Lasers are devices that deliver a very intense light usually of one wave length or colour only (Monochromatic Light). There are many different types of lasers and all have different applications.

IPL's are also a device that delivers a light but always with a polychromatic light source and it doe shave filters in the hand piece that will only allow light of certain wave lengths to be emitted and according to the filters used different conditions can be treated.

The Copper Bromide DUAL YELLOW laser emits yellow light which is absorbed by blood vessels (red and pink pigmentation in the skin) and green light which is absorbed by Melanin (brown pigmentation in the skin). Each colour of light can be used independently, or in combination

The Copper Bromide is much more specific for treating veins and pigmented lesions.

The dual Yellow Laser is able to treat a variety of conditions. These include.

- brown spots: freckles, flat moles

- blood vessels: broken capillaries, rosacea, cherry spots and birthmarks

- Solid lesions: seborrheic keratoses, moles, skin tags and benign papules

- Acne

- Pink stretch marks

- Sun damaged skin on face, neck, chest and backs of hands

- large sized pores, skin texture and fine lines

Some procedures may even attract a Medicare Rebate when the Dual Yellow laser is used.

How does the treatment work?

The Dual Yellow Laser emits wavelengths of light which target only the blemish to be treated and minimizing the damage to surrounding skin. This action is specific to the colour of the light and the condition to be treated. There are two modalities of treatment- focused (small spot beam) or rejuvenation (scanning beam).

Who can be treated?

It is nearly possible to treat all skin types. Care has to be taken when darker skin types are treated as it may cause either hypo or hyper pigmentation.

Is one treatment sufficient?

For most lesions only one treatment is all that is needed, however, for skin rejuvenation, Rosacea, acne and stretch marks and some larger facial veins, several treatments may be required.

Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is well tolerated by most patients without any form of local unaesthetic. Most patients describe the feeling similar to that of a rubber band flicking on the skin or little pin pricks. A topical unaesthetic may be used if required. When the area treated is cooled it is usually less painful.

Is the treatment safe?

In our clinic the laser is only operated by properly trained personnel, and that make the treatment completely safe. The Dual Yellow laser can be used on nearly all areas of the body except the eye. Special eye shields are worn during a treatment to protect the eyes. The laser does not produce any rays known to be harmful long-term such as X-rays, gamma rays. U.V. rays etc. It will not cause any skin cancer.

Laser use is regulated by law in Queensland and in some other states of Australia and requires accredited training. There is no requirement for accredited training in use of IPL machines at this stage.

Can I go back to work after treatment?

Yes the treatment will leave the area treated only slightly red and you can go back to work after treatment making this a lunch time procedure. Treated blood vessels and broken capillaries may vanish immediately with the treated area becoming flushed for a few hours. This is usually gone by the following day. If large areas are treated or a large number of vessels are treated there may be some swelling, especially under the eyes. In more severe cases, swelling may persist for more than 24-48 hours.

The day after the treatment the vessels may seem to reappear, but will progressively fade over the next 5-7 days. Some minor skin flaking may be noticed up to a week after treatment.

Pigmented lesions or spots will tend to darken initially, then form a dry scab and eventually peel off over a period of 7-10 days depending on their location on the body. Faces tend to heal within 7 days and arms and legs approximately 3-4 weeks. Often a pink patch is left for three to four weeks after the scab has fallen off. Scarring is rare but occasionally the final result is a spot slightly paler than the surrounding skin.

Do the blemishes recur?

Yes in some case the pigmented mark may reappear and usually it will happen if the treated area is exposed to sunlight again after treatment. A good skin care program is important when undertaking a course of Dual Yellow laser treatment. Sun protection is essential to ensure longevity of results and to prevent further damage. Recurrence of dilated capillaries is related to genetics, history of sun exposure and some diseases such as rosacea.

Prominent vessels on the nose and the chin are often more resistant to laser treatment. These vessels are in fact anatomically normal and may require the combination of laser and injection sclerotherapy to reduce them more effectively.

Copper Bromide Laser (Dual Yellow Laser)

Unsightly blemishes can cause embarrassment. Help is now easily available through a simple but effective treatment with the Dual Yellow Laser. The laser utilises two wave lengths of light Yellow 532 nm ( Vascular Lesions) and Green 587 nm ( Pigmented Lesions)

Skin quality issue like:-

§ Variations in pigmentation (brown spots)

§ Vascular blemishes (spider veins or blushed cheeks)

§ Scars

§ Acne

§ Stretch marks

§ Fine lines and wrinkles

Are assess and the best approach to your treatment is discussed so you are able to make a fully informed decision.

The green and yellow light produced by the Dual Yellow laser targets only the blemish to be treated, without damaging the surrounding tissue. The selection of light colour for treatment will be decided depending on the type of blemish being treated.

Skin Rejuvenation

Skin Rejuvenation treatments can be achieved in a single lunch break, with very minimal side effects and makeup can be worn straight after.

Stretch Marks

The treatment of stretch marks using the Dual Yellow laser has proven to be very promising. Although more than one treatment may be required, the results have been proven to be effective.

Acne

Laser treatment for active acne has greatly increased in popularity recently, due to the outstanding results achieved and the lack of contraindications. More than one treatment is generally required and the results achieved can extend from reasonably long periods to permanently.

Vascular Lesions

The most common vascular lesions that can be treated are facial, telangiestasia (broken veins or capillaries), rosacea (flushed cheeks), cherry/ spider angiomas (Campbell-de-Morgan spots) and port wine stains (birthmarks). May vascular lesions can be diminished in a single treatment with immediate results.

Pigmented Lesions

The most common pigmented lesions treated are solar lentigines and freckles. Treatment can result in fading or removal of the lesions.

Solid Lesions

Solid lesions are best treated with the Dual Yellow laser, which can effectively and permanently remove them. There is minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. The most common solid lesions treated are seborrheic keratosis, pigmented skin tags and benign papules.

How does the treatment work?

The Dual Yellow laser generates wavelengths of light which target only the blemish to be treated thus leaving surrounding skin without damage.

Who can be treated?

Almost all skin types can be successfully treated for a wide range of blemishes including vascular and pigmented lesions, acne and skin rejuvenation.

Where can I be treated?

The Dual Yellow laser can be used on nearly all the body areas including fact, neck, chest, back, hands, arms and legs.

How many treatments do I need?

For most vascular and pigmented lesions, only one treatment is necessary, however, for some skin rejuvenation, stretch marks and acne, several treatments may be required.

What does the treatment feel like?

The treatment is well tolerated by most patients without any form of anaesthetic. Most patients describe the felling similar to that of a rubber band flicking on the skin, and a topical anaesthetic can be used if necessary.

Is the treatment safe?

If the laser is operated by properly trained personnel, the treatment is completed safe and will not cause any skin damage. Unlike IPL's which are broadband and which contain wavelengths that may damage other tissue, lasers are narrow-band and target only the blemish being treated.

What are the results like?

Mostly the results are immediate, so that as you walk out of the clinic, you will notice the disappearance of vascular lesions. Some other lesions may take a week or so to disappear.