COSMETIC TREATMENTS

“Radiant skin can be achieved with a combination of treatments,” says Laser Clinics Australia Medical Director, Dr Jonathan Hopkirk. “The first step is to ensure the skin is cleansed, which is where microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments are fantastic.”

Microdermabrasion

During a microdermabrasion, an exfoliator machine gently removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis. This pain-free procedure improves skin texture.

COST: Prices start from $89 up to $200 per treatment. SIDE EFFECTS: Mild redness and dry, flaky skin. Some patients experience skin tightness.

Micro Filler

While dermal fillers are gels injected into soft tissue to help fill in facial wrinkles, a Micro Filler (also known as needling) involves a device covered in tiny needles that makes puncture holes on the surface layer of the skin. “The treatment targets the top 1mm of the skin, helping to repair, rejuvenate, hydrate and protect the skin.” COST: $650 for a full face treatment. SIDE EFFECTS: Tenderness, skin irritation, swelling and sometimes bruising.

Chemical peels

Peels can help diminish fine lines and dark spots and involves the application of a solution, usually with glycolic acid or lactic acid, to remove a layer of skin.

COST: $100 to $200 for a superficial or light peel. SIDE EFFECTS: Transient redness, dryness and skin flaking for a day or two can occur post-treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL is the use of pulses of light waves of different lengths to correct pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It takes about 20 minutes and is relatively pain free. It feels like an elastic band flicking the skin.

COST: Ranges in price from $150 to $500 for a full face treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: Downtime is usually minimal as most patients have mild redness that subsides after a few days. Peeling skin is common.