Laser treatments
Our laser treatment options at Macquarie Skin Clinic include PicoWay laser system, Nordlys laser, CORE laser and Vbeam Prima, delivered by our expert team.
PicoWay laser system
The PicoWay® laser system uses a picosecond laser beam with high power and ultra-short pulses to transform your skin from the inside out. The PicoWay laser treats acne scars, wrinkles, benign pigmented lesions (dark spots), and removes black and multi-colour tattoos.
The PicoWay laser works below the surface, leaving the outer layer of the skin intact. It can target tattoo pigment, the excess melanin in the skin that causes dark spots, and other pigment; if treating conditions such as acne scars or wrinkles, it creates tiny spaces in the dermis (the layer just beneath the outer skin) to encourage the production of collagen and elastin.
Acne scars
PicoWay treatments use an ultra-short, picosecond laser that reaches below the surface of the skin to stimulate production of collagen and elastin, without breaking the outermost layer of the skin.
Wrinkles
The PicoWay system is a non-invasive, needle free treatment option for wrinkles which uses ultra-short laser pulses to reach under the skin, without breaking the outer layer of the skin, to stimulate collagen and elastin.
Dark spots
Dark spots, or benign pigmented lesions, appear in many people on different areas of the skin. Some spots are related to excessive sun exposure. Others can be caused by hormone changes, often impacting women following pregnancy.
Tattoo removal
The PicoWay system is a high power laser with ultra short pulses that shatters tattoo ink, but leaves the outer layer of the skin intact. The PicoWay laser treats a wide range of tattoo colours across a broad range of skin types. Over a series of brief treatments, the PicoWay laser can eliminate most tattoos.
Nordlys laser – IPL and Frax
The Nordlys laser has both Frax (fractional laser therapy) and IPL (intensive pulsed light) capabilities. It allows for numerous skin rejuvenation treatments including treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne and acne scars, sun damage, surgical scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea/redness/broken capillaries.
Frax laser works by delivering precise, controlled laser energy to small fractions of the skin’s surface. Instead of treating the entire skin area, it targets only a fraction of it, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This fractional approach promotes quicker healing and the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity pulses of broad-spectrum light to target various skin concerns. IPL works on the principle of selective photothermolysis, where specific wavelengths of light are used to target melanin (pigment) in the skin or haemoglobin (blood vessels). The light energy is absorbed by these targets, leading to their destruction or coagulation.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Frax laser can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially on the face. It stimulates collagen production, which helps plump the skin and smooth out wrinkles. IPL can stimulate collagen production, which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Acne and acne scars
The Frax laser is effective for treating both atrophic (indented) and hypertrophic (raised) acne scars. The laser helps break down scar tissue and encourage the growth of new, smoother skin. IPL can target the bacteria responsible for acne and reduce inflammation in the skin.
Sun damage
Frax laser can improve sun-damaged skin, such as brown spots, uneven pigmentation, and sunspots.
Surgical scars
The Frax laser can minimise the appearance of surgical scars, such as those from facelifts or other cosmetic procedures.
Stretch marks
While it may not completely remove stretch marks, Frax laser can improve their texture and make them less noticeable.
Hyperpigmentation
IPL can help reduce the appearance of sunspots, age spots, and freckles by breaking down excess melanin.
Rosacea/redness/broken capillaries
IPL can reduce redness and flushing by targeting dilated blood vessels.
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.
Skin rejuvenation
Fine lines/wrinkles/skin tightening causing improvement in overlying skin tone and texture.
- Laser rejuvenation – a gentler version of laser treatment to improve texture, tone, pore size and general quality. This can vary from a light peel which works as a complexion refresher to more robust treatment to improve skin tone, texture and lines.
- Facial resurfacing – extensive skin treatment to address significant laxity, lines, wrinkles and severe scars. Downtime may be 7–10 days.
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.
Leg veins
Small patches of leg veins, spider veins may be treatable with the Vbeam Prima. Extensive veins are best treatment by other methods.
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.