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Acne Laser Scar Removal Sydney

Whether it's from an injury or a skin condition like acne, scarring can impact your appearance. Laser therapy can significantly diminish the visibility of acne scars.

Acne Laser Scar Removal Sydney

Whether it’s from an injury or a skin condition like acne, scarring can impact your appearance. Laser therapy can significantly diminish the visibility of acne scars.

ICON is an advanced laser system that uses fractional light to increase skin cell turnover and reduce the appearance of scars. As new skin cells develop, they improve the skin’s texture, tone and general appearance, leaving patients with smoother, clearer skin.

ICON laser treatments can be used to reduce scars on almost any area of the body, including the face, after just a few short sessions.

ICON Laser Treatments: What patients need to know.

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

A series of sessions will be required. Depending on the severity of the scarring, at least 6 to 10 ICON laser sessions may be required to achieve the desired outcome.

Ideal for red and purple scars. ICON is effective for treating any type of scar but red and purple scars have the most dramatic response to treatment.

Temporary redness and swelling can be expected. ICON patients can expect some mild redness and swelling following their treatment but this will only last a few days.

Results take time. Patients can expect to start seeing a difference after about 2 weeks. Scars will start to lighten and the texture of your skin will improve.

Not all skin tones can be treated. While most skin tones can benefit from ICON laser treatments for scarring, darker skin tones do have a higher risk of developing pigmentation.

Direct sun exposure is not recommended. Your skin will be sensitive following your treatments, which is why it’s important to avoid direct sun exposure for at least 7 days. You will also need to avoid certain skin care products but this will be covered during your consultation.

What to expect

The process of ICON laser treatment begins with properly preparing your skin. This may involve cleaning and potentially applying a topical anesthetic to ensure a comfortable experience. After your skin is prepped, the clinician will then maneuver the laser handpiece across the affected area.

As the laser head is moved, the device emits specific wavelengths of light that are readily absorbed by the skin. This process initiates the body’s natural healing response, marking the beginning of a fascinating physiological transformation.

The light from the laser is absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin where it stimulates the production of new skin cells. This includes collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength. As these proteins are produced, they help to repair and replenish the damaged skin.

Simultaneously, the laser light also works to break down existing scar tissue. The energy from the laser weakens the bonds within the scar tissue, facilitating its fragmentation. This helps to replace the uneven scarred texture with smoother and more regular skin.

Overall, the ICON laser treatment process harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to revitalise the skin, reduce the appearance of scars, and promote a more uniform skin texture. It’s important to remember that the effectiveness of the treatment can vary depending on the severity and type of scarring, and it may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. This will be determined during your initial consultation.

Acne laser treatment risks and complications

Skin Redness: Following laser acne treatment, patients may experience redness in the treated area, which typically resolves over time but can be intense immediately after treatment.

Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: Laser treatment can cause either an increase (hyperpigmentation) or decrease (hypopigmentation) in skin color, potentially leading to uneven skin tones.

Skin Irritation: This includes symptoms such as itching, peeling, or swelling in the area that received treatment. These are generally short-term effects that subside after a few days.

Infection: Though relatively rare, there's a risk of skin infection following laser acne treatment.

Crusting or Blistering: In some cases, the treated area may develop a crust, or blisters may form, similar to a reaction from a sunburn.

Acne Flare-ups: Surprisingly, some patients may experience a temporary increase in acne breakouts after undergoing laser acne treatment.

Photosensitivity: Post-treatment, the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, and therefore, sun protection becomes crucial to prevent sunburn and further skin damage.

Eye Injuries: If appropriate eye protection is not used during the procedure, there's a risk of eye injuries due to exposure to laser light.

How much does Acne Laser Scar Removal Sydney cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

You may experience temporary redness and swelling at the treatment site which should last only a few days. Your skin will look and feel as if you have a mild sunburn. If the area starts to crust over, be sure not to pick your skin or you could make the scarring worse. Once your skin begins to peel, the fresh layer of skin will look pink. It’s important to keep the skin clean and protected until it’s completely healed. Your provider will provide you with specific aftercare instructions following your appointment. While downtime is not necessary, you may want to take a day or two off work to give the treatment area time to heal.

Most patients see results in 3-7 treatments. The optimum number of treatments can vary and depend on the severity of the scarring as well as the quality of your skin. We can give you a more accurate indication of how many treatments you require during your consultation.

The treatment can be performed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. If you will be treating more than one area, treatment time will also increase. It will be possible to schedule the treatment during your lunch hour though.

Following an acne scarring laser treatment, your skin may appear slightly pink for some time. Your skin may also be more sensitive to sunlight for up to 12 months, which is why sunscreen will be even more important than it already is. The appearance and texture of your skin will gradually improve over the course of a year. Provided you don’t have another serious breakout that causes additional scarring, your results will be permanent. As an added bonus, if you had any other signs of ageing on the treated area, you can expect a reduction in pigmentation, lines and wrinkles.

Prior to your treatment, it’s important to adhere to the following guidelines:– Quit or at least cut down on cigarettes and other tobacco products for two weeks – Any skincare products that contain glycolic acid and retinoid should be avoided for at least two weeks – Medications and supplements that could thin your blood and cause additional bruising will need to be cut out for a few days – If you are prone to developing cold sores, take the necessary medication in the days leading up to your laser session – Any tanning beds and natural tanning sessions should be avoided. Sunburned skin can’t be treatedWe will discuss all of these guidelines with you during your consultation, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Acne Laser Scar Removal Sydney