Introduction
Picosecond laser technology has emerged as a revolutionary solution in the field of dermatology and aesthetic treatments in New York City. With its ability to target a wide range of skin concerns, from tattoo removal to treating pigmented lesions and improving skin texture, it has become a highly sought - after treatment option. In this article, we will explore the top five hospitals in New York City that offer exceptional picosecond laser services.
Understanding Picosecond Laser
Picosecond lasers deliver short bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second. This ultra - short pulse duration allows for more rapid and effective clearing of unwanted pigments, such as tattoo ink and pigmented lesions. Compared to traditional lasers, picosecond lasers are less likely to cause damage to the surrounding skin, resulting in fewer side effects and a faster recovery time.
For example, the PicoSure™ laser, which is FDA - cleared for tattoo and pigmented lesion removal, has been shown to achieve over 80% overall tattoo clearance in a two - week period in clinical studies. On average, it can achieve 94% clearance for blue and green ink, which have been notoriously difficult to remove with other lasers.
Top Five Hospitals for Picosecond Laser in New York City
1. Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
This center is a pioneer in the field of picosecond laser technology. It was the first in New York to offer the FDA - cleared PicoSure™ laser for tattoo and pigmented lesion removal. The approval of the PicoSure™ laser by the FDA was based on the clinical work performed at this center under the direction of Dr. Roy G. Geronemus, which has been published in the Archives of Dermatology.
The board - certified physicians at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York have an extensive range of laser devices, allowing them to customize treatments for each patient. They use the PicoSure™ laser to treat a variety of conditions, including unwanted tattoos, pigmented lesions, acne scarring, age and brown spots, birthmarks, café - au - lait macules, melasma, nevus of ota, and stretch marks.
Treatment Process:
- Treatments are performed with local anesthesia and are only carried out by board - certified and fellowship - trained dermatologists.
- The handpiece of the PicoSure™ laser delivers laser energy into the dermal tissue to break down the pigments.
- Patients may experience mild redness and swelling for 1 - 2 days after treatment, but there is minimal downtime.
Patient Testimonials: Many patients have reported excellent results with significant reduction or elimination of their tattoos and pigmented lesions. The personalized approach and experienced medical staff have also been highly praised.
2. Dermatology and Laser Group
The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York offers the Picoway laser, which is considered the gold standard for tattoo removal. Dr. Arash Akhavan, a board - certified dermatologist and a nationally recognized expert and educator for laser procedures, leads the team at this center.
Dr. Akhavan has over 15 years of experience treating tattoos and is an assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He and his team combine laser and microneedling technologies to provide the best possible results for patients.
Treatment Process:
- The Picoway laser uses photomechanical pressure wave technology to break down tattoo ink into dust - like particles that can be easily eliminated by the body.
- Local anesthesia injection and cream are used to minimize pain during the procedure.
- Medical microneedling is added during the tattoo removal sessions to enhance the clearance of ink and restore skin texture more quickly.
Cost and Recovery: The cost of laser tattoo removal starts at $800 per session for tattoos under 20 square cm. Recovery time is about 1 week, and patients may experience side effects such as swelling, blistering, scabbing, redness, tenderness, and itching, which usually subside within a few days.
3. Weill Cornell Medicine - Israel Englander Department of Dermatology
Weill Cornell Medicine offers a comprehensive range of laser therapy services, including picosecond laser treatments. Their dermatologists use the most advanced laser technologies to treat a wide variety of dermatologic conditions.
The department has a 3 - wavelength picosecond laser (PicoWay) among its many laser devices. The dermatologists here are highly trained and experienced, ensuring accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment for each patient.
Conditions Treated:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Benign growths
- Unwanted hair
- Spider and varicose veins
- Wrinkles and other signs of aging
- Rosacea
- Scars and tattoo removal
Treatment Process:
- Patients first receive a comprehensive evaluation by a board - certified dermatologist to develop an effective laser therapy plan.
- All laser procedures are performed by experienced and highly trained dermatologists, ensuring both safety and efficacy.
4. William Lao, MD - Plastic Surgery
Dr. William Lao offers the PicoSure Pro, the world’s first 755 nm picosecond laser, in his New York City practice. This innovative technology targets unwanted pigment, wrinkles, acne scars, and enlarged pores with remarkable precision and minimal downtime.
Dr. Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in advanced cosmetic procedures. He has a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetic ideals of both eastern and western cultures and aims to create natural - looking results for his patients.
Treatment Process:
- Patients start with a consultation to discuss their skin concerns, medical history, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Lao then develops a personalized treatment plan.
- On the day of treatment, a topical numbing cream may be applied. The PicoSure Pro laser settings are adjusted to target specific skin concerns.
- Patients may experience a slight warming sensation during the procedure, and mild redness or swelling may occur after treatment, which typically subsides within a few hours to a day.
Benefits and Cost: The PicoSure Pro offers benefits such as effective pigment removal, reduced wrinkles and fine lines, acne scar treatment, and is safe for all skin types. The cost of treatments typically ranges from $400 to $1300 per session, depending on various factors.
5. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
This clinic offers the PicoSure® laser for skin resurfacing. The PicoSure® laser is a revolutionary treatment that requires no downtime and can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, arms, hands, legs, trunk, and back.
Dr. Levine at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC has an extensive inventory of lasers and can customize treatments to meet the specific needs of each patient. The PicoSure® laser can improve skin texture and tone, reduce wrinkles and acne scarring, and correct pigmentation issues.
Treatment Process:
- The procedure is an outpatient one performed in the office. A numbing cream may be used for patient comfort.
- The laser energy targets damaged skin at the surface and aging collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin.
- Patients may experience very mild redness for 1 - 4 hours after treatment and can return to their routine skin regimen immediately.
Results and Follow - up: Results from PicoSure® laser treatments are progressive. Pigment may start to fade approximately 2 weeks after the first treatment, and skin rejuvenating results are visible approximately 6 weeks after the fourth treatment, with optimal results apparent about 3 months after treatment.
Comparison of the Top Five Hospitals
Hospital Name | Laser Used | Main Treatments | Recovery Time | Cost Range | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York | PicoSure™ | Tattoos, pigmented lesions, acne scarring, etc. | Minimal (1 - 2 days of mild redness and swelling) | Not specified | First in NY to offer FDA - cleared PicoSure™, published clinical work |
Dermatology and Laser Group | Picoway | Tattoo removal | About 1 week | Starts at $800 per session for tattoos under 20 square cm | Combines laser and microneedling, experienced expert Dr. Arash Akhavan |
Weill Cornell Medicine - Israel Englander Department of Dermatology | 3 - wavelength picosecond laser (PicoWay) and others | Acne, scars, unwanted hair, etc. | Not specified | Not specified | Comprehensive range of laser therapies, experienced dermatologists |
William Lao, MD - Plastic Surgery | PicoSure Pro | Pigmentation, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores | A few hours to a day of mild redness or swelling | $400 - $1300 per session | World’s first 755 nm picosecond laser, double - board - certified surgeon |
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC | PicoSure® | Skin resurfacing, pigmentation, acne scarring | 1 - 4 hours of mild redness | Not specified | No downtime, can be used on multiple body parts |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Picosecond Laser Treatment
1. Expertise of the Medical Staff: Ensure that the hospital has board - certified and experienced dermatologists or plastic surgeons who are well - versed in picosecond laser technology. Look for medical professionals who have published research or have received specialized training in this area.
2. Range of Treatments Offered: If you have multiple skin concerns, choose a hospital that offers a wide range of picosecond laser treatments, such as tattoo removal, skin resurfacing, and treatment of pigmented lesions.
3. Reputation and Patient Reviews: Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the hospital's success rate, patient satisfaction, and the quality of care provided. You can also check if the hospital has received any awards or recognitions in the field of dermatology or aesthetic treatments.
4. Cost and Insurance: Consider the cost of the treatment and whether your insurance covers picosecond laser procedures. Some hospitals may offer payment plans or discounts, so it's worth inquiring about these options.
5. Technology and Equipment: Look for a hospital that uses the latest and most advanced picosecond laser technology. Newer devices often offer better results, fewer side effects, and a more comfortable treatment experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a plethora of excellent options for picosecond laser treatments. The top five hospitals mentioned in this article - Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, Dermatology and Laser Group, Weill Cornell Medicine - Israel Englander Department of Dermatology, William Lao, MD - Plastic Surgery, and Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC - all have their unique strengths and specializations. Whether you're looking to remove a tattoo, improve your skin texture, or treat pigmented lesions, these hospitals can provide high - quality and effective picosecond laser treatments.
If you're considering picosecond laser treatment, take the time to research each hospital, schedule consultations, and discuss your concerns and goals with the medical staff. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the hospital that is best suited for your needs. We encourage you to share this article with others who may be interested in picosecond laser treatments in New York City and explore further by scheduling a consultation at one of these top - rated hospitals.