Laser Resurfacing (or laser peeling as it is sometimes called) is a revolutionary new technique that helps clear the skin of scarring (especially acne), pigmentation, wrinkles and sun damage. The laser technique removes the old outer skin surface, with its age blemishes, scars and wrinkles and exposes the new skin underneath. This new skin has not yet been exposed to the sun and will therefore have a tighter, smoother appearance.

You can really turn back time with CO2 or Erbium Laser Resurfacing. The laser can be used to reduce wrinkles, scarring, pigmented areas around the eyes, face and mouth.

This treatment is a unique rejuvenation of your face which lasts for many years. You can really appear 5 to 10 years younger afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it done?
How many treatments will it take?
Is it effective?
Is it permanent?
How long will I need off work?
What will I look like straight afterwards?
How does it work?
Complications
Is it covered by private insurance or Medicare?
Does it hurt?
Is it better than collagen or fat grafting?
How much does it cost?

Where is it done?

You come to this centre for your treatment. The Cosmetic Medical Centre is a fully accredited and licensed Day Surgery Centre. We were licensed by the Department of Health in May 1995.

How many treatments will it take?

You will get a marked improvement with one procedure. Some patients will need a 'touch up' treatment (months or years later) particularly those with very deep lines around the lips.

Is it effective?

Yes, very. It's more effective than deep peeling and less 'messy' than dermabrasion. Most patients wish they had done it years ago.

Is it permanent?

The results are permanent, but if you continue to expose your new skin to excessive amounts of sunlight then you will damage your new skin.

How long will I need off work?

At least a week and preferably ten to fourteen days to give your new skin quality time to heal.

What will I look like straight afterwards?

The area will appear like a wet open wound, however there is no blood because as the laser removes the old skin on the surface it seals the tiny blood vessels underneath. There is a possibility of swelling, however this will subside within a few days. There is no pain because of the laser's effect on the nerve endings in the skin.

How does it work?

The laser selectively removes all top layers of the skin (the epidermis) with its scars, lines, wrinkles and sun damage to reveal fresh new undamaged skin. The process encourages healthy skin to develop and renew itself regularly. It also encourages production of natural collagen in the deep layers of skin (the dermis).

Complications

The new skin will remain pink for some time. Redness of the area can occur, however it will fade away within weeks. Dark pigmentation can also occur though this is rare and always goes away within a matter of weeks to months at most. It is advised to keep the area appropriately covered when in the sun at all times and it may be necessary to wear corrective make-up for a few weeks after the procedure if you work in the public eye. Scarring can occur but it is extremely uncommon.

Is it covered by private insurance or Medicare?

There may be some rebate for severe acne scarring from Medicare for cases done for medical reasons, and private funds will cover the theatre and day accommodation fees depending on the extent of your cover. (Please discuss this with your medical health fund). You will have to discuss rebates from Medicare with one of our doctors. If you do have private health cover please inform our staff and you will be provided with some reading material.

Does it hurt?

The procedure requires some form of anaesthesia, either local or intravenous, depending on the extent of the procedure. Post operatively patients report some discomfort (somewhat like a tingling sensation), after the first day, mainly from the sensation of tightening skin.

Is it better than Restylane or fat grafting for treating lines, wrinkles and scars?

Restylane is great for treating specific skin lines and acne scars, but it is not a permanent solution nor does it give the firming that a laser resurfacing procedure will give. Fat grafts are most effective for deep lines and depressions, not for improving the texture of the skin. Fat grafts do not give a truly permanent result.

How much does it cost?

This depends on what is involved in your treatment and what area(s) you need treated. The amount of time taken to treat you will determine the overall cost.