Ablation means the removal of tissue. Ablative lasers, such as CO2 or Erbium, essentially vaporize the epidermis, the top layer of skin, leaving a person’s face raw and red for several weeks. On the positive side, when the tissue finally regenerates, it’s often firmer and smoother than it was previously, with fewer wrinkles. However, there’s a possibility that during the healing process, you might experience an alteration in your melanin, either developing too much or too little. I’m not a big proponent of this type of resurfacing, both because of its considerable recovery period and its occasional tendency to create discoloration and scarring. What’s the point of having a lineless face if you have to cover it with foundation every time you go outside? When you are considering this protocol, you’ll need to weigh its beauty benefits against its pigmentation risks. The patches you end up with could be worse than the wrinkle you had.
1001 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028 | Located across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art | Telephone: 212-452-2200
Dr. Michelle Copeland, Plastic Surgeon, New York City
Cosmetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
