laser treatments

<p>The Cutera Limelight produces light of all wavelengths, and therefore colour. A filter is then attached, which filters out the wavelengths not required for a specific treatment, thus making it a multipurpose machine. Once the correct filter is applied the light is directed at its target colour (brown for melanin and red for blood). When it reaches its target, light is absorbed and converted into heat, effectively destroying the target cells. The wavelength also determines the depth of penetration – very superficial for pigment and slightly deeper for red vessels.</p><p>Surface pigmented lesions are more easily treated than pigmentation originating deeper in the skin, as with chloasma or melasma. How defined the edges of the pigmentation is, is an indication of its depth – well-defined edges for superficial and more ill-defined, with smudgy edges, for deeper lesions.</p><p>Appropriate settings of the Cutera Laser machine are very individual. You will be asked to complete a detailed medical history form to ensure there are no contraindications to having the treatment, or factors that may affect your skin’s absorption of light. This information then determines the settings used. The therapist will start treatment at a joule (power) setting lower than what is likely to be effective, and then increase this gradually until the appropriate response, or end point, is found. Treatment is then carried out at this setting and is the starting point for subsequent treatments.</p><p>It is not safe to treat skin that is tanned from UV light or false tan and a waiting period of 6 weeks is required before treatment can take place.</p>

<p>2 – 5 treatments are necessary. Do not budget on less than two or you will be disappointed. We stop when you are happy, or there are no longer signs of improvement. There is continued rejuvenation of the skin, resulting in improvement in texture, pore size and tone. For this reason, many people will continue to have five sessions even if the pigmented spots have gone after treatment two or three.</p>

<p>1. Immediately after treatment the treated area will most likely be quite pink. This is normal and can last for 2 – 24 hours.</p><p>2. Brown or pigmented areas will darken at the time of treatment and usually continue to get darker over the next few hours. This is called the “Milo” effect. These areas peel off over the next 2 - 10 days taking much of the colour with them. Makeup can be applied during the peeling phase, as the skin is not actually broken so there is no risk of infection. It is important to follow the post care instructions, particularly in regard to keeping the area well moisturized and sun protected.</p><p>3. Swelling is not uncommon for a few days, or up to one week afterwards. Women are more likely to get swelling than men. Swelling varies from localized lumpiness around the treated lesions (noticed when applying products the next day) to significant swelling and puffiness, particularly around the eyes. The degree of swelling is dependent on skin type, intensity of treatment, number of pulses used and proximity to the eyes.</p><p>4. There is also a small chance of bruising. The bruises are usually quite small and localized to the area treated by a pulse, but can be very dark and difficult to hide with makeup. If it is inappropriate to have either swelling or bruising, owing to social commitments or type of work, when the therapist is talking through the consent form she will take this into account and adjust the settings accordingly. It may mean an extra one to two treatments overall, but does not detract from the end result. Treatments are performed at 4 – 6 weekly intervals.</p><p>5. Blistering is uncommon but can occur on rare occasions.</p><p>6. The most important aftercare is sun protection. If melanin producing cells are “upset” by the treatment and then the area exposed to the sun, upsetting the cells further, they will over produce melanin and new brown areas will appear. We recommend an SPF30+ sunblock to be used for 30 days post treatment, regardless of weather. If you are about to go on a beach holiday then postpone your treatment.</p>

<p>A full-face treatment costs $360 per session. Chest and necks are between $200 - $350 depending on the size of the area treated. Treatment to more than one area at a session is likely to be around $500.</p>