Laser Skin Resurfacing (Fraxel & PicoWay)

Dr. Ostad's practice operates a suite of laser platforms including Fraxel CO2, Fraxel Dual (Restore), Clear + Brilliant, and PicoWay picosecond laser. These devices address sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation irregularities, and skin texture. Treatment intensity is matched to patient needs — from lunchtime Clear + Brilliant sessions to more aggressive Fraxel CO2 resurfacing for significant photoaging. The right device and protocol are selected at consultation based on skin type, Fitzpatrick scale, and downtime tolerance.

Laser resurfacing at Dr. Ariel Ostad's Upper East Side Manhattan clinic spans a range of technologies from ultra-gentle fractional treatments to more aggressive ablative resurfacing, allowing precisely calibrated interventions across the spectrum of photoaging severity and patient downtime tolerance. Fraxel Dual (Restore) operates on two wavelengths — 1550 nm (non-ablative, penetrates deeper for collagen remodelling) and 1927 nm (targets superficial pigmentation and sun damage). It is a gold-standard treatment for melasma, sunspots, actinic keratoses, and mild-to-moderate wrinkles, with three to five days of redness and mild peeling. Results continue developing over three months as new collagen matures. Fraxel CO2 is an ablative fractional laser delivering greater energy to resurface the outer skin layer while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing than traditional full-field CO2 resurfacing. It addresses deeper wrinkles, more advanced photoaging, and texture issues that non-ablative wavelengths cannot fully reach. Downtime is five to seven days, and the effect is more dramatic — producing results that previously required full ablative resurfacing. Clear + Brilliant is a gentler fractional laser suited to maintenance and early photoaging prevention. It is popular with patients in their 30s and early 40s seeking regular skin quality upkeep with minimal downtime of one to two days. PicoWay is a picosecond laser delivering ultra-short pulses that shatter pigment particles into finer fragments for more efficient clearance of unwanted pigmentation, tattoos, and acne scarring. The Resolve fractional handpiece extends its application to textural irregularities and general skin refinement. Its ultra-short pulse duration minimises thermal side effects and makes it safer for a broader range of skin tones compared to nanosecond lasers. All laser treatments are performed in-office with topical anaesthetic. Sunscreen use and sun avoidance are essential pre- and post-treatment. Treatment plans and intervals are customised based on skin type assessment during consultation with Dr. Ostad.