UltraClear laser is an erbium laser that is ideal for the treatment of sun damage, brown spots, wrinkles, texture, eyelid laxity, and scars. The laser treats multiple skin layers, from the stratum corneum to epidermis to mid dermis, to help reverse the signs of aging. UltraClear vaporizes the outer layers of dull, damaged skin and heals the underlying skin layers with precisely controlled thermal energy. This causes the skin to heal and restructure, growing new skin cells and increasing collagen and elastin production.The results of the treatment are both immediate and progressive. Within two weeks, your skin will feel softer, look brighter, and have a more even tone. Over the next 3-6 months, new collagen will form to tighten and smooth lines. The number of treatments is unique to your concerns and skincare goals. We usually recommend starting with one treatment for overall facial rejuvenation, but multiple treatments may be recommended spaced at least a month apart.
We often recommend other treatments and products that will help maximize and maintain optimal results (i.e. Botox, Dysport, fillers, tretinoin, Clear + Brilliant, Emface, facials, etc). Please consult your provider to create an individualized care plan to achieve your unique goals.
What does the treatment feel like?
Topical numbing ointment is applied to the skin 90 minutes prior to treatment and Toradol (ketorolac), a prescription strength NSAID, is provided. Patients often describe intense heat during the treatment as though their skin is sunburned. We use the PRO-NOX™ nitrous oxide sedation system, a self-administered, pneumatically driven gas system for the relief of pain and anxiety, making the procedure very tolerable.
What is my preparation for the treatment?
An in-office consultation with one of our physicians is required prior to scheduling the procedure. Unless otherwise directed, you may continue to use topical retinoids (i.e. tretinoin, Retin-A, Triluma, Melasma Quadruple Cream), antioxidants, and/or hydroquinone up to the day of your treatment. Patients must avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to treatment. Patients with a history of cold sores may be given a prescription for an oral antiviral to prevent an outbreak. If you have a history of herpes/cold sores, we will want to start you on a treatment of 500mg twice daily of Valtrex starting the day before your procedure. Please call the office so we can prescribe the appropriate prescription if you need it. Do not wear contact lenses to your appointment. For your protection, metal eye shields will be placed over your eyes during the treatment. If vision impaired, wear eyeglasses rather than contact lenses to the appointment. Please purchase 10mg Zyrtec tablets and white vinegar as you will need both for post procedure recovery.
What should I expect after my treatment?
Immediately following the procedure, the skin will feel hot and tight, as if sunburned. You will have pinpoint bleeding immediately after the procedure and into the second day. You will not want to be seen for the first 3 days due to swelling, redness & crusting. Swelling will occur but should resolve in 3-5 days. Pain can be managed with ibuprofen or Tylenol, if needed. Laser grid marks will be visible for the first week. Lasercoring marks can last up to two months. Redness and skin roughness are most intense in the first 2 weeks but may take up to a month to fully resolve. Wait 3 days before doing strenuous exercise. Be diligent in sun avoidance for the first 4 weeks and always protect skin with a zinc-based sunscreen. Allow at least 4 weeks before big events (i.e. weddings, reunions, photoshoots, etc). We will provide you with a post-procedure kit with instructions and products, which should last two weeks.
Risks & Possible Side Effects:
The side effects listed here are examples and not an exhaustive list; every person is different and there is no guarantee that more severe side effects will not occur.
Pain/Discomfort during the procedure is generally well managed by pretreating you with topical numbing ointment and using the PRO-NOX™ system (nitrous oxide).
Swelling is common and usually subsides within 3-7 days.
Redness may persist for up to 1 month.
Bleeding, oozing, crusting — Aggressive treatment may cause pinpoint bleeding, petechiae (small red dots under the skin surface), and/or oozing. Crusting or scabbing may form if the clear fluid or blood dries.
Skin burns and blisters may occur but are rare and unlikely.
Acne or milia formation — A flare-up of acne or formation of milia (tiny white bumps or small cysts) may occur. These findings resolve as the skin heals.
Herpes simplex reactivation — Cold sore eruptions may occur in a treated area.
Infection — If blisters or bleeding are present, an infection of the wound is possible. Meticulous wound care must be observed to avoid scarring and associated pigment changes.
Hyperpigmentation — During the healing phase, the treated area may appear darker. This is called PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). PIH occurs as a part of the normal skin reaction to injury. PIH occurs more frequently with darker colored skin, after sun exposure to the treated area, or with patients who already have a tan.
Hypopigmentation — In some patients who experience pigment changes, the treated area loses pigmentation and becomes a lighter color than the surrounding skin. This type of reaction may also be permanent and is rare.
Eye Injury — Your eyes will be covered with protective goggles during treatment and should remain closed during the treatment. The laser could cause direct eye injury in the absence of these precautions. Also, numbing cream in the eye can cause discomfort.
Contraindications:
- Predisposition to keloid formation or excessive scarring.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have taken Accutane in the past 1 month
- Have an active cold sore, systematic infections or skin infections in the procedure area
- Individuals with vitiligo
- Current or potential cancer in the procedure area.
- Open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the procedure area.
- Ongoing courses of chemotherapy, radiation, or high-dose corticosteroid use.
- Auto immune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cancellation Policy
Modern Dermatology requires a credit card for scheduling of all aesthetic appointments (except Botox/Dysport/Jeuveau). We will remind you of your appointment 1 week prior in case you need to cancel or reschedule. Appointments broken without 48 business hours of notice will be charged a $250.00 cancellation fee for the time we reserved for you.
