Gemini laser skin rejuvenation - for rosacea, broken facial capillaries, spider leg veins, skin pigmentation, sun-damage, & laser hair removal - Melbourne, Victoria
What is laser?
Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser light is composed of particles of called photons and have the same colour and phase. Medical lasers use this property to interact with skin or human tissue. Lasers emit one single wavelength of light that will have a certain effect/target on skin.
What are the effects of medical lasers on skin?
There are a large variety of medical lasers, each having a different effect on skin. Each type of laser is attracted selectively to a particular colour-bearing substance on the skin. A particular laser can therefore target a particular problem on the skin, depending on the colour it is attracted to. Each type of laser will also penetrate a different depth.
What types of lasers are there? What is the Gemini Laser?
There are a number of medical lasers, each designed to target different problems. This page will discuss the Gemini laser, which has two frequencies for the treatment of skin conditions, namely, 532 nanometres (green KTP), and 1064 nanometres (Nd:YAG). The green light of KTP laser will be selectively attracted to the blood in capillaries and the melanin in skin, making it an ideal laser for treating broken capillaries, rosacea, freckles, sunspots and pigmentation. The Nd:YAG laser is a deeper penetrating laser that can be used to treat spider leg veins, and to selectively remove hair follicles for permanent hair reduction.
One of the lasers used at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute is the Gemini Laser from Laserscope which incorporates the KTP and the Nd:YAG lasers together to treat the above problems.
The process of using lasers on skin to improve its quality, texture and tone is called photorejuvenation.
What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers?
Ablative lasers such as Erbium and CO2 lasers completely resurface the top layers of the skin and can leave your skin red and raw for several weeks or months.
Non-ablative lasers only selectively remove skin problems such as pigmentation or capillaries, leaving the rest of the skin intact - therefore the downtime is minimal.
At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we specialise in the use of non-ablative lasers to minimise the downtime after treatment, whilst still achieving effective results.
What is the difference between laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Lasers have one specific wavelength to target a specific problem. The KTP laser, for example has a wavelength at 532 nanometres that targets melanin and haemoglobin. This makes it very specific to problems such as broken capillaries, rosacea, freckles, sunspots and pigmentation.
IPL is a broad spectrum of light that has a number of wavelengths. Hence, it tends to target a number of problems simultaneously and non-selectively. If for example, you are trying to selectively target capillaries, the multiple wavelengths of IPL will target capillaries as well as other parts of the skin. The amount of energy delivered to the intended target will also be delivered to the unintended targets, and at times, cause unnecessary skin damage.
Although fast and versatile, IPL devices are as a rule less effective at a given task than a laser dedicated to the purpose.
Figure: The wavelengths of various lasers/IPL and the absorption of haemoglobin, melanin, and water at these wavelengths.
The Gemini Laser at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute can selectively treat a variety of skin problems with minimal or no disruption to the surrounding normal skin;
The Gemini laser treats pigmentation with the 532 nm KTP wavelength. The energy from this light is selectively absorbed by the melanin that causes pigmentation. This causes a photothermal injury to the melanin, and this leads to its disruption and subsequent removal by the body's immune system. It generally takes 2 to 5 treatments to lighten pigmenation, and it sometimes goes completely. The treatments are spaced at least 1 month apart. Pigmentation that is too deep for the laser may not be treatable - for example, melasma, a type of pigmentation caused by the pill or pregnancy, is difficult to treat as it spans many layers of the skin. In some cases it may be appropriate to use the other lasers available at The Victorian Cosmetic Institute to remove pigment. For example, the Q-switched Nd:YAG or ruby laser, which we usually use to remove tattoos, is excellent for deep pigmentation removal. With all laser pigmenation removal, the pigmentation becomes darker for approximately one week and then flakes off.
Some raised spots on the face, neck and body can be treated with the Gemini laser.
Seborrhoiec keratosis, which are raised brown spots that look like a 'stuck-on sultana' can be treated with the Gemini laser's 532nm wavelength. A very high energy setting is used to ablate the raised tissues. The lesion becomes grey and then scabs and flakes off. Usually 1-2 sessions are required for this treatment.
Deramtosis papulosa nigra are raised dark brown/black spots usually seen on the cheeks of olive or darker skinned patients. They look like 'stuck-on coco pops'. Again a very high energy setting is used on the 532nm wavelength which ablates these lesions.
Skin tags are skin coloured raised spots usually found on the neck, underarms, and face and can also be removed with the 532nm wavelength in a similar manner.
Case Study 1
This patient presents with a number of seborrhoiec keratois removed from her cheeks with the Gemini laser. She required only one treatment. A mole on her upper lip was excised surgically.
The Gemini laser treats facial capillaries and rosacea with the 532 nm KTP laser. The energy from this light is attracted to oxyhaemoglobin, a constituent of blood. This closes off any superficial blood vessels and reduces capillaries, redness, and flushing. Usually 1 to 3 treatments are required at montly intervals. Because of its specificity to oxyhaemoglobin, the KTP laser is one of the best lasers for facial capillaries. There usually is some facial swelling after the procedure, and this may last for 3 days. There may also be an increased amount of redness (temporary) following the treatment.
Case Study 2
This man presented with a large number of broken capillaries over his
face, including a cherry angioma on his right cheek.
The after picture shows his face after two treatments with the gemini
laser with the 532nm wavelength which is attracted to oxyhaemoglobin
(blood).
Video case study: This young patient presents to The Victorian Cosmetic Institute with a facial capillary known as a spider haemangioma. Immediately after a few pulses with the Gemini laser, the spider haemangioma has been closed off, and no longer fills with blood.
Permanent hair reduction/treatment of pseudofolliculitis (in-grown hairs)
Permanent hair reduction can be achieved with the 1064nm Nd: YAG laser. The laser is selectively absorbed by the melanin present in the hair follicle. As a result, very fine, light or grey hairs can not be treated. The laser induces death of the hair follicle stem cell which can lead to permanent hair reduction - as opposed to plucking or waxing which only temporarily removes the hair. Generally 6 to 8 treatments are required at 4 to 8 week intervals. The amount of hair reduction achieved is in the order of 60 to 80%. One of the main advantages of the Nd:YAG laser is that it is the safest hair removal laser for darker skins. It is also particularly suited to the treatment of ingrown facial and neck hairs.
The 1064nm Nd:YAG is used in this circumstance to reduce the presence of small leg and facial veins. Large or deep veins are often not treatable with this laser. The 1064nm wavelength penetrates through the skin and the energy from this laser is absorbed by the leg/facial vein and this closes it down. It generally takes 1 to 2 treatments spaced at montly intervals to improve the appearance of leg/facial veins. Mostly, these veins disappear immediately after treatment, but some can be partially disrupted and take a few weeks to reduce. There is usually some temporary redness over the treated skin and blistering may occur.
Acne and sun damage can also be treated by a process called photodynamic therapy. This involves pre-treating the skin with a substance called 5-ALA. 5-ALA is attracted to the overactive sebaceous glands (for the treatment of acne) and the sun damaged cells in the skin. The 532nm KTP laser is then used to activate the 5-ALA and this selectively disrupts the parts of the skin it was attracted to. The efficacy of photodynamic therapy has been shown be similar to Roaccutane for acne in some studies, and is also highly effective for the treatment of solar keratosis (pre-malignant lesions caused by sun exposure).
For acne, photodynamic therapy works welll on acne cysts and is a good option for those who are resistant or unable to take antibiotics or roaccutane. It is also suitable for treating acne during breast feeding.
Venous lakes are blue to violet lesions that are usually found on the lower lip or ears. They are a dilation of the underlying veins, and can be usually treated in one session with the Gemini laser's 1064nm wavelength. A distinct popping sound is heard when the venous lake is treated.Back to top
Laser treatments can be done at regular intervals to maintain and augment the improvements achieved from the initial treatments.
Generally, most skin problems can be improved in one to five sessions. Each session is generally performed once every month. A maintenance session can be performed every three months to maintain the improvements achieved. The results from laser treatment are permanent, however, maintenance is necessary to ensure your skin keeps ahead of damaging environmental factors such as sun exposure.
Pigmentation generally requires two to five sessions spaced one month apart. Capillaries are generally removed in one session. Rosacea or diffuse redness may require one to five sessions to treat as well as ongoing maintenance treatments. Acne treatments with photodynamic therapy are spaced 10 days to 30 days apart and a total of two to four sessions are required. Hair removal can be performed every four to eight weeks, and generally require six to eight sessions to reduce the amount of hair growth.
The results from laser can be immediate to delayed. Defined facial capillaries may disappear immediately with laser treatment, pigmentation may require two or three sessions to lighten and results take effect at about two weeks after treatment, and collagen stimulation and skin tightening may occur from six months to one year later.
For photorejuvenation of the skin, any area of the body can be treated. Most commonly, the face is treated, but other areas that can be treated include the neck, decolletage (chest), hands, arms and back.
Most parts of the body can be treated for hair removal with the Nd:YAG laser.
What should I expect after Gemini laser treatment?
You will generally experience some redness, darkening of pigmented areas, and at times, swelling. The redness can take one to three days to dissipate, and the darkened pigmentation may persist for one to two weeks and peel off.
Make up can be applied immediately after treatment and during the course of recovery. It is important to plan your treatment around a time when you do not have any important social engagements/events for about seven to ten days.
See our laser consent form for more detail.
Prices for photorejuvenation depend on the area treated. For laser rejuvenation of a full face, the cost is approximately $495 (inc. GST) per session. This includes treatment of any pigmentation, sun-damage or capillaries over the whole face. The cost of only the cheeks and nose is $385 (inc. GST). The cost of neck/decollatage treatments range from $330 to $495 (inc. GST). The minimum charge for smaller problems, such as a few spots or the nasal capillaries is $165 (inc. GST). For hair removal prices, click here.
There is a Medicare rebate for Gemini laser treatment of facial redness,capillaries, port wine stains, and particular types of brown spots. An example is for the treatment of broken capillaries/redness on the face; for those qualifying, there is a $114 rebate from Medicare for each treatment with the Gemini laser that can be claimed for 6 treatments in one year. Also treatments that attract a Medicare rebate also count towards the Medicare Safety Net. Once the threshold on the Medicare Safety Net is passed, 80% of the out-of-pocket fee is refunded to you by Medicare. For more information, click here.
The following is an example of the Medicare Safety Net post treatment for the treatment of broken capillaries over the nose and cheeks, once the threshold has been exceeded.
You Pay You receive from Medicare
Medicare schedule fee $114.55 Rebate on schedule fee $114.55
Doctor's additional charge $270.45 Safety Net rebate (80% of $270.45) $216.36
Total fee paid $385 Total rebate $330.91
Therefore total out-of-pocket fee is $54.09 *
* Please note that this example assumes that the Medicare Safety Net threshold has been exceeded. Also the threshold will vary for various individuals or families. Please check with Medicare if you have any uncertainties as to your potential rebates.
The cost of treatment of Port wine stains with the Gemini laser depends on the size of the area affected. Again, there is a Medicare rebate associated with this treatment, and the amount of this rebate will also depend on the size of the area treated. The Medicare Safety Net also applies for Port wine stains.
Some types of pigmentation treatment with the Gemini laser also attract a Medicare rebate and contribute to the Safety Net, but it will depend on the type of pigmentation treated.
Photodynamic therapy for acne costs $660 per session and this includes a session of microdermabrasion or a chemical peel prior to your treatment. For the treatment of sun damage, the price per session is $990 - in some cases there may be eligibility for a medicare rebate for this treatment.
Laser hair removal prices depend also on the area treated. An indication of prices per session are as follows; upper lip $99, upper lip and chin $132, back $440, chest and abdomen $440, lower leg $440, full leg $880, bikini line $165, brazillian $275-$385, and underarms $165. Laser hair removal is not eligible for Medicare rebates.
For facial treatments, it is important to cease the use of skin care containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or vitamin A derivatives (Refine, Define, Retin-A) at least 3 days prior to treatment. You may be instructed to use creams to lighten your skin for up to one month prior to treatment. It is essential to use sunscreen on a daily basis prior to treatment with laser, and this is a habit that should persist indefinitely. You may also be instructed to take anti-viral tablets if you have a history of cold sores. Your treating doctor will prescribe you these tablets if necessary.
For laser hair removal, it is important to not pluck or wax hair for at least one week prior to treatment. You are able to shave your hair anytime before treatment. The hair follicule (under the skin) needs to be present for the procedure to be effective. If possible, it is also advisable to not tan for one month prior to the procedure.
You may swell, look sunburnt, blister or scab after laser treatment. It is important not to pick at the skin or irritate the skin after treatment. Swelling and redness is common (but transient), and scabbing is not as common.
Do not use any alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or vitamin A derivatives (Refine, Define, Retin-A) for up to two weeks after the treatment, or until the skin has returned to normal.
Excessive sun exposure or solariums should be avoided for the duration of the treatments and until one month after treatments are finished. Daily sunscreen use is essential to prevent pigmentation problems (darkening of the skin) after laser and should be used daily. The daily use of sunscreen is important to prevent the recurrence of the problem treated by laser.
Aloe vera based gels can also be used to help soothe the skin after treatment. Seabuckthorn serum and ICC serum can also be used to help promote healing post treatment.
Why choose The Victorian Cosmetic Institute to perform your laser treatment?
At The Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we use the latest laser technology to perform your treatment. The Gemini laser is an extremely safe and effective laser for the removal of pigmentation, capillaries, unwanted hair (it is the safest hair removal machine for darker skins), and leg veins. Due to its specificity, it can be a lot safer and effective than other IPL systems/treatments.
Our doctors are also highly experienced in laser treatments, and will be able to give you the best advice for your treatment.
The
first step is simply contacting us for your initial laser skin rejuvenation
consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and
achievable outcome, and what to expect from your laser treatment.
Making that first phone
call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task - many of
our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can
then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful
of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate.
It's as easy as clicking
either of the buttons below and completing the provided form.
Otherwise, you can phone us directly on (03) 8850 0655 (Templestowe) or (03) 9707 0888 (Berwick).
