LASER 

At Belleage, we are excited to announce that we have a hybrid laser which combines the best of 2 optimum lasers ie CO2 and Erbium which reduces downtime and improves safety as compared to each one separately.

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The CO2 lasers alone have been used since the 1960s.  It uses a specific wavelength which targets water in intracellular water.  Therefore it ablates the most superficial layers, which results in regrowth of the epithelium and some structures in the dermis.

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The resulting thermal injury results in contraction of the collagen and subsequent modelling of the collagen.  Additionally as you can imaging the contraction of the collagen fibrils results in tightening of the skin.  the heat from this laser can also produce a stimulating effect in the dermis.

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It is used for a variety of indications such as:

• photoaging

• acne scarring

• general scars

• skin surface rejuvenation.

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However given the superficial target of this laser, it is not a suitable laser for Fitzpatrick skins greater than 111, therefore it cannot be used for olive to darker skin given the potential for adverse effect of attracting melanin to the surface resulting in post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or melasma.

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The downside of this laser in isolation is that it can result in significant downtime which can continue from weeks to months after treatment.[1]

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The erbium component which is non ablative, ie works deeper than the CO2.  The treatment using this specific laser reduces downtime from 3-7 days.  The ablative lasers such as CO2 create significant damage to the epidermis.  Wheras the erbium which is a non ablative fractionated laser creates microscopic treatment zones (MTZ).  As the laser acts deeper, a wound healing response is initiated involving both collagen and elastin.  The superficial surface will crust within 72 hours and then become unnoticeable within 7 days post treatment.  There are fewer side effects, reduced down time and less pain associated with this type of laser.

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THE Hybrid

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The hybrid laser uses the best of both worlds of the above 2 lasers, resulting in acting both superficially and deeper depending on the ratios of each lasers chosen.  As a result, despite the reduced downtime,  it is still useful for treatment of:

• Skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• keloids and scars

• Acne

• Skin laxity

• striae and cellulite​