Ablative resurfacing laser
Treatment Time
30-60 minutes
Numbing
1-2 hours
Discomfort
Moderate
Recovery Time
7-14 days
Service Overview
Laser resurfacing is often referred to as “fully ablative laser resurfacing” and involves the thermal ablation of the upper layers of the skin. An ablative laser such as the Carbon dioxide or Erbium:YAG laser can be used to reach the deep skin (dermis) which has the effect of removing old sundamaged and wrinkled skin and also stimulating new collagen production. This process is called collagen neogenesis. The new collagen improves the texture of the skin by reversing the effects of ageing and sun damage. The improvement process that is started with this laser treatment can take 6-12 months to complete, so patients can expect to see the gradual improvement in the appearance of their skin over the course of that time.
What To Expect
A consult with our dermatologist will ensure this is the right option for your desired outcomes and that your skin. When booking your treatment date you’ll need to plan for a whole morning or afternoon in the clinic, and you’ll need a responsible adult to escort you home. When you arrive for your treatment, numbing cream will be applied to the area being treated and needs two hours to reach the optimal level for this treatment. Other pain killers can be administered, including oral analgesia, anaesthetic injections and other medications. This will be discussed with you prior to the treatment. Your treatment time will depend on the size of the area being treated.
How To Prepare
Patients should prepare to have 1 week at home, with no responsibilities, after your treatment. We suggest the second week after treatment is left open, in case you require more down time, as healing time can vary. Avoid unprotected sun exposure and fake tanning products for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment. Do not wear contact lenses, valuable jewellery or make-up, including lipstick and mascara, on treatment day. Wear comfortable clothing. Make sure you have a responsible adult to collect you after treatment as you may be unable to safely drive after treatment.
Aftercare
The surface of your skin will be red and swollen, raw and weepy during the first week after treatment. You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your skin during this time, and you’ll be given sample products to use over the first day or two, for convenience. You may shower or bathe as normal. It’s advisable to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after treatment, to limit swelling and puffiness. Your skin will be pink for many weeks after treatment. However make-up can be worn after the first week, if desired. SPF 50+ should be worn whenever you are outside, after the first week, during which you should avoid the sun.
The Benefits
- Improvement can be seen after the initial healing period, but continues for 6-12 months as new collagen is produced.
- Skin is smoother, brighter and more youthful looking
- Wrinkles, sun spots and other pigmentation are significantly reduced
- Long-term results
Before and After
FAQs
Are there follow-up reviews or treatments recommended?
You’ll return to the clinic after 1 week for review and to ensure your skin is healing well. Ongoing skin care will be discussed with you at this time.
A review of your skin at 12 months post-treatment is advised, during which the dermatologist and treating laser specialist will determine whether a further treatment would produce even better results.
What does this treatment feel like?
The sensation of laser treatments varies from patient to patient. While this is a significant treatment our medical team use the latest and safest medications to ensure that this procedure does not cause you any distress, including numbing cream, oral analgesia, injectable anaesthetics and sedation medication.
How much does ablative laser resurfacing cost?
The cost of your treatment will vary depending on the size of the area being treated. As a guide, ablative resurfacing begins at $1250.
What are the possible risks of ablative laser resurfacing?
As with any laser treatment, some risk does exist, though lasers are considered very safe treatments for skin conditions.
- Post treatment your skin will be raw and may ooze with a pale yellow fluid and it may bleed. It will also be red and swollen over the first 7-10 days. Once healed, the skin will remain red/pink for a number of weeks, or occasionally months. These are normal recovery times for this procedure and are temporary. Your clinician will be happy to discuss these expectations with you in detail.
- Hypo-pigmentation (fading of the colour of skin). This is very uncommon.
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the colour of the skin). May occur in darker skin types. The dermatologist will consider whether this is a risk for your skin during your consult.
- Incomplete removal of lesions, damaged skin and/or wrinkles. We cannot completely guarantee the degree of improvement.
- Uneven colour or texture of the skin. Very uncommon
- Herpes simplex (cold sores). Very uncommon.
- Infection. Very rare.
- Scarring. Very rare.
Are my eyes safe during laser treatment?
Your eyes will be kept safe using either moist gauze or intra-ocular eye shields.
Love the skin you’re in
At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, we’re committed to providing the most effective treatments for your skin, with the utmost safety, for the whole family. That’s why the first step of every treatment is a review by our dermatologist, Dr Terence Poon. Make your appointment today to love the skin you’re in.
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