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Laser skin resurfacing for acne
What is laser skin resurfacing? What can it do for you?
Laser resurfacing is extremely effective for acne scarring because it has the ability to remove the built-up layers of dead skin and scar tissue and allow your skin to smooth in a healthy way. This is an invasive but extremely effective method for every skin texture.
As the laser scans over the top of your skin it removes an extremely fine layer, and with this, the diseased, damaged and thickened areas. This in turn promotes healthy circulation and the body's healing mechanism produces a new layer of fresh skin. As the new outer layer of skin grows, the body's natural healing mechanism stimulates new collagen formation. The result is smoother, healthier looking skin with a natural glow.
At the Ashley Centre we use both the Erbium and CO2 laser. These have different characteristics and which one is used depends on your needs.
The Erbium laser is the very latest advancement in laser rejuvenation of acne scarred skin. It is also effective for ageing sun-damaged and wrinkled skin. This technique is safe, accurate, less invasive and produces less heating of surrounding tissues than some other laser techniques, eg CO2 laser. Recent clinical studies have shown that the Erbium laser stimulates the production of the bodies own collagen, creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin.
The CO2 Laser is a more invasive treatment generally used for deeper scarring and wrinkles and produces more heating of surrounding tissue than the Erbium laser. Consequently, as the skin heels it produces additional collagen which in turn produces a further reduction in wrinkles. Once the skin has healed, the new skin reveals a softer, smoother, more youthful appearance.
Who can benefit from laser skin rejuvenation?
Virtually anybody of any age who has acne scarring. How much you benefit depends on the depth of the scarring. Often a combination of treatments is required to achieve the best results.
What happens in a typical treatment? How will you feel during treatment?
Laser skin resurfacing is usually performed as a day procedure. Normally a local anaesthetic is used so you will be completely awake but if a larger area is being treated a twilight sleep means you will be most comfortable. The twilight sleep will mean you are pleasantly sedated, unaware of the procedure taking place, though not fully unconscious.
What are the potential side-effects?
While laser skin rejuvenation is a well tried and successful procedure there are some issues that can occur that are well covered in your checkups after the procedure. These issues include:
- Pigmentation can be a side effect but normally resolves itself and is more likely to occur in patients with darker skin. Although it is not necessarily created by sun exposure it can be treated with bleaching cream.
- Cold sores can sometimes be provoked by this treatment. If you have suffered with these we recommend that you take preventative medication before and while undertaking the procedure.
- Itchy skin is usually a temporary problem that resolves as the skin heals.
We will make sure you understand all these issues before you undertake treatment.
How will you feel after treatment? What do you need to do after the treatment to ensure the best result?
After your procedure you may feel drowsy from the anaesthetic. It is important to have someone drive you home and stay overnight. A thin clear plastic dressing is usually applied to speed healing and reduce pain. This will be removed by your doctor when he checks your progress.
After your skin has had laser treatments it may feel hot and slightly uncomfortable (a little like sunburn). This will reduce gradually. Mild to moderate swelling is normal and may last for several days. The use of cold compresses and ice packs will help with these symptoms.
You will be given medication to take to prevent swelling and infection and it is important that you take this as instructed.
After healing the young skin is red and sensitive. Special makeup can be worn to cover this. It is important you protect this new skin by avoiding the sun, covering up, and wearing a hat and sunscreen for a few weeks to several months. We can advise you when it is safe to relax these precautions.
A special skin-care regime will also be designed for you to follow. This can involve special moisturisers, vitamin C, vitamin A and special sunscreen. We can advise you on everything you can do to give yourself the best result.
When will you see results?
Redness can be present for up to 6 months after CO2 Laser treatment and for up to 6 weeks after Erbium laser treatment. Makeup can usually be used to conceal this after 14 days.
How many sessions are necessary?
For resurfacing one to two sessions but more if scarring is deeper.
While this information is intended to give you a good overall picture of how Laser Skin Resurfacing may help your acne your situation is unique. The best way to find out if this is the right answer for you is to come and see us. There are no sales pitches and we will explain all the options and help you to make the right decision.
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How much does it cost?
We understand you are curious to know how much the procedure you are thinking of having might cost.
The truth is that with many procedures your cost can fall within a fairly wide range. While we do offer online consultations for liposuction we believe it is unethical to give a cost estimate without gaining a proper understanding of your needs.
Your body, your skin and your expectations are different to anybody else's. Some patients have been attracted by an initial quote only to find the final price was a lot higher. Sometimes these initial estimates do not cover such elements as theatre fees or the cost of an anaesthetist for example.
Our philosophy is simple. We want you to be fully informed, we want you to understand all your options and have one accurate price quoted once. Over more than 20 years of cosmetic practice we have found that this is what most of our clients want too.
To have the convenience of an online liposuction consultation click here or call us on 03 9569 3511 to arrange a no obligation consultation in person.
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» We're here to help. Click here to come in have a no obligation assessment done and talk about what you would like to achieve.
» Or call 9569 3511. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8.30am to 7.30pm and Wednesday, Friday Saturday 8.30am to 5.00pm. |
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» If you have had a face to face appointment with Ashley, are happy with your written treatment plan and wish to proceed our book my surgery section will help us to fit the date of your procedure in with your busy life.
» Click here to get a response on a possible date for your procedure
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