Suite 2-200 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns, QLD 4870

(07) 4041 5770 | (07) 4041 5880

FRACTIONAL SKIN RESURFACING

Lasers and IPL are the gold standard when it comes to non-surgical skin treatments. When used for resurfacing purposes, patients can treat everything from uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, pigment, sun damage, pore size, scarring and firming. Here at Skin Alert we are proud to offer skin resurfacing treatments using our world-class Fotona lasers and Ellipse IPL system.

We offer both fully ablative resurfacing that is performed in-house by our Doctor, as well as fractionated resurfacing, and non-ablative skin rejuvenation treatments. As opposed to full surface ablation, fractionated resurfacing ablates microscopic columns into the skin while leaving healthy intact skin in place. This remaining healthy skin greatly speeds up the healing time and reduces the severity of the treatment.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FRACTIONATED RESURFACING?

Fractionated laser skin resurfacing is less aggressive than full ablation, making it a more tolerable treatment that can fit into our busy schedules.
Increased comfort: Fractional technology ablates micro-columns into the skin that don’t cause bulk ‘controlled trauma’ like deep, traditional ablative skin resurfacing. As a result the procedure is much gentler.
Increased safety: Following a fractional ablative procedure, each tiny micro-column re-epithelializes (i.e. heals by closing over the ablated area with new tissue) typically within 24 hours. This minimises the risk of scarring, infection or long-term pigmentation changes.
Decreased downtime: Due to the fractional nature of this treatment, your skin will heal faster and the treatment as a whole is less aggressive than full ablation. This means you can resume your normal activities that day, or for slightly deeper treatments, in a few days.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

Most commonly fractional resurfacing is performed on the face, but any concern area can be treated i.e. hands, neck and décolletage.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Patients can expect clearer, smoother, healthier and more vibrant skin. Patients with deep lines or forms of scarring can expect gradual improvement with each treatment. A realistic expectation is approximately 50% improvement after 3 treatments. Although results can be seen within a few days of the treatment, full results are not apparent until 3-6 months after the procedure.

IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

The procedure can be uncomfortable, and therefore requires some form of anaesthetic. We apply a topical anaesthetic cream 30 mins prior to the treatment and this works very well. After the procedure there will be a mild burning sensation for several hours. This is usually well tolerated but your practitioner will talk to you about pain relief options.

WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS?

This varies from person to person and the depth and density of the treatment. Generally healing can take one to two working days. Some patients are able to return to work straight after treatment with some make-up.
Immediately following the procedure you’ll feel as if you are sunburnt. Mild swelling and redness may be apparent for 2-3 days and then over the next few days you may experience minor- moderate flaking of the skin.
For best results patients must avoid the sun during and in between treatments and use regular sun protection (50+ SPF, hats etc).

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Depending on the skin condition being treated and the subsequent settings being used, most patients will require 3-6 treatments spaced 4-12 weeks apart.

HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT TAKE?

We allow up to 90 minutes for these treatments, which includes numbing time.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND A REALISTIC EXPECTED OUTCOME

We understand the apprehension that can be associated with undergoing a new cosmetic procedure. Rest assured that our caring and experienced staff will take the time to address any concerns during your initial complimentary consultation. Your treatment will be tailored to you as an individual and you will receive honest, professional advice and a realistic expected outcome.

WHAT IS THE COST?

This varies greatly due to the ability of these treatments to be customised. A full-face fractional ablative procedure starts from $600. During your initial consultation your practitioner will outline all the treatment options available to you along with their costs.