We all know the power of lasers to improve skin. Though with such a wide variety of laser treatments available, it can be difficult to choose which is the best choice of laser treatment for you.
There are many factors tobe considered when choosing a skin resurfacing laser treatment. Firstly, are you currently in good health? What outcome are you hoping for? What is your main concern (pigment, texture, wrinkles, redness etc)? What is your skin type? What are your main concerns about laser treatments? And, importantly, how much downtime can you afford to invest to achieve the result you want?
Ablative versus Non-Ablative Lasers
Essentially lasers can be divided into two broad categories; ablative and non-ablative. Non-ablative laser treatments for skin are less invasive and require less downtime than ablative treatments. However, for dramatic, beautiful results, you may require more than one treatment of a non-ablative laser resurfacing, to have a comparable result of one ablative laser treatment.
Some of the typical concerns that patients want to address include unsightly acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, overly large pores and other visible signs of ageing that make you feel less confident and less attractive. These are some of the specific concerns that an ablative skin resurfacing laser treatment can successfully address – in one treatment.
Dr Manoharan’s Signature “10 year Flashback” Treatment
The Brisbane Skin signature CO2 Laser Resurfacing is an ablative laser treatment that achieves dramatically beautiful results. This treatment may not be suitable for everyone, but for those patients that it is recommended for, it is the gold standard of laser treatments available on the market, world-wide.
The CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatment – What you can expect
Dr Manoharan of the Brisbane Skin Clinic, uses the Lumenis Ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser. This is one of the latest and most technically advanced CO2 lasers available anywhere in the world. The CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is performed on an outpatient basis in the laser suites at Brisbane Skin. When you arrive for your treatment, you will be greeted by a nurse and topical anaesthetic will be applied. Following that, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned and you will be given protective eye gear to wear. If required, you may also be given anaesthetic injections, and light sedation. You will not be undergoing a general anaesthesia, but you may be very sedated to ensure that you are very comfortable.
Once your skin is numb, Dr Manoharan will direct the ablative laser’s intense beam of light onto the treatment areas. The light destroys the outer layer (epidermis) of your damaged skin while simultaneously heating the underlying skin (dermis), causing collagen fibres to remodel. A typical ablative laser skin resurfacing session lasts from 30 minutes to one hour, depending primarily on the size of the treatment area.
When the treatment is complete, most patients feel that their skin is itchy, swollen and raw looking. In some instances, the treated area might ooze a yellowish liquid. This is completely normal, so don’t be alarmed. However, it is very important that you do not pick at the affected area because it may cause scarring or infection.
Before you go home, the professional medical staff at Brisbane Skin will gently and carefully apply a thick ointment to your skin. If appropriate, the area will be covered with a dressing or balaclava. You will be given detailed instructions by your nurse on how to care for your skin, along with prescribed appropriate painkillers, anti-viral and antibiotic tablets, plus a skin care pack to use at home.
While you’re recovering, you will want to follow all instructions and keep the treated area clean and apply a protective ointment to advance the healing process.
The Results
The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Rejuvenation is considered the industry gold standard. It is an intensive treatment that can require up to two weeks downtime – but – it is a one-off treatment and the results are worth it.
Expect to see clearer, fresher, more youthful and rejuvenated skin. Gone are the fine lines, even many of the deeper lines will disappear. Your pores will be smaller, any acne scars will be softened, often to the point of invisible. The treatment is a journey that is not for everyone, but for those wishing for a dramatically more youthful, fresher skin, you cannot choose a better treatment than Dr Manoharan’s signature offering, the “10 Year Flashback” CO2 laser resurfacing.
You can contact Brisbane Skin’s team of experts by phone on 07 3160 3330 to learn what their expert team can do to beautify your skin and refresh your appearance with ablative lasers for skin rejuvenation.
