Clear and Brilliant Laser

What is the Clear and Brilliant Fractional laser and how does it work?

The C and B laser provides non-ablative skin resurfacing and is a gentler alternative to a full resurfacing laser for example Fraxel ® laser resulting in minimal to no downtime, minimal discomfort and less risk of complications. It is a treatment option for those who wanting a gradual improvement in their skin texture without interruption to everyday life and is also great for maintenance of healthy, younger skin. It is recommended for darker skin types to reduce the risk of complications like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How does it work?

The Laser uses microbeams to create columns of coagulation in the dermis whilst leaving the epidermis (top layer of the skin) intact. The surrounding tissue that is not affected by the laser microbeams is also unaffected which results in faster healing and reduced risk of complications. These areas that are targeted by the laser microbeams undergo healing and with this healing process, create new collagen and elastin which are the building blocks of younger, healthy skin.

What areas can be treated?

The Clear and Brilliant laser can be used on the face and most areas of the body including the neck, chest, and hands.

What skin conditions can be treated?

• Fine lines and mild wrinkles
• Thin, crepey skin
• Pigment irregularities and melasma
• Acne and other types of scarring
• Sun damage
• Facial redness

What does the treatment involve?

An initial skin consultation to formulate a treatment plan and to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. Dr Marr may advise that a skin cancer check be carried out prior to embarking on your treatment. A home skin care plan may also be implemented at the time of consultation. For the treatment itself, it will take approximately 20 minutes for the whole face and neck. A numbing cream will be applied to ensure client comfort. At the completion of the treatment, a cool compress can be applied to reduce discomfort. You are advised to bring a hat to protect your skin.

How will my skin look after the treatment?

You skin will experience redness and mild swelling lasting 2-72 hours It may also feel warm for a few hours after the treatment. You will be advised to apply cooling gel at home to calm your skin. You may also experience some roughness of the skin for a few days (may be longer for off face areas)

What are the potential complications of the treatment?

Complications are rare but the following may occur:

• Pigmentation changes – hypo or hyperpigmentation
• Freckles may disappear
• Acne breakouts
• Cold sores breakout

How do I prepare my skin?

A home care regimen will be started by Dr Marr at the time of consultation.

How many treatments do I need?

A series of at least 3-4 treatments at forthnightly or monthly intervals depending on your skin condition and the desired outcome. New collagen deposition will occur over the following 2-3 months and improvement will continue for up to 6 months after your treatment.

How much does it cost?

Please refer to Price List for full costing.

What does LASER mean?

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers work by generating a concentrated stream of light to treat different conditions ranging from skin resurfacing, hair removal, tattoo removal, blood vessel ablation to name a few. The conditions that lasers treat is dependent on the wavelength of the laser. For skin resurfacing alone, there are 2 types of lasers:

1. Ablative laser
2. Non ablative laser

What is the difference between Ablative and Non Ablative Laser for skin resurfacing?

Non-ablative treatments target the lower layers of skin (dermis), while leaving the skin’s surface (epidermis) unharmed and intact. The term “fractional” laser refers to the laser’s microbeams to create columns of coagulation in the dermis surrounded by normal tissue which results in faster healing Ablative laser resurfacing targets both the surface and the lower layers of skin by “ablating” or “vaporising” the skin. A non ablative laser can provide results similar to ablative laser. However, more sessions are required with a non ablative laser. Both types of laser stimulate collagen and elastin production resulting in younger, smoother and healthier skin. Both types of lasers improve fine to moderate wrinkles, skin discolouration, facial redness and scarring. Some types of lasers are also approved for “off face” treatment for stretch marks. Ablative resurfacing lasers can make significant improvement to deep wrinkles, sun damage and skin discoloration after 1 treatment. However the disadvantages are significant downtime of a few weeks with swelling, scabbing and oozing of the skin. Ablative lasers are also more painful and may require light sedation for clients to tolerate the procedure. There is also an increased risk of long term hypo or hyperpigmentation of the skin, infection and scarring. Non-ablative lasers have none of the side effects associated with ablative resurfacing. However, non-ablative resurfacing doesn’t produce the same dramatic results as ablative resurfacing lasers. Results are more subtle and at least 3 treatments are required for noticeable outcome. The advantage for non-ablative resurfacing is its minimal downtime of a few hours to days of facial redness or sunburn like reaction. Non ablative laser treatments are relatively comfortable procedures and clients can resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment.

IS there a “best” Laser?

There really isn’t a best laser. When choosing a laser procedure for your skin rejuvenation, consider factors such as what your skin concerns are, what you can afford in terms of downtime, whether or not the laser (or IPL) machine is TGA approved (TGA stands for Therapuetic Goods of Australia which monitors all medicines and medical devices in Australia) and the qualifications of the laser practitioner. In NSW, there is no legislation with regards to who can operate a laser / IPL machine. In essence, if an individual can afford to purchase one, they are allowed to use it with no medical or nursing qualifications. Other factors for consideration are the claims made by the laser practitioner. Like all aesthetic procedures, there are limitations to what laser resurfacing can achieve. For example, if you have severe volume loss, laser resurfacing will not re-volumise your skin. To achieve the best results, a multi-targeted and holistic approach is needed. Of course, none of these procedures will provide long lasting great results if you ignore your daily skin care routine and sun protection.

Clear and Brilliant Laser is suitable for treating the following concerns: