Laser resurfacing is a common and highly effective treatment loved by patients globally; you may also know it as laser surgery or laser peeling. This style of cosmetic treatment uses energy to penetrate through layers of the skin causing microdamage, which then heals into new, fresh skin with reduced appearance of wrinkles that feels firmer and more hydrated and plump.
Expect very different results and periods of downtime with all the different laser device options available however, which is why our doctor-led team has selected the innovative Secret DUO for our patients. We feel this device represents a truly remarkable advancement in resurfacing technology, balancing the fantastic results we want to see with the least amount of downtime possible.
The Secret DUO’s 1550nm fractional erbium glass laser combines several laser technologies, that is both non-invasive and non-ablative, working deeply within the skin while preserving the superficial layer of the epidermis. There’s no two-week downtime off from work treating open wounds as you’ll often get from a traditional ablative laser – simply the best results possible with only some redness as a side effect.
The Secret DUO device also delivers radiofrequency (RF) microneedling treatments, which can work in tandem brilliantly with the erbium glass laser resurfacing. Read more about the benefits of RF microneedling here.
Our fractional erbium glass laser is more gentle than traditional resurfacing lasers, working underneath the skin instead of stripping the surface. It’s an effective option for all skin types and tones looking for a plumping and firming result. However the results around many common serious skin concerns is second-to-none, brilliantly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Laser resurfacing can also work well in combination with chemical peels, medical-grade skincare, boosters and of course microneedling to achieve the results you’re after.
Laser resurfacing is mostly a treatment for the face, but a combination of face, neck and decolletage is not uncommon. We can also treat the chest area and the back of your hands, particularly since it’s a great option for skin concerns in these areas too, like crepey skin and uneven skin tone.
With laser resurfacing, as we can treat all skin types and tones. Traditional laser treatments with lots of downtime used to not be recommended for anyone with olive or darker skin because of the heightened risk of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.
You’ll notice your results coming through within a day or two, as your skin appears more smooth and plump. The best results however will be seen after a couple of weeks as the skin heals and the new collagen and elastin deeper within the skin does its magic, particularly after a course of treatments for an accumulative effect.
We do use a topical numbing cream so patients find the process very tolerable, but we are certainly able to control the settings to suit your comfort level, while still effectively treating your skin concerns. The most commonly reported side effects is some redness which usually resolves a few days after treatment.
It’s vitally important that you wear high-protection sunscreen every day in the lead up to your appointment and avoid direct sun exposure, at least one week prior and one week after treatment. We also recommend you stop using vitamin A (retinols) at least three days before and after treatment. Our experienced therapists will guide you through everything you need to know.
Once you’ve lain back and are comfortable, our first step is to thoroughly cleanse your skin. We then apply a topical numbing cream to minimise any discomfort.
The laser itself, delivered via a hand-held device connected to the Secret DUO, will feel warm, which may build over time throughout the treatment but never to any level of discomfort. It usually simply feels like a warm bath across the treatment area.
During treatment as the glass laser is passed over the skin, the laser wavelength is both attracted to and absorbed by water in the tissue, kickstarting a rapid growth of new collagen and elastin deep within the skin.
Right after the treatment, you may feel warmth in the area for 10 or 15 minutes, as well as some slight redness which usually settles within an hour.
There should be no discomfort at all throughout the treatment, and absolutely no downtime.