What is Cool Laser?
Cool Laser is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that can help smooth wrinkles and improve the appearance scars including acne scars, pigmentation spots such as age spots and melasma and stretch marks. It can also remove warts and other benign skin growths such as skin tags, and can be another alternative for treating excess wrinkles on the eyelid or under the eyes – a non-surgical blepharoplasty. It is also used to tighten skin around the jawline or on the neck and chest and can plump lips without the use of fillers.
It is called Cool Laser because of its method of ablation (skin removal). It uses a pulse of laser light that is shorter in duration and only targets the water within the layers of the skin, leaving other tissue unharmed. It does not burn the skin or heat the skin as much as other types of laser such as CO2 lasers, and as a result it is considered more comfortable and there is less downtime.
It is suitable for all skin types.
How does it work?
The pulse from the Cool Laser heats the water in the skin and vapourises it. The duration of the pulse can be adjusted for different types of treatments making it versatile enough to vapourise a wart as well as more gentle treatments that help promote skin rejuvenation.
It does not burn the skin but after a few days there may be peeling of the superficial layers if it has been used for skin rejuvenation. The heat also triggers a healing response in the deeper layer of the skin that boosts collagen growth to give the skin a smoother appearance over a longer period of time.
What is the treatment like?
For facial treatments for rejuventation, skin tightening or pigmentation, the skin will be cleansed and a local anaesthetic may be used in sensitive areas, although many patients find this sin’t necessary. The pulse is moved over the area and there is a clicking noise as it fires. The sensation is one of mild sunburn.
For scarring and stretch marks the laser pulse is moved across the area being treated and depending on the severity one or two passes may be needed.
For skin tag or benign growth removal the laser pulse is more focused and the unwanted spot is vapourised. This would be done with a local anaesthetic.
What areas can be treated?
The Cool Laser can be used as a treatment for:
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Wrinkle and fine line reduction
- Stretch-mark removal
- Large pore reduction
- Pigmentation spots
- Skin Lifting
- Minimises Scars
- Reduces Dark Circles
- Peri-orbitally – ie puffy eyes, eye bags, excess skin or hooded eyelids (non-surgical blepharoplasty)
- Acne scar reduction
- Mole and Skin Tag removal
- Non surgical Lip Plumping
- Cool Laser Drug delivery or mesotherapy
How many treatments are needed?
It will depend on the area being treated. Moles and skin tags should be a single treatment which scars and stretch marks may require up to 5 repeat treatments. Skin rejuvenation and eye treatments may require 1-3 treatments depending on the condition of the skin. Treatments will usually be 4-6 weeks apart.
Is there downtime?
There may be some redness and a feeling of mild sunburn in the area that’s been treated that should subside within a few hours. The redness may take 1-5 days to disappear depending on the individual. The skin may feel sensitive to touch and it’s advised to avoid using make up or touching it unnecessarily for 24 hours. After a facial rejuvenation treatment there may be mild crusting and skin peeling after a few days. Keeping the skin well hydrated and moisturised is advise as well as using an SPF30 or above with a 5 star UVA rating.
Is it safe?
Laser treatments have been used for many years and if done by a trained professional are safe. The Cool Laser, as it only targets the water in the skin is considered safer than many other forms of laser. The laser has been developed over 40 years in a collaboration between Karl Zeiss and Asclepion and is a mainstay treatment of Dr Jason Emer in Beverley Hills and other well known doctors.
Who is it suitable for?
It is suitable for people with mild to moderate skin wrinkling and laxity.
Unlike many laser treatments the Cool Laser can be used on all skin colours.
The treatment should not be done on pregnant women and may not be suitable for people with epilepsy, thyroid conditions, diabetes or those who are having radiotherapy, have cancer or blood coagulation issues.
How much does it cost?
Price will depend on the area being treated and could range from a few hundred pounds for a skin tag removal to a couple of thousand if large areas are being treated.
Is it worth it?
Like fractional CO2 lasers, the results can be impressive, but in this case the pain and the downtime is much less.
Before and After with Cool Laser. Courtesy Novus Medical
Who performs this treatment?
Cool Laser treatments should only be performed by qualified medical professionals or people who have completed suitable laser training qualifications such as a level 4 training certificate.
Please note: none of the doctors listed on Harley Street Emporium currently perform cool laser treatments.
