Cosmetic Services
Ablative and Fractional Ablative
Resurfacing Laser Treatments
Booking Information
Laser appointments with consultant dermatologists are currently heavily booked, please check the wait time before making an appointment with your consultant dermatologist for laser treatments.
The independent dermatologists consulting from ESD uses the Fraxis CO2 laser system. Fraxis is a fractional carbon dioxide laser device utilizing the wavelength of 10,600nm which is in the infrared spectrum. The target for CO2 lasers is the water molecule.Resurfacing and fractional treatments are useful in the rejuvenation of sun damaged and aged skin – they can be used in combination to reduce wrinkles, uneven texture, pore size, and age marks. Fractionated laser treatments can also be used to remodel scarring from all causes – acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic injuries and also hypertrophic and keloid scars. Fractionated treatments are designed to deliver tiny holes of ablation into the skin and so remove areas of sun damage and scarring, allowing new collagen and elastin to form, by treating only a limited surface of the skin this minimises the risk of skin pigmentation irregularity which was a major issue in the past with ablative lasers in particular non-fractional CO2 resurfacing. Fraxis is commonly used by the dermatologists consulting from ESD to remove seborrheic keratoses (age moles or barnacles that develop on aging skin), sebaceous hyperplasia (enlarged oil glands that develop with age), sun damaged skin including precancerous changes on the lower lip, enlarged pores - especially rhinophyma (colloquially known as bulbous nose, whiskey nose or potato nose). Stretch marks can also be reduced.
Post resurfacing treatment skin care
- Apply the moisturisers you have been given to the treated areas 3-4 times a day or more often if needed to maintain a thin continuous layer on your skin for the first 3-4 days. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands prior to touching your face
- Do not put ANY other creams, ointments or products of any kind on your face until you are told it is ok to do so or have received specific advice from your treating specialist.
- Do not pick, rub, scrub or irritate your skin in any way while healing.
- You can leave moisturiser on and soak the treated areas with a clean soft cloth and the following solution: 1 teaspoon of plain white vinegar to 2 cups of water. This solution may be mixed up ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
- Washing at least twice daily with a mild non-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil cleansing lotion can be done in place of soaks.
- Apply a layer of moisturiser to the treated areas immediately after soaking. If the skin gets dry or crusted you need to soak more often.
- Skin may be red for the first 3-7 days or longer and then turn darker as the skin begins to slough (peel).
- Edema (swelling) may also occur. Sleeping on 2 pillows with your head elevated can be helpful.
- The skin will usually start sloughing/ peeling on day 3 or 4. Do not pick at it but allow skin to come off on its’ own
- It is OK to shower but do not let the shampoo or hair products get on the face. Do a soak after the shower followed by moisturiser.
- It is normal for the skin to feel “sunburnt” and/or tight.
- Panadol or Panadeine may be used if needed.
- Do not expose your skin to the sun. Remember UVA light passes through both house and car windows.
- Make-up may be worn after the majority of skin has peeled usually day 4 or 5.
- You can resume the use of your regular cleanser/moisturizers after peeling is complete
- The use of sunscreen with a SPF rating of 50+ is very important after peeling to maintain results and also help reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darker areas).
- An increased sensitivity or irritation to anything that comes in contact with your skin such as detergents, fabric softener residue on pillowcases, sheets and clothes may occur.
- If you experience itching, an over the counter antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Polaramine may be helpful.
- Please call your dermatologist or Reception on 02 9389 7333 if you experience increased pain, seeping, severe redness or fever, increased itching, the appearance of a cold sore, blister or a similar tingling sensation, or if at any time you feel that you are not healing normally.
Independent
experts in skincare
Dermatologists consulting from Eastern Suburbs Dermatology provide consultative and procedural services are all Fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Practising individual dermatologists consulting from Eastern Suburbs Dermatology have sub-specialisation interests in paediatric dermatology, surgical dermatology, and women’s and cosmetic dermatology.
