ResurFX™

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey and New York

About Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing

Closeup female's arm.

Skin resurfacing procedures use lasers to reduce the signs of aging and improve skin texture, laxity and tone. They are also used for scar and stretch mark reduction as well as for treatment of a variety of other cosmetic concerns. Skin resurfacing can be achieved with either ablative or non-ablative lasers. Non-ablative resurfacing keeps the skin intact, stimulates collagen growth and tightens the underlying skin. It is ideal for patients who prefer a milder treatment approach with less downtime and less risk of potential complications such as scarring, infection, change of skin pigmentation, etc.

The Lumenis ResurFX™ is the only true Fractional Non-Ablative solution on the market. It uses an advanced scanner technology called CoolScan™. CoolScan™ uses a sophisticated algorithm for non-sequential scanning which ensures that the energy delivery is precise and uniform, so the required coverage is achieved in only one pass. The optimum benefits of ResurFX are obtained with several treatments depending on the condition and desired results.

What conditions does the resurfx treat?

  • Age spots or sun spots
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Lax or loose skin
  • Stretch marks or striae
  • Acne Scars
  • Scars from trauma or surgery

How does resurfx work?

The ResurFX is a non-ablative laser, which means it stimulates the skin to develop collagen without harming or removing any skin. As collagen increases, the skin looks tighter, more even, and more youthful. ResurFX is also a fractional laser, which means the laser is delivered to the skin in tiny dots and to only a fraction of the skin. The ResurFX requires only one pass over the skin to produce effective results, reducing treatment time. Since it is a non-ablative fractional laser, the recovery time after the procedure is minimal.

Expectations

Due to the non-ablative nature of the ResurFX laser, most patients find treatments quite comfortable. A topical anesthetic can be used prior to the treatment to improve patient’s comfort. A cooling air device that blows cold air on the treated areas for added comfort may be used. Treatments can take 20 minutes or more, depending on the size of the targeted area.

Post-Care

Charming nude man is feeling hurt in his body

Patients usually can return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. Some redness, swelling, and minor skin irritation similar to a mild sunburn may develop, but these effects typically subside in just a few days. Sun exposure before and after treatment should be avoided and a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher should be worn daily for a few weeks after the procedure. Once completely healed, ensure you wear at least a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every day to help protect your skin long-term from sun damage.

How many treatments are needed?

ResurFX is completed as a series of treatments. Typically, at least 3-4 treatments about one month apart are necessary to obtain optimum results, although this varies by the individual and their goal.

FAQ

What do I need to avoid before surgery?

If you are on “blood thinners,” you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. We also ask that you avoid certain over-the-counter medications. If you are taking some herbal supplements, you should stop those as well as they may contain blood thinning substances. Also, you have to completely quit smoking at least two weeks before surgery.

What about my daily medications before surgery?

You will have a preoperative appointment well in advance of your surgery when we will review all mediations with you. If you are on “blood thinners,” you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. We also ask that you avoid certain over-the-counter medications. You may continue taking most routine medications up until the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.

What happens after surgery?

You will go to the recovery room for a few hours until you are fully recovered from anesthesia. Once you are stable you will be taken home (or to a hotel) by your family member or a friend. You will want to stay relaxed for the first few days. You will need to keep your head elevated when in bed to help with faster resolution of swelling. You should begin to start walking, eating, and using the restroom the day after surgery. Your activity can slowly increase each day but it will take up to 2 weeks before you start to feel like your old self again. You should avoid any strenuous activity for 4 weeks. You will need to take medication prescribed to you by Dr. Ovchinsky, which usually include antibiotics, pain medicine, antibiotic ointment for the incisions, and occasionally anti-nausea medications.

Are there any dietary restrictions following surgery?

No. Patients can eat whatever they want. Advance your diet from liquids (fruit juice, milk shake, etc.) to soft food (pudding, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, oatmeal, pasta) to solids as tolerated. To prevent dehydration, please drink as much juices and nutritional fluid as possible.

When will my stitches be taken out?

Stitches are normally removed five to six days after your surgery.

How soon will I be able to exercise?

Dr. Ovchinsky recommends that patients do not return to exercise for three weeks after their procedure.

When will I be able to see the results?

You may see the difference right away, and more so once the swelling goes down within the first one to two weeks. As with any surgical procedure, it takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months for the results to become final.

What is special about the way Dr. Ovchinsky does the surgery?

Dr. Ovchinsky tailors his surgical technique to an individual patient rather than using the same “run of the mill” surgery on everybody. The technique he uses causes minimal pain, has natural results, and is long-lasting. The vast majority of patients are quite surprised afterward at how little discomfort they have and how quickly they return to normal activity. Most patients have minimal bruising. Finally, with Dr. Ovchinsky technique and attention to details during skin closure, scars are typically minimal and are often difficult to see once they have fully matured.