Introduction
Fractional laser technology has revolutionized the field of dermatology and plastic surgery, offering effective solutions for various skin concerns such as acne scars, sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are numerous doctors who specialize in fractional laser treatments. This article aims to sort out the top 5 doctors for fractional laser technology in New York City, based on their expertise, experience, patient reviews, and the range of services they offer.
Understanding Fractional Laser Technology
Fractional laser technology works by creating controlled micro - injuries in the skin. When the fractional laser's energy penetrates the skin, it creates tiny columns of thermal damage. These micro - injuries are precisely spaced apart, leaving surrounding tissues intact. The body recognizes this damage and initiates a repair process. During this process, fibroblast cells in the dermis are stimulated to produce new collagen, and in some cases elastin. As new collagen is formed, it gradually fills in the areas of damage, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks, and other skin imperfections. The beauty of fractional laser resurfacing lies in its ability to achieve significant results while minimizing downtime, as the untreated areas of the skin promote faster healing and reduce the risk of side effects, as compared to non - fractional lasers.
The Top 5 Doctors for Fractional Laser Technology in New York City
1. Dr. Michele Green
Overview
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board - certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience. She is consistently voted one of NYC’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. At her private dermatology office in NYC’s upper east side neighborhood, she offers the Fraxel dual laser, which operates on two distinct wavelengths to target a myriad of skin concerns and provide optimal rejuvenation results.
Expertise in Fractional Laser
Dr. Green often refers to the Fraxel dual as the ‘magic eraser’ because it can address a wide range of skin conditions. The 1550 nm wavelength is utilized to address issues related to skin texture, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and surgical scars, while the 1927 nm wavelength is for issues related to skin tone, including sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. She has the expertise to craft customized treatment plans for each patient, taking into account their particular skin concerns and aesthetic goals.
Patient Reviews
Patients praise Dr. Green for her holistic approach and personalized care. Many have reported significant improvements in their skin tone, texture, and overall appearance after undergoing Fraxel laser treatments with her. For example, some patients have noticed a reduction in acne scars and a more youthful - looking complexion.
2. Dr. Arash Akhavan
Overview
Dr. Arash Akhavan is a board - certified dermatologist at the Dermatology and Laser Group in NYC. The clinic is one of the top destinations in New York City for fractional laser skin resurfacing procedures. All laser skin resurfacing procedures at the clinic are performed by Dr. Akhavan, assuring patients of the safest and most effective treatment possible.
Expertise in Fractional Laser
Dr. Akhavan has over 15 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is a key opinion leader and educator for multiple laser device companies. The clinic has multiple laser resurfacing devices, allowing for customizable treatments. For example, they offer the Picoway Resolve, which uses ultrashort picosecond pulses for skin rejuvenation and pigmentation improvement; the ResurFX, a non - ablative fractional resurfacing laser suitable for patients with medium to lighter skin tones; and the Acupulse CO2 laser, considered the gold standard in laser skin resurfacing for patients with lighter skin tones.
Patient Reviews
Patients appreciate Dr. Akhavan's experience and the clinic's advanced technology. They have reported smooth procedures, relatively short recovery times, and excellent results in terms of improved skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and faded scars.
3. Dr. William Lao
Overview
Dr. William Lao is a double - board plastic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face & body. His office in Manhattan offers a revolutionary laser skin resurfacing treatment with fractional CO2 for New York City patients.
Expertise in Fractional Laser
Dr. Lao has over a decade of experience helping patients reach their aesthetic goals. The fractional CO2 laser treatment offered at his office creates healthier and more youthful - looking skin with very minimal downtime. It can address a wide range of flaws and imperfections, including age spots, dull - looking skin, irregular pigmentation, scarring, sun damage, and wrinkles. He is also able to combine fractional CO2 laser treatments with other skin care services to complement the results.
Patient Reviews
Patients are highly satisfied with Dr. Lao's bedside manner and the results of their fractional CO2 laser treatments. Many have reported firmer, more youthful - looking skin and an improvement in their skin texture and tone after the treatment.
4. Dr. Bruce Katz
Overview
Dr. Bruce Katz is the medical director at Juva Skin & Laser Center in NYC. He has been recognized by New York Magazine "Castle Connolly" as a top New York doctor for the 14th year in a row. He offers a wide range of advanced laser treatments at the center.
Expertise in Fractional Laser
Dr. Katz uses the latest FDA - approved lasers to tailor laser surgeries to patients' skin types. His laser treatments can address a variety of skin conditions such as localized fat deposits, cellulite, deep lines and wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, acne scars, port wine stains, and spider veins. He is able to provide reliable and fast results with minimal downtime.
Patient Reviews
Patients value Dr. Katz's expertise and the center's state - of - the - art facilities. They have reported noticeable improvements in their skin conditions after undergoing laser treatments, and appreciate the personalized treatment plans.
5. Dr. Sam Rizk
Overview
Dr. Sam Rizk is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon. He offers the latest rapid recovery laser for wrinkles, sunspots, discoloration, and skin tightening at NY Cortex Laser.
Expertise in Fractional Laser
Dr. Rizk uses the innovative cortex laser system, which is the first skin resurfacing laser system to include both a CO2 and Er:YAG (erbium YAG) laser in the same console. The dual wavelengths allow him to perform skin resurfacing procedures on a variety of skin types and for a variety of skin conditions. He can also combine laser resurfacing with other procedures such as facelifts, eye lifts, rhinoplasties, or brow lifts.
Patient Reviews
Patients are impressed with Dr. Rizk's skills and the results of his laser resurfacing treatments. They have reported smoother skin, reduced pigmentation, and improved skin tightening after the procedures. Many patients also appreciate the relatively short recovery time.
Comparison of the Top 5 Doctors
| Doctor | Specialty | Fractional Laser Type | Notable Features | Patient Reviews Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michele Green | Dermatology | Fraxel dual laser | Customized treatment plans, international recognition, experience in non - invasive rejuvenation | Significant skin improvement, holistic approach |
| Dr. Arash Akhavan | Dermatology | Picoway Resolve, ResurFX, Acupulse CO2 laser | Multiple laser options, experienced in aesthetic procedures, early access to new technologies | Short recovery time, excellent results |
| Dr. William Lao | Plastic surgery | Fractional CO2 laser | Combination with other skin care services, personalized procedure plans | Firmer skin, improved texture and tone |
| Dr. Bruce Katz | Dermatology | Latest FDA - approved lasers | Tailored treatments for various skin conditions, fast and reliable results | Noticeable skin improvements, personalized care |
| Dr. Sam Rizk | Facial plastic surgery | Cortex laser system | Dual - wavelength laser, combination with other surgeries, short treatment time | Smoother skin, reduced pigmentation, short recovery |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fractional Laser Doctor
- Expertise and Experience: Look for doctors who are board - certified in dermatology or plastic surgery and have extensive experience in performing fractional laser treatments. A doctor with more experience is likely to have better skills and knowledge in handling different skin types and conditions.
- Range of Laser Technologies: A good doctor should have access to a variety of fractional laser technologies to offer customized treatments based on your specific skin concerns. Different lasers may be more effective for different skin problems, such as acne scars, sun damage, or wrinkles.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences with the doctor. Positive reviews can indicate good patient care, successful treatment outcomes, and a high level of patient satisfaction.
- Bedside Manner: The doctor's bedside manner is important as it can affect your comfort during the consultation and treatment process. A doctor who listens to your concerns, explains the treatment options clearly, and makes you feel at ease is more likely to provide a positive experience.
- Cost and Insurance: Consider the cost of the fractional laser treatments and whether your insurance covers any part of it. It's also important to compare the prices of different doctors, but remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and results.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the best doctors in the field of fractional laser technology. Dr. Michele Green, Dr. Arash Akhavan, Dr. William Lao, Dr. Bruce Katz, and Dr. Sam Rizk are among the top 5 doctors, each with their own unique expertise, experience, and approach to fractional laser treatments. When choosing a doctor for fractional laser treatment, it's important to consider factors such as expertise, the range of laser technologies available, patient reviews, bedside manner, and cost. By doing thorough research and consulting with multiple doctors, you can find the one who is best suited to meet your skin concerns and aesthetic goals.
If you're interested in fractional laser treatments, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of these top doctors. Read more about fractional laser technology and related topics to stay informed about the latest advancements in the field. And don't forget to share this article with others who may be interested in fractional laser treatments in New York City.
