Surgery » Fractional DOT Laser Treatment

What is Fractional Laser?

Fractional Laser delivers micro beams to penetrate into the skin.  This triggers a natural healing process that forms new healthy collagen.  By delivering the Laser energy in fractional "dots" surrounded by unaffected skin, rather than to the whole skin surface, healing is much more rapid than traditional Laser resurfacing.

The natural collagen production is stimulated resulting in a decrease of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring uneven pigmentation and promotes a more youthful and fresher complexion.  Because not all of the skin is resurfaced each treatment, multiple treatments (3 - 6) depending on severity of problem and aggressiveness of settings, are required.

The Laser is suitable for all skin types and can be used on any area of the body.  Some changes are seen immediately but full results take up to 6 months to show. The treatment may be performed gently to give a rapid recovery over just a few days - but more treatments are required to get dramatic results. Other patients want an intense treatment with longer down time (5 - 7 day) to get results with fewer treatments. The more intense treatments are more uncomfortable, require more post laser care and down time, are more expensive but require fewer treatments.

We offer complimentary consultations if you would like to discuss this treatment option with one of our nurses or Dermal Therapists prior to seeing Dr's Oates or King.

Who is a good candidate for Dot Laser ? 

Clients concerned with the following:

Sun damage
Lines & wrinkles
Uneven pigmentation
Scarring - such as acne scaring
Loss of firmness

Who is not a good candidate for Laser Dot?

Clients with unrealistic expectations
Special care is required for clients who tan frequently
Melasma and pigmentation problems are a special area of use and concern

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

The Procedure:

The procedure is performed in a safe and controlled environment.  The procedure will be performed in theatre in our government licenced day twilight sedation hospital -  Academy Day Hospital.

30 - 60 minutes prior to the treatment a numbing cream will be applied to the area being treated. Medication (anti-inflammatory and pain killer) may also be administered prior to the treatment.  This will ensure that the discomfort that you may feel should be minimal.

The Recovery:

You will be able to drive following the treatment – if you wish.
Medication and a topical cream will be prescribed and supplied to you.
Post treatment instructions will also be supplied.

You will experience the following:

Redness – lasting for 1 week (longer off the face)
Mild swelling - mainly the first 2 days
Dry dots/brown skin which peel off in a few days

Will there be discomfort?

You may experience a mild stinging sensation and it may feel increasingly hot in the area treated for several hours - ice packs will help this.

Some patients get an itch in the healing period and we will give you some tablets for this.

How long does the treatment take?

Approximately 30 - 60 minutes

Preparation of the skin prior to treatment:

A topical retinoic acid cream will be prescribed and you will be required to apply this cream to the area that is being treated. If your skin will tolerate it, using twice a day is best.

If you are having Laser treatment to the lip area, anti viral medication will also be prescribed for pre and post treatment for prevention of cold sores.

Post procedure care:

Anti viral medication
Topical cream will be supplied
An instruction leaflet covering post treatment care will be provided
A maintenance program will also be provided

We provide complimentary consultations with our nurses and dermal therapists, if you wish, prior to seeing Dr Oates or Dr King.