using the same device. For this reason, recovery times typically range between 3 and 10 days, with some rare cases taking 2 weeks for full healing. After the laser treatment, a responsible caregiver will bring you home, as well as to your follow up appointment the next day. The skin will feel warm to touch after treatment and cool compresses may be applied for comfort.

Additional Reading

Swelling slowly begins after several hours and will peak at about 24-48 hours after treatment. Variable amounts of clear oozing and pinpoint bleeding may be present in the early days of healing. Patients should not experience pain as part of their laser recovery, however common symptoms include dryness, tightness, or itching, which may be remedied using topical medications. Laser aftercare requires a combination of regular gentle cleansing and skin soaks using gauze. This will help to loosen any crusts without scrubbing. A consistent layer of emollients and/or creams is reapplied to keep the skin well moisturized and protected until the new layer of skin is completely healed. Dr. Khelemsky will advise patients when they can transition to a nourishing cream and sunscreen along with makeup, if desired. Patients will be asked to return for frequent follow-up visits to assess their healing and self-care.

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Results

Selfie-Worthy Skin

Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing improves a variety of skin conditions including photoaging, skin laxity, discoloration, and scarring. Patients will notice improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, and overall skin texture after one treatment session. Deeper wrinkles, as well as scarring whether from acne or prior surgery, may require more than one treatment for optimal results.

The results of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing are evident as soon as the healing period is complete. The skin will appear smoother, refreshed, and softer to touch. Since collagen remodeling is stimulated by the CO2 laser, continued improvements in skin tightening, tone, and the overall complexion take place for up to 6 months after treatment. Combined with a powerful daily skincare regimen, the results can be truly remarkable.

Schedule your Fractional CO2 Laser consultation with Dr. Renata Khelemsky

LEARN ABOUT THE ADVANCED SECRET™ PRO PLATFORM

Dr. Renata Khelemsky strives to educate patients about their skin and natural aging process and how fractional CO2 laser treatment will affect your unique skin type. Additionally learning about how to incorporate powerful skincare ingredients into everyday practice will help you stay in control of your path to healthy, younger-looking skin. Dr. Renata strives to create the optimal plan for skin nourishment after recovering from a laser treatment. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about the advanced Secret™ PRO platform.

Located at the foot of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, our boutique luxury clinic resides in the heart of DUMBO, a thriving waterfront neighborhood in Northern Brooklyn overlooking the Manhattan skyline. RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery proudly serves our local Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Park Slope, as well as Queens, and Long Island City.

Dr. Renata Khelemsky is a fellowship-trained and double board-certified facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and a diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Renata achieves beautiful and natural transformations by working with her patients’ features to accentuate their unique beauty. Each personalized consultation begins with an in-depth analysis of the face, focusing on the multiple layers that determine our unique beauty.

Learn More About Dr. Renata

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it hurt?

To prepare for laser treatment, patients will receive topical numbing medication and possible nerve blocks to ensure maximum comfort. Additionally, Dr. Khelemsky will discuss the use of oral sedatives on the day of the procedure to lessen anxiety. During treatment, patients may experience a mild warmth and tingling sensation. However, this should feel very tolerable. Immediately after treatment, patients feel a generalized warmth in the treated areas for about one to two hours, which quickly subsides. The remainder of the recovery period is remarkably comfortable and painless. However, some patients may take over-the-counter medications for the relief of mild symptoms.

What are the risks?

Fractional CO2 laser is a safe and effective skin rejuvenation treatment. Several stages of healing will occur, beginning with a generalized pinkness of the skin that lasts for several days or weeks. Patients with more oily skin types may develop small white bumps, breakouts, or scaly patches, which will improve with continued cleansing and skin hygiene. Even with cautious preparation and aftercare, the most common risks of CO2 laser include prolonged skin irritation and redness, infection, delayed healing, and temporary changes in skin pigmentation. These will be diligently treated with proper medications. Other risks, though exceedingly rare, may include long-term lightening or darkening of the skin and scarring. It is important to choose a provider with extensive experience in CO2 laser treatment and skin resurfacing to help you manage any possible side effects with great care and attention to detail.

Are there similar procedures to Fractional CO2 Laser?

Yes! The concept of producing skin rejuvenation through the body’s ability to remodel and produce new collagen is a common theme in facial cosmetic treatment. Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling, also part of the Secret PRO platform, similarly leads to incremental skin rejuvenation by creating small micro-channels that stimulate wound healing and cellular regeneration. However, unlike a fractional CO2 laser, there is no tissue vaporization, and thus the outer layers of the skin do not slough or peel. Patients often receive several sessions of RF Microneedling to visibly improve skin texture, tone, and pigmentation.

Can PRP be combined with fractional CO2 laser treatments?

Absolutely, and in fact, it is highly recommended. PRP can be applied topically onto the surface of the skin after fractional CO2 laser and microneedling to facilitate healing and collagen synthesis, promoting radiant and younger-looking skin. Fractional laser technology creates micro-channels in the skin with laser heat energy, leaving an opportunity for the microscopic cells of the PRP to penetrate the skin and trigger various healing responses including activation of stem cells and thus new collagen synthesis.

Do I need to have someone drive me home because of anesthesia?

Many patients elect to take oral sedatives to ensure a comfortable treatment experience. Patients may also have various degrees of swelling immediately following treatment. For these reasons, we require anyone undergoing fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing to have a responsible caregiver to bring them home following their laser treatment.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing in Brooklyn, NY

Uncover Your Best Skin

Learn more about fractional CO2 laser at RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Brooklyn, NY.

What is Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Dramatic Results with Shorter Recovery

Additional Reading

What are the benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Your Solution for Younger Skin

Am I a good candidate for Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

ADVANCED LASER TREATMENT USING THE SECRET PRO PLATFORM

What is the Secret™ PRO?

Your Fractional CO2 Laser Procedure

Resurface Your Skin, From the Inside Out

Pre-treatment preparation

The day of your procedure

Immediately after laser treatment

Fractional CO2 Laser Recovery

A Recovery Process Tailored Specifically for You

Additional Reading

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Results

Selfie-Worthy Skin

Schedule your Fractional CO2 Laser consultation with Dr. Renata Khelemsky

LEARN ABOUT THE ADVANCED SECRET™ PRO PLATFORM

Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it hurt?

What are the risks?

Are there similar procedures to Fractional CO2 Laser?

Can PRP be combined with fractional CO2 laser treatments?

Do I need to have someone drive me home because of anesthesia?

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