Laser & IPL types

The lasers and intense pulsed light systems in use at Laser Skin Care have all been carefully selected based on their abilities to produce effective results with a minimum of complications.
They are:

What are lasers?

Lasers are devices which produce an extremely high intensity light. This light differs from that produced by the sun or a light globe in its purity. Sunlight or globe light is light made up of many different types or wavelengths. In contrast, laser light is light of a single wavelength. Each distinct wavelength effects different substances (targets) and this characteristic determines the way lasers are used.

Fraxel Laser:

Fraxel Laser Treatment is provides the beneficial effects of new-generation laser skin resurfacing without the significant downtime and risks associated with traditional ablative treatment methods.
The advanced Fraxel laser treats only a fraction of skin at a time without breaking the skin's protective outer barrier. This is in contrast to traditional resurfacing techniques that remove the entire top layer of damaged skin and are associated with oozing, crusting and a lengthy recovery period. 
This innovative approach repairs damaged skin by leaving each microscopic treatment area surrounded by healthy tissue, promoting rapid healing with minimal side effects and downtime and no need for general anesthesia.

How Fraxel works:

The Fraxel laser passes through the top layer of skin like light through glass, reaching into the dermis below to create millions of tiny, microscopic areas of thermal damage that stimulate the body's own wound healing response, notably new collagen production and replacement of damaged skin surfaces with new epidermal skin.
The penetrating wavelengths of Fraxel Laser Treatment resurface damaged skin, smooth scars, reduce fine wrinkles and correct pigmented lesions such as age spots and sun spots as the skin gradually becomes softer, smoother and fresher. Generally a series of 3 to 5 treatments is recommended. Treatments are 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Probably its greatest benefit is in treating scars such as those caused by acne.

↑ Top

 

Encore CO2 Laser

The Encore CO2 laser combines the power of a traditional pulsed CO2 laser for resurfacing of deep wrinkles and scars, with the Encore CO2 Lite option for superficial resurfacing to freshen and rejuvenate. The sophisticated and precise computerised pattern generator CPG handpiece offers unsurpassed accuracy in treatment. With the best of both worlds, the Encore CO2 laser is, we feel, the Gold Standard in full facial laser resurfacing.

↑ Top

 

LightSheer Diode Laser

The LightSheer represents state-of-the-art technology for hair removal. Utilising futuristic diode semiconductors to generate the laser beam at a wavelength of 810nm in the near infra-red spectrum, it allows deeper penetration into the skin than was previously possible, so targeting the very deepest part of the hair root (follicle). As a result, better results can usually be expected.
Utilising a large square spot and a rapid firing rate (2 per second) allows treatment times to be halved when compared to previous lasers. Shorter treatment times equate with lower treatment costs and larger treatment areas. The fully integrated chill tip reduces the discomfort of treatment significantly. Complications are minimised by protecting the skin against overheating and burning. The chilled skin allows much higher powers than were previously possible to be used routinely. Higher powers maximise effect on hair growth.

↑ Top

 

Ellipse Flex - Intense Pulsed Light (second generation) - I²PL

What is I²PL?

I²PL stands for Intense Pulsed Light - a method of treatment where a short but very powerful flash of coloured light is directed at the skin. The light appears coloured because it is filtered to remove certain wavelengths. The wavelengths removed are those which are very likely to cause complications. The wavelengths which are allowed through are carefully chosen to meet the needs of the treatment and may be changed through the use of filters depending on the condition to be treated.The Ellipse Flex is dual filtered, which means that unwanted wavelengths at both ends of the light spectrum are filtered out.

How does I2PL work?

The human body contains two natural pigments that are targeted for Ellipse treatment. When these pigments receive a flash of filtered light, they absorb the light and convert light energy to heat energy. This is a process called "Selective Photothermolysis". By carefully filtering the light, selecting the correct amount of energy and how long the flash lasts it is possible to treat specific sites (such as hair or age spots) without damaging the surrounding tissue. The pigment melanin is targeted when removing hair or treating brown marks. Dark hair, age spots, freckles and similar pigment disorders contain higher levels of the pigment than elsewhere in the skin. When treating pigmented skin Ellipse targets melanin (for example in age-spots), but also targets another substance, haemoglobin, which is found in blood (and therefore, in blood vessels). This is targeted during treatments for Port Wine Stain, Rosacea as well as the diffuse redness caused by sun-damage. Ellipse treatment heats up the vessels, causing them to collapse and shrink.

↑ Top

 

Medlite Nd: Yag Q-Switched Laser

The Nd Yag Q-Switched laser provides two wavelengths of laser light - 532 and 1064 nm. These wavelengths are specially effective for pigmentation and most colours used in tattoos.
The effect of the Q-Switching is to increase the amount of energy discharged by the laser over a shorter pulse time. This means more energy goes where it is required (ie into the pigmented area or the tattoo ink) and less into the surrounding tissues.

↑ Top

 

Lyra Nd: Yag long pulse 1064nm Laser

The depth of penetration of 1064nm is due to its low scattering and epidermal transparency allowing the effective delivery of energy to deeply seated targets, such as blue and purple vessels while safely avoiding epidermal pigment. Computer adjusted energy levels, delivered in adjustable pulse widths coupled with 1mm to 5mm continuously adjustable spot size is ideal for treating vessels from 0.5 mm to 4 mm. This is particularly useful in treating leg veins which tend to be larger and deeper. An integrated cooling system also protects the skin, minimising unwanted effects.