These days the term Laser Resurfacing has become a confusing hotch-potch of treatments, all of them pretending to be what they cannot be. Treatments such as fractional lasers and radiofrequency devices, needling treatments, and plasma treatments are commonly referred to as skin resurfacing treatments but they cannot and will not produce the same amazing and safe and, importantly, permanent results that a classic full-field laser resurfacing treatment with an advanced Erbium YAG laser performed by experienced hands will certainly give you.

While it is true that each of these other treatments may be quicker with shorter recovery time and cheaper per treatment you will need to repeat them so many times to get a fraction of the benefit of a single properly carried out full-field laser resurfacing procedure, that in total they will take much longer to complete and require much longer recovery time and cost much more in the long run, but add to all this that the results will be not nearly as good nor permanent!

This is a “stand-alone treatment” giving your skin the rejuvenation that no other treatment nor even expensive facial surgery can give you. GMC is at the center of excellence for laser resurfacing with over 35 years of experience and thousands of cases in this procedure. Together with an experienced and caring staff, we will make your experience as successful and comfortable as possible.

‍

What is the laser resurfacing procedure?

We use the analogy of an old wooden school desk that has been knocked about, marked, scratched, inked, stained and dented. You could try to improve its appearance by cleaning it and filling in the dents and scratches, but wouldn’t it be a vastly better result if you got the sander and sanded it back to a brand new surface! Well, this is what we do, the face is the desk while the Erbium laser is our sander with which we cleanly remove the damaged layers of the face back to a healthy and clean layer of skin. Within days a layer of brand new cells that have not been sun-exposed or damaged will cover the entire surface of the face, giving it a new, clean and unmarked surface. New skin.

‍

What is a laser facelift?

A properly carried out laser resurfacing procedure will induce a strong amount of skin tightening and lifting, more than any other procedure or technology can produce, and is second only to a surgical facelift in benefits. We call this a “Laser Facelift” and you will achieve this additional benefit as part of the procedure results.

How is it carried out?

Our patients are comfortably managed by a form of twilight sedation from an intramuscular injection, and complete facial anaesthesia from a series of numbing nerve blocks. You will be comfortable and pain-free and possibly even doze through parts of this 90-minute procedure.

What aftercare will I need?

The laser cleanly removes the damaged layers of skin by vaporizing them and so there will not be the need for dressings afterwards. Immediately post-op your face will look red and puffy but quite clean.  You will need to keep it clean and continually apply petroleum jelly or paw-paw ointment as directed. Both you and the person taking you home will be fully instructed on the aftercare procedure but you will already have been given instruction sheets previously. You will be comfortable and sleep well that night.

For the next day or two, you may feel a stinging sensation like a sunburn over your face but simple tablets such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are all you should need for comfort. There should be no pain beyond that.

We are contactable 24/7 if you need us, you will be given our mobile numbers for such occasions.

Who is suitable for this procedure?

This is suitable for men and women of any age. This is the treatment of choice for a wide range of conditions including all grades of sun damage, lines, keratoses, early skin cancer changes, age changes, skin laxity, loss of elasticity, all severities of acne and other forms of scarring, difficult pigmentation problems, and many other conditions. Of course, it is one of the commonest requests by patients of all ages with tired, dull, lined skin and large pores, looking for that impressive and very long-lasting cosmetic improvement of their complexion. Even heavily lined faces can be greatly improved for many years!

Who is not suitable for this treatment?

Apart from any significant medical conditions, the main contraindication is the skin type – darker skin types are generally at risk of reactive hyper-pigmentation and are best avoided.

A history or tendency to keloid scarring (thick, raised over-healed scars) is another contraindication.

What are the long-term results?

There are few treatments that can boast long-term or permanent results, but this is one that can do that. It is common to get 10 years or longer, and even then your skin will not have returned to its pre-laser state. Some of our patients might come back at eight or ten years requesting a repeat treatment, even though their skin may still look great, usually to boost the skin tightening and face lifting that they had previously experienced.

‍

What are the risks?

The possible risks are an infection, keloid scarring, and pigmentation changes. These are either preventable or manageable.‍

‍‍

‍

Interstate Patients

Can I travel to Sydney alone for a laser resurface?

You will have received twilight sedation anaesthesia and will need someone to take you to your hotel afterwards and to stay with you for the first night.

If you do not have a companion to come with you then we have nursing services available to do all that for you. Charges are reasonable and are dependent on the level of care patients require, you will be low level care. You will be able to shower and be independent in the morning. 

How long will I need to stay locally?

You will need to remain for follow-up reviews and to receive 2 or 3 Healite LED treatments over the next 10 days, following which you be able to fly or drive back home safely.

Although you will be feeling well you are unlikely be able to go out sight-seeing for several days.

Can I see my local doctor for post procedure visits?

This will not be necessary as we will remain in close contact by various media including by telephone, texting photos, and face-time calls. We have found this to be an excellent way of following your progress after you return home.

‍