Skin Rejuvenation » Affirm Fractional Laser

The Affirm Multiplex Laser utilises the newest fractional laser technology, with a built in cooling system, to deliver total skin rejuvenation and minimise acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles.

Lengthy down time is avoided, as experienced with more ablative peels & laser treatments, by piercing the skin with micro columns of light energy deep into the layers of the skin, leaving surrounding tissues in-tact and rapidly stimulating the body's natural healing responses. These dermal injuries can perforate fibrous scar tissue enabling deposition of new collagen, lifting depressions (scars and wrinkles) from the bottom up, whilst the tissue heating causes tissues to contract, resulting in a softer, smoother & firmer looking skin.

The Affirm is a complete skin rejuvenation system that provides fast results with less pain and downtime than other current products on the market.

See a comparison of the Affirm and Fraxel.  Learn more about the Affirm - watch this video.

Benefits
•    The very latest in fractional laser technology
•    Treatment much more comfortable than older fractional lasers
•    Better improvement in acne scars and fine wrinkles
•    Minimal down time
•    Great looking skin

What can Affirm treat?
•    Acne and traumatic scarring
•    Rough or thickened skin
•    Ageing and sun-damage
•    Thin crêpey skin
•    Loss of skin laxity (tissue tightening)
•    Improve the appearance of open pores
•    The laser can be used anywhere on the body.

Who are the best candidates for Affirm Fractional Laser?
•    Both men and women of all ages
•    All skin types showing signs of ageing or acne scarring
•    People not ready/do not yet need, laser resurfacing or medium depth peels

Contra Indications (why Affirm may not be suitable for you)
•    Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
•    Currently taking light sensitising medications
•    Currently taking anticoagulant medications
•    Have a history of seizures triggered by light
•    Pregnancy
•    Dermatitis or active infections in the area to be treated
•    Abnormal wound healing
•    Recent sunburn

NB: please inform your nurse or therapist if you have ever experienced or are prone to cold sores.

Potential Complications (rare)
•    If the healing skin in incorrectly cared for it can prolong healing time and possibly lead to infection and scarring
•    Hyper-pigmentation (darker areas of pigment on the skin associated with trauma) lasting for 1 to 12 months (can be treated with medicated bleaching creams). We recommend darker skin types prep the skin with a bleaching cream 4 weeks prior to treatment
•    Possible herpes simplex outbreak if prone to cold sores in treatment area

How many sessions do I need?
The Affirm Fractional Laser is designed to be performed as a course of treatments.  Initially it is recommended you begin with 3-4, monthly sessions, however deeper lines, scarring and other severe skin conditions will take many more regular sessions which will be discussed with you during your consultation.

How will my skin react after the treatment?
•    Most patients will experience a mild sunburn like sensation that lasts 2 to 5 hours
•    The treated area is generally sensitive to heat for 2 days following treatment
•    Moderate redness and some swelling immediately and lasting up to 12-36 hours
•    Skin may feel tight and dry
•    Raised, red circular marks may be present, which is due to cool airflow from the handpiece and will fade shortly after treatment

Skin Preparation
Prior to having your laser treatment, we recommend that the skin is primed with active ingredients for at least two weeks prior to the treatment. This is to maximise treatment outcomes, assist in speeding the healing time and reduce the risk of post peel complications.  A specific skin care regime will be recommended to you at your initial consultation.

The Procedure
The Affirm has an inbuilt cooling system attached to the handpiece, which offers excellent pain relief and therefore requires no need of topical anaesthesia (cream).  Two passes are made over the area and possibly a third for pitted scarring or deep rhytids. Treatment may take between 15 – 30 minutes depending on the area.

Treatment Maintenance
We review the skin at 2 weeks after the recommended course has finished and again at 12 weeks. This time frame allows us to see the maximum new collagen deposition and to assess the success of the treatment.  Before and after photo's are then compared and results discussed. It is at this stage a skin care and treatment maintenance program will be discussed with you.

After your results have been achieved with Affirm, treatments can be performed during the year to maintain the benefits.