Laser treatments

Laser resurfacing is a permanent solution to improving skin quality and texture. It works by removing the upper layers of the skin to make way for healthy new skin. It also causes increased collagen production in the skin to decrease wrinkles and give a more youthful appearance to the skin.

Generally only one treatment is required. However, patients with deep acne scars or wrinkles may opt to have a second treatment to improve results further.

It is important to have a good knowledge of the various dermal fillers that are available and their properties. They vary in the degree of lift they produce in the tissue, the stiffness (or softness) they produce in the tissue, the degree of hydration and their longevity. It is important to consider what if trying to be achieved in choosing the best type of filler for a particular patient. In a younger patient where volume is the main aim and where there is already good existing structure, a softer filler is ideal. In contrast, when we are trying to re-create structure in the lip as well as volume we would choose something with slightly more structure.

Patients will be welcomed to the clinic and have a topical numbing gel applied to the treatment area. They will be provided with oral pain medication to ensure that the treatment is as comfortable as possible. The laser resurfacing procedure will be provided by Dr. Scott, a Cosmetic Physician with extensive experience in ablative laser. After the treatment a post-procedure balm and the patient will be picked up from a clinic by a friend or family member. The whole experience in clinic will be around 2 hours, but the procedure itself is only 30 minutes.

As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks to consider. All patients will have some bleeding and swelling immediately after the procedure in the area treated. The skin will be red and flaky for the next week as the skin heals and new collagen is laid down. There can be some discomfort and ‘tight’ feeling to the skin during this time. Very rarely and infection can occur that requires antibiotics. There is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the area treated – this risk is higher in darker skin individuals.