The Ultimate Guide to Laser Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are booming, but what do they really do? We asked Dr Kate Jameson, founder and medical director of Youth Lab, Australia’s leading medical aesthetics clinic specialising in non-surgical aesthetics and skin rejuvenation, to explain which laser does what, along with how best to address common skin issues.

Lasers have been used in aesthetic medicine for decades with continued advancement in technology and new indications for treatments.

Gone are the days of having a laser treatment and having to hide away for weeks on end with a swollen, red and peeling face. From the original fully ablative (ie removing full layers of skin) CO2 lasers to the game-changer fractionated laser Fraxel, there have been huge advancements since then in the technology and results that are often immediate with no downtime.

Lasers can treat an extensive number of skin conditions, from skin rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, wrinkle reduction, pigmentation, vascular conditions, scarring, capillaries—all while ensuring your skin remains intact and healthy during the process.

Because lasers are so versatile and vary in so many ways on how they affect the skin, it can be hard to know where to begin when researching a treatment. Here is a simple guide on some of the most popular laser treatments and what common skin concerns they treat.

THE TREATMENT

Clear V Vascular Laser

What is it?

Sciton Clear V Vascular Laser, the most powerful and advanced vascular laser available. Clear V laser vein removal is an effective way to treat unwanted capillaries, or “broken vessels”, “spider veins” and other stubborn vessels located on the face and body, resulting in clear, even and bright, healthy-looking skin.

How does it work?

Vascular lasers treat conditions associated with broken or abnormal blood vessels by very selectively targeting haemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells. The Clear V emits a unique, high-power laser beam that is absorbed by the targeted blood vessels without affecting the surrounding tissues. The Clear V laser uses a 1064nm wavelength and has been designed to make treatments easy, consistent and comfortable for providers and patients.

Does it hurt?

With each pulse of the laser, a small pinprick and mild heat will be experienced; smaller vessels can be almost painless while larger vessels will have a deeper hot flick or hot “zip” feel. This sensation only lasts for the pulse and subsides immediately. In some cases, vessels can immediately appear to disappear; however, it does require two to six weeks to fully break down and eventually clear away. The Clear V treatment is suitable for all skin types and is non-invasive, resulting in little to no downtime post-procedure.

How many treatments?

Achieved results can last from six-to-eighteen months, in some cases permanently; however, it varies according to each individual circumstance. Maintenance treatments are recommended in three-to-twelve-month intervals or as needed. Managing your specific triggers can help maintain results; additionally, wearing SPF daily, including good quality topical vitamin C in your skincare routine, and avoiding aggressive over-exfoliation will also help maintain results.

THE TREATMENT

Ablative Fractional Resurfacing (HALO Hybrid Fractional Laser)

What is it?

The Halo Laser is the world’s first in fractional resurfacing. Using both ablative (removing layers of skin) and non-ablative (keeping the skin surface intact), it is a game-changer for sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sunspots and scarring. The Halo glow is evident within days with results continuing for many months after treatment.

How does it work?

The Halo uses two wavelengths of laser light to resurface the skin at a superficial level and penetrate deeply to stimulate collagen production and target deep sun damage. Using an ablative wavelength to remove damaged skin cells from the surface allows an accelerated healing time through these microchannels. With older traditional fractionated lasers, healing was at least seven days and quite uncomfortable. With Halo, the downtime can be tailored to your schedule, and by day five many are already showing signs of glowing and healthier skin.

It is used on all skin types and in higher-risk skin settings can be modified for safety.

Does it hurt?

Yes and no. Your practitioner will apply topical numbing cream to minimise the pain. The Halo has inbuilt cooling systems and skin temperature control to ensure safety and comfort throughout the session. It gives a heat sensation that can remain post-treatment but can be minimised by cooling masks and cool air. There can be some post-treatment discomfort such as swelling, redness, tenderness and dryness, which is minimised by the correct use of your aftercare products.

How many treatments?

Generally, one treatment is all that is needed for the Halo Glow. Those with more severe skin conditions such as poor skin texture, deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and scarring may require a course of three treatments spaced four-to-six weeks apart. Halo is perfect to do each year as part of your maintenance anti-ageing regime.

THE TREATMENT

Clear Silk Non-ablative skin rejuvenation

What is it?

The Clear Silk is the go-to laser for clear skin, reduced wrinkles and overall luminosity. This non-ablative treatment is gentle and, with regular treatments, can result in a noticeable decrease in fine lines and deeper wrinkles. Clear silk can also treat pigmentation, scarring, redness and gives an overall skin revitalization.

How does it work?

The Clear Silk uses a non-ablative 1064nm laser, delivering a micropulse of laser energy to gently heat the skin in the dermal layers. This stimulates fibroblast cells to simulate the skin’s repair system and in turn produce more collagen and elastin. By depositing heat deep within the skin, the surface of the skin and surrounding tissues are protected from damage, meaning less downtime and less risk than more intense laser treatments. Deep heating of the skin also increases oxygen supply to the cells, resulting in natural rejuvenation.

Does it hurt?

Not at all. The Clear Silk Laser facial is comfortable and is often reported as feeling like warm raindrops over the face. There is no downtime or discomfort after the treatment also, and you can return to your normal routine, including going out in the sun and exercising, immediately afterwards.

How many treatments?

A course of treatments is recommended for the best results, usually every two weeks for six treatments. For severely sun-damaged skin, persistent redness, deeper scars and wrinkles, multiple treatments may be required.

THE TREATMENT

Fully Ablative Skin Resurfacing (eg CO2 or Erbium Laser)

What is it?

Fully ablative lasers are the most aggressive, and most effective, treatments for wrinkles, sun damage and scarring. They are not for the faint-hearted though and can come with considerable downtime and are at higher risk. Fully ablative lasers include Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium gas lasers. These are powerful lasers used in all aspects of laser medicine and can be used to cut and vaporise the tissue. They are used in surgery to cut the skin as well as deep laser resurfacing.

How does it work?

Erbium and CO2 release a long wavelength of light. They both have a peak absorption of water in the skin, which means that they remove all of the skin with high concentrations of water (eg superficial skin). They are used to ablate the skin and remove damaged superficial skin at the surface. They can also penetrate deeper to stimulate collagen formation and are used for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing for wrinkles, scars and textural problems.

Does it hurt?

In simple terms, yes. However, anaesthetic is often used (sometimes general anaesthetic for intensive treatments). The recovery can be prolonged with open oozing wounds on the skin, followed by raw skin, redness and dryness as the skin regenerates. Residual redness and sensitivity can last for a few months, but the results are worth the long recovery.

How many treatments?

Generally, only one treatment is needed with these intensive treatments.

For more, visit youthlab.com.au