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Lasers have become widespread in aesthetic medicine. In a qualified practitioner’s hands, lasers can address a variety of concerns, and the medical field is continuously finding new ways to tap into the power of this technology.
Lasers are among the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments at AF Aesthetics. We invite you to learn more about our laser facials below.
What Is a Laser Facial?
Although dermatologists have used lasers in skin treatments for decades, interest in these procedures has skyrocketed in recent years. These treatments can provide brighter and healthier skin to patients seeking general rejuvenation, as well as targeted benefits for those looking to treat specific concerns like pigmentation or rosacea. Laser facials yield better results when combined with a personalised skincare routine.
How Do Medical-Grade Lasers Work?
Lasers are light-based treatments. In fact, the word laser is technically an acronym — it stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The light a medical laser emits is just like any other light, but the machine contains filters that remove all but one wavelength. That single wavelength is concentrated into a precise beam of light that can be used to target specific concerns within the skin.
What Can Be Treated With a Laser Facial?
Lasers are remarkably versatile tools with a variety of applications. For facial rejuvenation, our lasers can:
- Treat fine lines and wrinkles
- Decrease pigmentation
- Reduce skin laxity
- Minimise pores
- Improve skin texture and tone
- Enhance radiance
- Generate new collagen and elastin
- Reduce facial redness
- Treat vascular lesions
- Clear acne
- Minimise the appearance of scars
What Are Ablative Lasers and Non-ablative Lasers?
All lasers fall into one of two major categories: ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers resurface the skin by vaporising surface-level skin cells. These treatments generally involve more discomfort and downtime, but the results can be more significant.
Non-ablative lasers work by targeting a deeper layer of the skin without damaging the top layer. This process offers less discomfort and a lighter recovery but may require a series of treatments to achieve results.
Both types of lasers can be effective and offer long-lasting benefits. One is not better than the other in all circumstances, but one may be best for your particular goals and skin type.
What Types of Lasers Are Used for Laser Facials?
We use a variety of lasers for our laser facials. They each have different technology and abilities, but they all work by using wavelengths of light. You’ll find the following laser systems at AF Aesthetics:
Carbon Dioxide Laser — CO2RE
Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are currently considered the gold standard for laser skin resurfacing. At AF Aesthetics, we use Candela’s CO2RE, an ablative fractional laser system that can deliver significant improvements in as little as one treatment session.
CO2RE emits tiny beams of energy that penetrate deep into the skin while simultaneously working on the skin surface. The laser vaporises what it comes into contact with, creating hundreds of tiny columns in the skin. The body responds to these micro-injuries by increasing collagen production and growing new, healthy tissue. CO2RE is gentler than non-fractional ablative lasers, yet capable of producing profound and long-lasting results.
CORE may be recommended for various complexion concerns, including wrinkles, scars and pigmentation, as well as mild to moderate skin laxity.
Picosecond Laser — PicoWay
PicoWay is a picosecond laser system, meaning that each pulse of the laser lasts only a trillionth of a second. The ultra-short pulses generate a “photoacoustic” effect rather than a “thermal” (heat) effect, so there’s no risk of the skin overheating.
The introduction of picosecond technology has revolutionised aesthetic laser treatments. We can treat all Fitzpatrick skin types with PicoWay, including patients with skin of colour. PicoWay is primarily used to treat unwanted skin pigmentation, including freckles, age spots, birthmarks, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The laser works by shattering the pigment into tiny particles that can then be eliminated through the body’s natural processes.
PicoWay can also be used for general skin rejuvenation. The laser beams trigger new collagen and elastin growth, which can improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin texture and acne scars.
Pulsed Dye Laser — Vbeam Prima
Pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) use a solution with an organic dye to create the laser effect. Our PDL of choice is Candela’s Vbeam Prima, a dual-wavelength laser that excels in treating redness and minor vascular skin conditions.
Vbeam Prima emits concentrated light pulses that target haemoglobin, the red protein found in blood cells. As the pulses travel into blood vessels to reach the haemoglobin, they generate heat that damages the vessel without harming the surrounding skin. The treated vessel is then flushed out by the body, fading it from view and diminishing redness in the area.
Vbeam Prima treatments require minimal downtime, if any. Two to four treatment sessions can produce lasting results for rosacea, spider veins, angiomas, venous lakes and other vascular conditions, as well as acne, age and sun spots, and facial lines.
Alternatives to Laser Therapy
Secret RF
Secret RF microneedling isn’t a laser, but it is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses energy to trigger a natural renewal process within the skin.
The Secret RF system is powered by radiofrequency energy. Rather than impacting the entire skin surface, as ablative lasers do, Secret RF causes controlled damage to the thick layer of tissue (dermis) below the surface (epidermis). The radiofrequency energy travels through the micro-needles and generates heat in the dermis, which results in visible tightening and lifting of the skin, as well as enhanced collagen and elastin production.
The combination of microneedling and radiofrequency revitalises the skin inside and out. It’s safe for treating all skin types, including dark skin tones that may not be suitable for some laser treatments.
Accent Prime Tune Face
Accent Prime Tune Face is an advanced treatment for face contouring, skin tightening and skin resurfacing. It combines radiofrequency energy and ultrasound energy to provide the benefits of two modalities in one treatment.
The radiofrequency energy heats the dermis layer to stimulate new collagen growth and trigger a skin tightening effect. This technology can improve skin elasticity, enhance facial contours and minimise lines.
The ultrasound energy selectively targets fat cells, leading to their gradual breakdown and removal through the lymphatic system. This portion of the treatment can be used to reduce submental fat, also known as a double chin.
Accent Prime Tune Face is suitable for all skin types. A treatment can take as little as 20 minutes, and you can immediately return to your normal activities.
Experience a Laser Facial in Sydney
At AF Aesthetics, our philosophy on aesthetic medicine is to enhance natural beauty and celebrate individuality. We tap into advanced laser technology and other medical-grade energy devices to illuminate your complexion, renew your skin cells and boost collagen production. Our laser facials are customised to suit your personal skincare needs and are suitable for most skin types.
Find out whether a laser facial is right for you by booking a consultation. Contact our Chatswood clinic today to get started.