Sciton^® tuneable Erbium Laser Treatment – the Technical stuff

At the Encorė Cosmetic Clinic we offer a range of Laser Facial Rejuvenation treatments to refresh the skin and help achieve a more youthful look.

Laser Facial Rejuvenation is a non-surgical method of skin tightening that uses light energy to instantly remove the top layers of the skin. The depth of skin removed can be altered according to the patient’s requirements and available ‘downtime’.

The Encorė Cosmetic Clinic has the only Sciton® tuneable Erbium laser in Christchurch. Treatment with the Sciton® tuneable Erbium laser means the procedure can be individually tailored to the nature of the problem the patient wishes to correct.

We use the Sciton® Erbium Laser™ for treatment of:

• facial lines and wrinkles – mild to deep
• blemishes – particularly brown marks on the face, neck or hands
• skin texture and tone and elasticity
• acne scars.

We offer three different depths of laser peels:

NanoLaserPeel ‘Microdermabrasion’– also called “the modern lunchtime peel” – this is a superficial depth treatment. This is comparable to the microdermabrasion available at many beauty clinics but our tunable laser allows us to be very precise in the depth of peel we achieve. It is a quick and comfortable laser procedure with little downtime, used for improving the overall appearance of your skin. The procedure is performed in our medical centre and can be custom tailored to your specific skin conditions and desired outcome.

At its shallowest setting NanoLaserPeel treatment can be tolerated by most people with no anaesthetic at all. At its deeper settings a topical numbing cream is typically used.

MicroLaserPeels – also called “the weekend peel” – this is a medium depth treatment. These peels typically give the skin a much healthier glow and improvement in the skin’s texture and complexion. Unlike the nanolaser peel these peels can also improve fine lines and wrinkles – especially with repeated use. A topical anaesthetic is usually required. Most skin areas can be treated. Popular treatment areas are the face and neck, although the chest and hands can also be treated using this technique

Deeper Erbium Laser peel – This type of peel gives the most dramatic results of all peels. It can result in striking improvements in even deep wrinkles. It also results in significant tightening of the skin and will generally make peoples skin appear 5-10 years younger. At the Encorė Cosmetic Clinic we are able to use our expertise on Tumescent anaesthesia to perform this peel safely and comfortably without a general anaesthetic.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your skin will be cleaned in the treatment area and your eyes will be protected with safety shields. A laser hand piece will be positioned gently on the skin. When the laser energy is applied, you will hear a rapid succession of snapping sounds. The hand piece will be moved around to adjacent locations until the entire treatment area has been covered. The procedure normally takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Will it be uncomfortable?

Sciton Erbium Laser™ Therapy is widely regarded as a comfortable procedure, usually tolerated with the use of a topical numbing cream or a local anaesthetic, depending on the depth of treatment.

What should I expect immediately after the treatment?

Immediately following the procedure you may experience mild redness and a sensation resembling sunburn. Your physician will advise you on specific after-treatment care recommendations, which may include analgesics and application of an ointment to keep the skin moist.

How long will it take to recover?

This will depend on how deep your wrinkles were prior to treatment. Deeper wrinkles will require a deeper depth of treatment and be associated with a longer recovery period. Typically complete healing occurs within a few days and most patients usually feel comfortable enough to get back to work and apply makeup a day or two after the treatment. There will likely be some swelling that will subside within several days following the treatment.

What aftercare do I need?

You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. Your skin will be sensitive to ultra-violet light after the procedure, so you must avoid direct sun exposure until fully healed. It is recommended that you always use some level of solar protection to avoid sun damage and premature ageing of your skin.

When should I expect results?

As you skin heals in the days following your treatment, you may notice a general tightening effect. However, the true benefits of Sciton Erbium Laser™ is the collagen remodelling that occurs during the four to six months following your treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Excellent results can be obtained in just one treatment, though the number of treatments may vary from patient to patient. We can personalise a plan based on your specific needs and may choose to combine Sciton Erbium Laser™ Therapy with other aesthetic procedures to further personalise your treatment.

Possible complications

• Some of the side effects and complications that may occur after aggressive or high level treatments include:
• Excessive desquamation (scaling, peeling) and some crusting
• Swelling for up to one week after treatment – this can be helped by applying an ice pack at 10 minute intervals for the first 24 hours
• Lightening or darkening of the skin – this is more common is patients of darker skin types. It is almost always temporary but rarely can be permanent

Contact us at the Encorė Cosmetic Clinic to find out more about Laser Facial Rejuvenation treatment and which option best suits your needs.