Acne Scarring

Pico with Focus Lens array & Quanta with Fractional Optibeam.

South Wales leading Skin Rejuvenation.

We are the best at what we do and there is no Clinic with a combination of the technology that we have, offering the level of service that we do, across Wales and the South West.

When talking in terms of Lasers, Skin Rejuvenation is the generic term used for the process of using the Laser Platform to in some way resurface the skin.

Some Clients may want to resurface the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and ‘revitalise’ the dermis, increasing skin density and elasticity – making them appear more youthful and ‘fresh’ faced.  Others may be suffering the more traumatic appearance of acne scarring – reknowned for making people lack self confidence and who often try to mask its appearance with overly thick make-up (which often makes it appear worse).  Additionally many people bare all sorts of scars or stretch marks that they struggle to mask or hide and that have a direct impact on their self esteem and mental state.

Living in a ‘body conscious’ world, many people do not realise that many of these conditions can be eased relatively simply with a short course of laser skin resurfacing – which essentially uses specific techniques to direct short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin.

Depending on whether the laser is ablative or non-ablative this has the effect of either precisely removing skin layer by layer or stimulating fibroblasts to regenerate the skin internally within the mid-deep dermis.  Which kind of laser is used often depends on the condition to be treated and the social circumstances of the Client – ablative treatments are not without a little ‘downtime’ and this is often a consideration of the Client when deciding upon a treatment plan.

We use the state of the art technology.

Cynosure Picosecond

Cynosure Picosecond is an unparalleled breakthrough in laser technology that delivers ultra-short pulse bursts of energy to the skin in trillionths of a second.

Picosecond pulse width is 100 times shorter than nanosecond technology, enabling unmatched photomechanical impact for better clearance with fewer treatments and less fluency – sparing the skin high thermal damage and targeting the ink/pigment chromophore with precision not found in ordinary nanosecond lasers.

In addition, the PicoSure boasts a Boost Adjustable Pressure feature that amplifies PicoSure’s PressureWave™ to levels never before possible.  Magnifying pressure 70% and shortening pulse widths to 550ps, allows for unprecedented treatment options. Boost is ideal for recalcitrant tattoos and enhanced shattering of pigment for optimised results.

The Quanta System

The Quanta system is different to other Q-switched lasers because it is a short pulsed laser with the technological breakthrough of OPTIBEAM TECHNOLOGY – Optimal Laser Beam Profile.

The Optibeam handpiece generates a perfect ‘Flat Top’ beam profile with Optical Technology that is able to distribute the power of the laser homogeneously on ALL spot sizes!

This is crucially important technology with regards to Q-Switch lasers as it is this even consistency of power distribution that promotes a healthy and shorter healing time and less negative side effects (burning/blistering/hypo-pigmentation).

What is it?

PicoSure

The PicoSure, when used to specifically rejuvenate Skin is a Non-ablative Laser.

Non-ablative skin rejuvenation uses a laser to improve the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots and minor scars by creating heat in the skin without injuring the surface of the skin.  The heat generated by the laser promotes collagen production which causes the skin to tighten and look young and healthy.

Quanta Q-Plus – Ablative 2940 Fractional Laser

Without a doubt one of the most astounding features of our Quanta Q-switch system is the 2940 Ablative Fractional handpiece which resurfaces and rejuvenates skin like no other laser we have used before and without the negative down-time associated with other ablative lasers!

Fractional laser is one of the advanced techniques, which is frequently used for skin rejuvenation.  Fractional laser resurfacing is developing very rapidly to become the gold standard for laser resurfacing therapy for various indications including photo rejuvenation therapy and predominantly in our Clinic, acne scarring reduction.

The system is so versatile, it literally provides the answer to all of our Clients’ Skin concerns.

When someone has suffered with their skin throughout their life it can become soul destroying trying multiple methods and treatments that all promise to fix long term skin concerns – particularly in the cases of so many of our Clients who suffer from acne scarring and stretch marks.

Yet finally we have found a solution that is giving us unrivalled results on damaged skin that in our 12 established years we have never seen before!… and the best bit…. is that as the laser although ablative.. has very, very little down time and the results become clear, usually visible after just one session.

This is why the on-the-rise treatment has become a solution for people serious about blasting away imperfections for good.

Without a doubt, nothing gives us more satisfaction that seeing the rush of self esteem it gives acne scarring Clients.  Equally pleasing is witnessing the results it has on photo-damaged and ageing skin – fixing skin quality and density issues that injectable treatments like Botox and dermal filler alone cannot.

For textured acne scars, in particular (think: icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars) we are seeing greater results than we have with any other treatment method or laser (and this includes C02 – we no longer provide this treatment as we find this laser far superior).

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

PicoSure

The PicoSure Skin Revitalisation protocols reduce signs of ageing, wrinkles and mild scarring with the addition of the Focus Lens Array.

Cynosure’s Focus Lens Array creates microscopic, photomechanical reactions in the epidermis which communicate with the dermis, leading to increased collagen and elastin in the skin.  This breakthrough enables skin revitalisation with virtually no downtime – the kind only seen with our PicoSure laser.

Quanta

The Skin Rejuvenation Protocols use a Fractionated handpiece on the laser to improve the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots and minor scars by creating heat in the skin without injuring the surface of the skin. … The fractional approach allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area was treated, so there is significantly less downtime!

With fractional laser resurfacing, the laser beam is broken up or fractionated into many small micro beams that are separated, so that, when they hit the skin surface, small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser and are then left intact.

The heat that is delivered into the skin is done so through thousands of tiny, deep columns known as ‘microthermal treatment zones’, with intervening, normal untreated skin,

These small areas of untreated skin promote a much more rapid recovery and healing with less risk of complications.  The microthermal treatment zones, cause sufficient laser injury deep in the dermis to promote new collagen production and resultant facial skin rejuvenation.

It is the accelerated collagen production which causes the skin to tighten and look young and healthy.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

PicoSure

The PicoSure FOCUS Lens Array is a special handpiece which is added to the PicoSure system to allow it to quickly and painlessly treat common skin concerns gently and effectively.

The Focus Lens Array has a special ‘honeycomb lens’ in design, meaning that as the skin is treated, with each pulse, the Focus Lens is reaching inside the skin’s deepest layers.

More importantly however, when it does so, the lens is actually only focussing in on 10% of the treated area with high-energy pulses, while the remaining 90% of the skin is pulsed with low-level energy.

This is key because it allows for a deeper energy infiltration to the dermis below the skin – simultaneously creating elastin and collagen growth whilst promoting a non-traumatic healing effect.

This has the result of softening acne scars and stretch marks and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.  This process promotes better and faster results, shorter downtime and is safer than other methods.

Quanta

The fractional approach allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area was treated.

Results can be further optimised by our topical application of hyaluronic acid and specialised growth factors IMMEDIATELY following treatment.  This adds but a small cost to the procedure itself, but greatly increases the healing time and results achieved by the treatment also.

Additionally, as part of our Skincare service, we actively endorse the use of Medical Grade topical skincare and medical grade peel protocols.  As a Clinic, with confidence we promote the Alumier brand to run alongside and enhance our treatments.

This skincare package will be ‘bespoke’ and tailored specifically to the needs of the Client and their skin concern – we have topical serums for ageing, scarring, wound healing, pigmentation, skin elasticity and skin protection post treatment.

A prior consultation is required.

Altogether we find that this approach lessens the recovery period and reduces the number of complications that can occur.  Multiple sessions are needed in most cases to achieve the final results – but the results are absolutely outstanding and far excel the results we as a Clinic have seen from ‘one off’ ablative treatments trying to achieve the same thing but with horrendous down time and half the results.

Recommended number of sessions

Every Client is different and depending on a number of factors including skin condition, immune system, genetics, age and whilst considering all of the other combined complementary treatments we can offer you at our Clinic, we will create a personalised treatment plan especially for you!

For the best results, we typically recommend a series of 3-5 treatments conducted 2-4 weeks apart.

It should be noted treatment protocols will vary from person to person.

A course of 6 undoubtedly produces phenomenal results on virtually every kind of skin concern.

Duration of Results

If being treated for skin revitalisation and wrinkle reduction, Clients can reasonably expect to achieve a more youthful glow and healthier looking skin.

The Focus Lens Array stimulates the production of collagen – so wrinkles may appear reduced and skin tone will improve in texture and tone.

Elements of restoration of lost volume should be apparent and the skin will appear tighter.

The results of the treatment are permanent – but the skin will continue to age so further wrinkles and signs of ageing may appear.  Maintenance sessions and medical grade topical serums will certainly help to prolong its effects.

In the cases of Acne Scarring a reduction of at least 40% can reasonably be expected.  Results depend on the type of scarring being treated and this will be thoroughly discussed at Consultation.

The final result can typically be seen about 16 weeks post the final treatment – though significant changes on the skin are usually seen after one.

As before, Clients must allow for the fact that the skin will still continue to age and lose elasticity – so maintenance sessions are recommended from time to time.

Particularly in the case of severe acne scarring, we sometimes recommend a second full course of treatment 6-12 months after the first to further accelerate results.

The fact remains however that the results on scarring are permanent – scars cannot ‘reappear’, though wrinkles will over time owing to the natural ageing process.

Treatment Areas

PicoSure

PicoSure with the Focus Lens Array is the only FDA approved laser for:

  • Wrinkles
  • Acne scarring
  • Hyper-pigmentation/freckles/age-spots

It can be used anywhere on the body.

The PicoSure Focus Lens Array is a great alternative for patients who are looking for something a little stronger than chemical peels, micro-needling or microdermabrasion but can in truth be used in combination with these other modalities to achieve optimum results well beyond Client expectations!

Quanta

We use this Platform to successfully treat:

  • Acne scarring
  • Wrinkles
  • Stretch Marks
  • General Scarring
  • Dull, lifeless skin

It can be used on any part of the body.

Risks and Complications

Non Ablative laser resurfacing also can cause side effects, including:

  • Nonablative laser resurfacing can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus.
  • Changes in skin colour. If you have tanned or darker skin, non ablative laser resurfacing can cause your skin to become temporarily darker (hyper-pigmentation).
  • Mild swelling and redness. Swelling and redness typically last only hours or days.
  • Blistering and scarring. Rarely, non ablative laser resurfacing can cause blistering and scarring.

Laser resurfacing isn’t for everyone. We may advise you against the treatment if you…

  • Have active acne
  • Have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Roaccutane) during the previous year
  • Have an autoimmune disease or a weak immune system
  • Have a tendency to form scars
  • Have very dark skin
  • Have unrealistic expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a suitable candidate?

The FLA can be used on any skin type and is suitable for anyone with mild to moderate wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks and uneven skin texture. It quickly restores smooth skin and contours irregularities.

The ideal patient should be in good overall health, understand the treatment risks and benefits and have realistic treatment goals. Patients should not be pregnant or nursing or be using photosensitive medications.

Is there any downtime? Does it hurt?

The FOCUS Lens Array uses a microlens (also used for tattoo removal) which has a honeycomb design that sections off into small hot sections that allow for faster, safe treatment with no pain.

However, it is a laser – so heat is induced.  Therefore after the treatment some clients experience mild redness which disperses within a few hours.

Clients can generally expect some redness (goes away within one hour or so) and swelling (sometimes the response you’re looking for but very mild).  Both of these are moderate and disappear as quickly as they appear.

It is certainly fair to say there are less chances of side effects than similar treatments carried out with fractional and ablative lasers.

What Results can I reasonably expect?

If being treated for skin revitalisation and wrinkle reduction, Clients can reasonably expect to achieve a more youthful glow and healthier looking skin.

The Focus Lens Array stimulates the production of collagen – so wrinkles may appear reduced and skin tone will improve in texture and tone.

Elements of restoration of lost volume should be apparent and the skin will appear tighter.