As a doctor, I’m often asked what is the difference between laser and IPL or Intense Pulsed Light, and what is best for different skin conditions. At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we firmly believe that laser is the superior modality for skin treatments and tend to be able to treat a particular problem more specifically than IPL. Our current laser count is 13. One might ask why we have so many lasers? The answer is; because each laser has a specific function and target, and thus various lasers can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions more specifically than a single laser or IPL system. Lasers are a single wavelength of light as opposed to IPL that is broad band of various light wavelengths. As a result, each laser wavelength has a certain target in the skin, whereas IPL is less specific than this. We have a specific laser for the treatment of pigmentation, acne, capillaries, hair, wrinkles, tattoos, scarring, leg veins – each designed specifically for the job.
The other issue is who operates these lasers. Our doctors have specialised training in the use of lasers for the treatment of various skin conditions. However, in Victoria, there are currently no regulations as to who can use a laser. There will probably be changes to this in the near future, with regulations that will be put in place so that only doctors will be allowed to operate lasers. This is the case in some other states of Australia.
Overall, when choosing a laser provider, you should ask; what laser technology do they own, do they use laser or IPL, and who is operating the laser, so you can get the best treatment for your skin.
For more information about lasers, click on the link to our information page on lasers;
With a growing number of men undertaking cosmetic procedures, we have created a new webpage on rejuvenation for men. This webpage outlines the various cosmetic procedures that are available and suited to men. The page also features an in-depth insight into the procedures performed by Dr. Gavin Chan on the A Current Affair segment on cosmetic procedures for men, and the before, during and after photos of the subjects.
To view this webpage, click on the following link;
Dr. Gavin Chan discusses how to “put your best face forward” when applying for jobs. He discusses the various non-surgical options including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, and laser treatments to help rejuvenate the face.
This is a technique that has been used now for the past few years to help with wound healing and regeneration of various tissues in the body, including skin and bone. It involves the use of one’s own blood, or more specifically, platelets, to help accelerate the wound healing process.
Platelets are a part of the blood that synthesises growth factor throughout its life span and actively secretes them in response to clotting. This makes logical sense. If you cut yourself, platelets are attracted to the wound, and release growth factors to help it heal.
As cosmetic doctors, we use these platelets to help skin heal after procedures such as laser resurfacing. They also can be used in skin that hasn’t been treated otherwise to rejuvenate the skin.
In order to extract the platelet rich plasma, we take about 20mL of your own blood and use a centrifuge to spin it down. The red blood cells, which are much larger and heavier than the platelets, end up at the bottom of the vial, and the platelet rich plasma at the top. The platelet rich plasma is then extracted.
As stated previously, platelets usually release growth factors in response to clotting. We achieve this in vitro by adding calcium chloride to the platelet rich plasma that we have extracted. This sets off the clotting cascade and induces platelets to release growth factors that help with wound healing. The activated platelet rich plasma is then injected or placed in the treatment area.
This technique has been used to help reduce healing times in surgical wounds such as those from skin grafts or face lifts.
