Recently we have seen an increase in the number of consultations in Clinetix for Laser Skin Resurfacing. This is a treatment for facial photo ageing, which covers fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and pigmentation, skin laxity and acne scarring. The goal of the treatment is to have a smoother, tighter and more even toned skin with a more youthful appearance.
Patients were often put off laser resurfacing due to the long recovery process and the risks associated but modern techniques and technologies have made laser resurfacing a safer procedure with a much shorter recovery period. Below we answer a few frequently asked questions by clients considering laser resurfacing at Clinetix.
What Laser Do You Use?
At Clinetix we use the CO2RE laser system from Syneron Candela, world leaders in laser platforms. The device is probably the most technologically advanced medical CO2 laser in the world. We can adjust almost every parameter of the laser distribution and energy in order to give a tailored result to each individual based on their skin’s requirements and on their recovery period requirements. We can also combine laser resurfacing with LED Phototherapy (DermaluxLED) treatments for a faster recovery and a more effective treatment.
How Long Does It Take To Recover?
Because we can vary the energy levels of the laser, we can offer a range of treatments with different recovery times. A light superficial resurfacing typically leaves you red for a couple of days only. This treatment can be repeated several times with improvement in skin quality seen after each treatment. Most patients opt for a medium depth treatment that usually requires about a week of recovery. In this treatment the skin of the face tends to be red and sometimes moist for the first two or three days. After that you will see an improvement in redness that rapidly progresses. over the next 4 days. After a week most people are able to wear makeup and return to normal activities.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
It depends on what your goal is and what depth of treatment you go for. Superficial treatments will achieve a slight improvement each time and if a large improvement is required then several treatments may be recommended. Deeper treatments have more drastic results and often only one or two treatments are required to achieve the desired result, even with marked photo aged skin!
How Long Do The Results Last For?
As we have resurfaced your skin, you have grown a fresh epidermis and your dermis has regrown fresh collagen, the results are essentially permanent. The skin will continue to age naturally however and it is expected that you may wish another treatment in ten years or so.
Is The Treatment Painful?
Not at all. A combination of topical anaesthetics (creams) and local anaesthetics (injections) can effectively numb the entire face. The treatment can be performed under mild sedation if required however this is very rarely needed. After the anaesthetic wears off most people find that they only require to take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or brufen on the night of the treatment before going to bed. No further pain relief is required.
Are There Alternatives To Laser Resurfacing?
Yes there are, Laser Resurfacing is not the only treatment for ageing and photo damaged skin. If you are not sure if Laser resurfacing is the right treatment for you then you could consider chemical peels or micro needing as alternatives. At your consultation all the options will be discussed allowing you to make an informed decision about your skin health choices.
If you would like any more information about Laser Resurfacing, or would like to book a consultation to discuss your skin health, please contact us by telephone on 01412210229, or you can request a call back here.
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