FRACTIONAL LASER • PERSONALISED SKIN ASSESSMENT
Laser Skin Resurfacing in Cairns
At Age Amazingly, our Etherea MX fractional laser resurfacing is individually planned following a consultation. Depending on your skin, concerns and treatment settings, it may help improve the appearance of uneven texture, fine lines, sun related changes and some types of scarring. Treatment suitability, expected downtime and likely outcomes vary between people.
Laser consultations and treatments are performed by Michelle Clarke, Registered Nurse (Division 1), Ahpra registration NMW0001660241.
Book Your Complimentary Consultation
Treatment fees are listed below. Consultations are complimentary.
What is fractional laser resurfacing?
Fractional laser resurfacing delivers controlled columns of laser energy to selected areas of skin while leaving surrounding tissue untreated. This fractional pattern is intended to support the skin’s natural repair response. The depth and intensity can be adjusted, so the treatment plan and recovery period differ from person to person. This differs from HIFU, which works at deeper layers beneath the skin.
The treatment is not a facial and it is not offered as a one size fits all solution. Your medical history, medications, skin type, pigmentation risk, recent sun exposure, goals and available recovery time are considered before treatment is recommended.
Concerns that may be assessed
Fractional laser resurfacing may be considered for the appearance of:
- rough or uneven skin texture
- fine lines and visible signs of ageing
- sun related pigmentation and uneven looking tone
- selected acne scars and other superficial scarring
- dull or tired looking skin
- superficial skin irregularities
- enlarged looking pores
- overall skin texture and tone
Laser resurfacing can be a valuable option for addressing a range of concerns. Your consultation allows us to assess your skin and disccuss the treament approach that may be most suitable for your individual goals.
How the treatment works
During treatment, controlled fractional laser energy is delivered to the selected area. The surrounding untreated skin remains part of the healing process. As the skin recovers, some people notice a gradual improvement in the appearance of texture and fine lines. The degree and timing of change can differ between clients, so a comprehensive assessment at consultation and follow up appointments is vital.
Age Amazingly uses an Etherea MX platform for selected laser services. Any recommendation is based on individual assessment and on the intended use of the specific device and handpiece available at the clinic.
What treatment may feel like
Comfort measures may be discussed before treatment. Sensations vary and can include heat, prickling or discomfort. Immediately afterwards, the area may appear red and feel warm, similar to sunburn.
Depending on the area and treatment intensity, temporary effects may include redness, swelling, tenderness, dryness, a rough or sandpaper like feel, crusting, flaking, itching or temporary darkening of pigment. Less common but important risks include burns, blistering, infection, delayed healing, persistent redness, scarring, changes in pigmentation and unsatisfactory or uneven cosmetic results. Risks relevant to you will be discussed before consent.
Recovery and aftercare
Downtime varies with the treatment area, settings and individual healing response. A lighter treatment may cause short lived redness, while a more intensive treatment can involve several days or longer of visible redness, swelling and flaking. You will receive aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment.
Careful sun protection is important before and after treatment. Follow the written aftercare provided, avoid picking or rubbing healing skin and contact the clinic promptly if you develop unexpected pain, blistering, discharge, increasing redness or another concern.
When might changes be noticed?
Any change is gradual and varies between individuals. Early redness and roughness usually settle as the skin heals. Some people notice a fresher or smoother appearance over the following weeks, with further change possible over subsequent months, while others may notice only a subtle change.
Some concerns may require more than one session, while further treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. The number and interval of sessions are not fixed in advance and will be reviewed according to response and safety.
Any change develops gradually as the skin heals, rather than on the day.
- First week: redness and texture settle as the surface heals.
- Two to four weeks: some people notice smoother, more even looking skin.
- Two to three months: further change in texture may continue as the skin remodels. How much change, if any, varies from person to person.
Treatment suitability
Fractional laser resurfacing may be considered by people concerned about skin texture who can allow several days for healing.
Treatment may need to be postponed, modified or avoided in people with an active infection, active acne, active inflammatory skin condition, impaired healing, recent significant sun exposure or tanning, certain medicines or medical conditions, pregnancy, or a history that increases the risk of pigment change or scarring. This list is not exhaustive. Your clinician will take a thorough history at consultation to assess suitability.
Darker or richly pigmented skin may have a higher risk of post inflammatory pigment change with some laser settings. This does not automatically rule out treatment, but it requires careful assessment and may make another option more appropriate.
Treatment fees
The Etherea MX can be used in a non-ablative mode, which works beneath the skin surface, or an ablative mode, which removes a fine surface layer and usually involves more downtime. Which mode is suitable, and how many treatments are recommended, is decided at your consultation.
Non-ablative laser
- First treatment: $450
- Second and third treatments: $390 each
A series of three treatments is usually recommended, subject to your consultation.
Ablative laser resurfacing (face)
- First treatment: $689. This fee covers your take-home aftercare products, two LED sessions during recovery and a review appointment at two weeks.
- Subsequent treatments: $600 each
Fees are in Australian dollars and are confirmed at your consultation. Treatment is only booked once it has been assessed as suitable for you.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Your Questions
People describe the sensation differently. Comfort measures may be used when clinically appropriate, but treatment can still feel hot, prickly or uncomfortable. The treated area may remain warm or tender afterwards, similar to sunburn. At Age Amazingly, when appropriate, we apply a numbing cream up to 30 minutes prior for added comfort during the procedure.
As a general guide, you can expect around 3-5 days of visible downtime following laser resurfacing. This is an estimate rather than a set recovery period, as downtime can vary from person to person depending on the area treated, treatment intensity, your skin and your individual healing response. Your clinician will discuss the expected recovery period and appropriate aftercare with you before treatment.
This cannot be determined from a website or set in advance. For texture and scarring, a planned course of treatments is usually recommended. Some people choose a single, lighter treatment or use it as maintenance. Progress and safety should be reviewed before further treatment.
Some people with darker skin tones may be suitable for selected approaches, but the risk of pigment change can be higher. An in person assessment is needed, and laser resurfacing may not be recommended if the risk outweighs the likely benefit.
They use different forms of energy and target different tissue depths. Fractional laser resurfacing is generally considered for surface and near surface concerns such as texture and some fine lines. HIFU is generally considered when the concern is mild skin laxity. We often use laser resurfacing and HIFU as a combination treatment. Your clinician will assess your suitability and tailor your treatment plan.
Ready to see if laser resurfacing suits your skin?
Book a consultation with Age Amazingly to discuss your concerns, relevant health history, available options, expected recovery, costs and risks. A consultation does not commit you to treatment, and treatment will only be recommended when it is considered suitable for you.
Important information
All treatments at Age Amazingly with Nicki Belle are performed by health practitioners registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Nicole Jackson-Belle (NMW0001684967) and Michelle Clarke (NMW0001660241) are Registered Nurses (Division 1) holding general registration.
This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. It cannot determine whether a procedure is suitable for you. Outcomes, side effects, recovery and the number of treatments vary between individuals. All procedures carry risk.
Services are provided by our registered nurses and trained clinicians only where appropriately qualified, registered and working within their scope of practice. Please seek urgent medical care for an emergency. For concerns after a treatment, follow your aftercare instructions and contact Age Amazingly promptly.