Laser treatments
Our laser treatment options at Macquarie Skin Clinic include CORE laser and Vbeam Prima delivered by our expert team.
CO2RE (the Core laser)
The CORE laser has both full and fractional ablative capabilities. It allows for numerous procedures, including lesion removal, scar management and laser rejuvenation for improvement of skin tone and texture by treating lines and wrinkles.
Lesion removal
Removal of benign lesions such a seborrheic keratoses (age/senile warts), papules, skin tags, solar/actinic keratoses/ precancerous change.
Acne scarring/surgical scars
Full or fractional ablative laser to aid in the improvement of scarring.
Vbeam Prima
The Vbeam Prima by Candela™ is the gold standard treatment for vascular conditions. The two wavelengths specifically target blood vessels in the skin, without damaging the surrounding tissue or epidermis. The 595 nm wavelength is useful for superficial vessels, with the 1064 nm wavelength targeting deeper structures.
The Prima is capable of treating rosacea, port wine stains, spider veins, angiomas, spider naevi, venous lakes, small leg veins, scar management and benign pigmented lesions.
Patients will usually experience a flick (like a rubber band) and a feeling of heat when treated with vascular lasers. The Vbeam Prima has a specially developed a cryogen-based Dynamic Cooling Device, (DCD) which is activated during treatment, making the laser much more comfortable than previous vascular lasers.
Most conditions require a series of treatments, spaced over a number of months.
Redness and swelling (usually mild–moderate) may last a few days following each procedure. For certain issues bruising can be expected. This would be discussed with you prior to going ahead with treatment.
Medicare is applicable in some situations.
Rosacea
The Vbeam is an integral part of treatment for rosacea. It is usually recommended alongside other medical therapies and skin care advice/products. During an initial consultation a patient is assessed, and the most appropriate treatment pathway is decided upon. If vascular laser is advised then a series of appointments will be necessary to achieve an improvement. Most patients will then require maintenance treatments over time. A Medicare rebate is applicable in some situations.
Acne scarring
Acne and the scars that result from it, can be distressing for patients. Vbeam Prima can help to decrease the vascular (red) component of scars. This should be used alongside medical management of acne to prevent more scars forming with time, or once active acne has resolved.
Portwine stains
Portwine stains (PWS) are permanent vascular birthmarks (capillary malformations) present from birth. They commonly occur on the face and grow as a child develops, becoming darker in adulthood. Some people are self conscious about a PWS on their face and seek laser treatment. We are able to treat adults with port wine stains, with downtime expected following each laser treatment due to bruising, swelling, discomfort and redness. It may not be possible to fully resolve or ‘disappear’ the PWS, but a reduction in colour and bulkiness is achievable in most cases. Medicare may be applicable in some cases.
Broken capillaries
The Vbeam Prima is capable of targeting superficial and deep blood vessels/broken capillaries on the face with both the 595 and 1064 wavelengths. It can also target spider naevi, angioma and venous lakes.
Pigmentation
Excessive skin pigmentation can occur for a number of reasons, including UV (sun) exposure, hormones and trauma. A diagnosis for the pigmentation is vital before choosing an appropriate treatment. Laser, medication, lightening creams and skin treatments (including chemical peels) can be used to address skin pigmentation. Benign pigmented spots can be treated with the Vbeam Prima.
Treating a lesion with laser should only ever occur once the lesion has been examined and confirmed to be benign. Make sure you see a doctor trained in skin cancer medicine prior to embarking on any laser treatment.