CO2RE® Fractional Laser Resurfacing Treatments South Africa

Dr Nerina Wilkinson has a set standard of individualised care and expertise which is reflected by the entire team. Our team of experts has a wealth of knowledge and continuously delivers outstanding results by using state of the art medical devices and products and sparing no expense to create a safe and luxurious environment where all your skincare concerns can be addressed.

We are passionate about educating our clients on safe, results-driven treatments and we design each client’s aesthetic couture journey individually to deliver optimal results. To achieve this, we start with a computerised VISIA Skin Analysis and Next Motion Photography that objectively measures and maps your skin followed by a detailed consultation with your treating doctor during which specific concerns are highlighted and discussed.

Each CO2RE® fractional laser treatment is completely bespoke and formulated around each individual’s concern and desired results. Book an appointment to consult with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson and hear team of Aesthetic Doctors.

CO2 laser resurfacing will benefit skin with the following concerns:

• Significant facial lines, wrinkling, and signs of ageing
• Facial scars
• Uneven pigmentation

As with any surgical procedure, it is best to discuss your specific medical history and needs with your doctor. Book an appointment to consult with Dr. Nerina Wilkinson.

As per its namesake, fractional lasers only treat a fraction of the skin at a time with laser beams, but treatment is aggressive. Essentially, the laser drills hundreds of tiny holes in the skin – vaporising what it comes in contact with and creating columns into the skin. The minute damage or “wounds” created by the laser forces the body to heal with new and healthy skin, after eradicating any previously pigmented, damaged, or lax skin.

The depth of laser penetration determines what is being treated. When the CO²RE® beam of light comes in contact with the epidermis it heats and vaporises the skin tissue, instantly removing the superficial layers of the skin containing scars and wrinkles while smoothing out the surface of the skin. The skin remodelling occurs with new skin and collagen growth.

That will depend completely on the extent of your procedure (whether it is a focal treatment for a localised concern or a full-face approach combined with other modalities). The treatment is performed in rooms in our procedure room or, if combined with other procedures may be done at the Cosmetic Surgical Institute.

In most cases only one, but for deep wrinkles and acne scarring two or more treatments may be necessary. The interval between treatments should be a minimum of 3 months.

You will see a gradual improvement in the appearance of your skin immediately after the skin has peeled (usually after 3 – 5 days) and continue to see improvements thereafter. During the procedure, we can immediately see the skin contract and shrink. You will continue to see improved results for up to six months with the new collagen regeneration that “plumps” up the skin. The results are permanent.

The durability of CO²RE® results approaches that of surgical procedures. However, there are a number of variables that will determine how long you can expect the results to last, including your health, age, social habits and how well you care for your skin.

Your satisfaction with your laser treatment is likely to be greater if you have a thorough understanding of the procedure and maintain realistic expectations. Please contact us to discuss your specific concerns.

Before fractional laser treatments

You will receive a pack of special topical creams to apply to your skin for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to treatment. This prepares the skin and helps to reduce the chance of developing pigmentation areas afterwards.

You will also be required to use a specific oral antiviral medication to reduce the risk of developing fever blisters and to see Dr Nerina Wilkinson for a pre-op consultation 1 week before your procedure.

Day of treatment fractional laser treatment

You will be given an oral sedative and painkillers at the time of admission for your treatment.
The treatment is performed in rooms in our procedure room or if being combined with other procedures may be done at the Cosmetic Surgical Institute.

You can expect moderate discomfort at the beginning of the treatment while Dr Wilkinson injects the local anaesthetic to numb the skin which usually makes any discomfort thereafter very tolerable.

You may smell the skin burning during the treatment, but this is completely normal.

After fractional laser treatment

Immediately following the procedure, you can expect a sensation similar to sunburn, which may last for several hours.

You will also need to stay in our rooms for about an hour after your procedure to allow time for Dr. Nerina Wilkinson to see you before being discharged.

In the days following treatment, you will experience peeling of dead skin from the treatment area.

Usually, after 3 days, most of the skin will be off.

You may experience a secondary flaking phase; this is a natural exfoliation process and may last seven to 10 days.

At the time of your first follow-up (usually 3 days post-treatment), you will also have an appointment scheduled at our Skin Clinic for a special cleansing treatment with a Smitten to help the last of the dead skin to come off, as well as a complimentary Dermalux LED Light treatment.

You may have moderate to severe swelling and redness after the treatment which will last for 10 to 14 days but keep in mind that all the swelling and redness will take up to 6 weeks to go away completely. Patients are normally very anxious in this phase as they may not recognise themselves right away and often worry about short term side effects that will not improve. This is normal and it’s important to realise that this will definitely pass, and you will be thrilled with the results!

We will provide you with a pack of post-treatment creams together with clear instructions on how to use them.

We can also supply a post-treatment cover-up foundation that has anti-redness, anti-inflammatory properties and high factor sun protection which can be purchased at our Skin Clinic.

It is also important to note that you will have to avoid being in the sun for 6 weeks post-treatment (and liberally apply sun protectant) otherwise you may develop areas of hyperpigmentation.

This is why we usually only recommend that you do this treatment in the winter months unless you are sure that you can avoid being out in direct sunlight for the duration of the 6-week recovery period.

Immediately following the procedure, you can expect a sensation similar to sunburn, which may last for several hours.

In the days following treatment, you will experience peeling of dead skin from the treatment area.

Usually after 3 days, most of the skin will be off.

You may experience a secondary flaking phase; this is a natural exfoliation process and may last seven to 10 days.

At the time of your first follow-up (usually 3 days post-treatment) you will also have an appointment scheduled at our Skin Clinic for a special cleansing treatment with a Smitten to help the last of the dead skin come off, as well as a complimentary Dermalux LED Light treatment.

You may have moderate to severe swelling and redness after the treatment which will last for 10 to 14 days but keep in mind that all the swelling and redness will take up to 6 weeks to go away completely.

We will provide you with a pack of post-treatment creams together with clear instructions on how to use them.

We can also supply a post-treatment cover-up foundation that has anti-redness, anti-inflammatory properties, and high factor sun protection which can be purchased at our Skin Clinic.

It is also important to note that you will have to avoid being in the sun for 6 weeks post-treatment otherwise you may develop areas of hyperpigmentation.

This is why we usually only recommend that you do this treatment in the winter months unless you are sure that you can avoid being out in direct sunlight for the duration of the 6-week recovery period.

To see if this is the best cosmetic surgery procedure for you, always start with a professional consultation with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon for an in-depth analysis of your facial features and to reach a good understanding of your skincare concerns and goals.

Dr Nerina Wilkinson’s unique and comprehensive surgical consultation is available for you to discuss and analyse your concerns and goals and for her (together with her team of specialists) to provide bespoke advice. Schedule your facial cosmetic surgery consultation today!

The cost of treatment depends on the surgical time and whether it’s being done in the clinic rooms or in theater, therefore you are looking at +/- R 25 000 – R 40 000. The extent of the treatment (and associated costs) will only be determined once you have seen Dr Wilkinson for a full assessment/consultation.

ADDITIONAL COSTS:

Consultation fee: R 2 200
Medication required for surgery: +/- R 1 200 – R 1 500
Other investigations advised by Dr Wilkinson at consultation

(Please note that these fees are only estimates and can change once you have seen the doctor for your first assessment)

Please contact us to ask any questions you may have regarding CO2 laser resurfacing treatments.

Fractional laser is normally safe when performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon/Aesthetic Doctor. Nevertheless, as with any surgery or aesthetic procedure, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding and/or infection. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr Wilkinson’s advice both before and after your procedure.

Your health and lifestyle should always be assessed in conjunction with your expectations before undergoing a fractional laser treatment.

Adverse effects are unlikely but there are common side effects, risks and complications that can be associated with a fractional laser treatment which a qualified Doctor will be able to assess and advise you on prior to treatment.

Fractional laser treatments: Side effects

Erythema (redness of the skin): the laser-treated areas have a distinctive redness representing increased blood flow due to the growth of the superficial tissue and collagen. It will gradually fade over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.

Inflammation (swelling): treatment with the Fractional CO²RE® presents a moderate to severe amount of swelling that can last from 10 – 14 days and will totally resolve within 6 weeks. Hyperpigmentation: This is presented after the 3rd day of the procedure but then begins to shed and reveal younger healthier looking skin which will improve after your Smitten cleanse at the clinic.

You should return for follow up visits 3 – 4 days after treatment, 2 weeks later, after 6 weeks with your Skincare Specialist and finally at 12 weeks for a full assessment of the treatment area with a new VISIA Skin Analysis and Next Motion photos.

Fractional laser treatments: Complications & Risks

Dr. Nerina Wilkinson can provide more insight into any additional side effects, and address any concerns you may have regarding CO2 laser treatments. Contact us to find out more.