Laser Resurfacing

Dr. Duffy has performed laser resurfacing since 1995, producing successful results for hundreds of patients. He brings a wealth of technical skills and imperical knowledge, enhanced by the training he offers for other physicians and by the workshops he attends. Resurfacing with our CO2 Laser is an excellent way to treat pitted scars, crows feet and sharp lines around the mouth, nose, and eyes. The laser uses tiny bursts of light to vaporize thickened, irregular and discolored surface skin on the face and chest. In addition to leveling the skin’s crevasses, laser resurfacing often confers the bonus benefit of overall tightening and firming of the underlying tissue. Small spot procedures can be done with just a local anesthetic or numbing. Full face resurfacing requires nerve blocks or general anesthetic. Aftercare and recuperative downtime will vary with the extent of the treatment; 2 to 4 weeks is average. All the details of what to expect are discussed at your Pre-Treatment Consultation. Care following resurfacing generally involves the applications of ointments and dressings and follow-up visits to check progress and manage side effects. Laser resurfacing can also be combined with other resurfacing modalities such as peels, dermal fillers, etc. As always, Dr. Duffy will plan a comprehensive and integrated treatment schedule for you according to your needs, goals and lifestyle.

The Versa Pulse Laser is a huge step forward in the development of technologies to treat pigmented lesions (cafe-au-lait spots, solar lentigines, birthmarks) which result from excess melanin in the skin’s cells. Treatment is relatively quick, comfortable; it feels like numerous snaps with a rubber band. Most patients require no anesthesia. Topical numbing is available for sensitive skins. Side effects are minor and short-lived. Small birthmarks and lentigines may take as little as one or two 30-minute sessions. Larger “cafe-au-lait” spots will take more. Sessions are spaced roughly 6 weeks apart. With the laser, tattoo treatment is more controllable, effective, comfortable and less assaultive on the skin than older methods. By dialing in the laser’s light to target ink by color, a tattoo, created by embedding ink in the cells of the dermis, can be vaporized and absorbed by the body. Aftereffects are minor--redness, light crusting or tenderness. You will receive comprehensive instructions for aftercare. Sunscreen is a must! Dr. Duffy is a specialist in the treatment of depressed scars produced by disease, trauma and old surgeries. Using a range of therapies, scars can be minimized and at times, completely erased.