Clear + Brilliant®
Clear + Brilliant® is the least invasive Fraxel® laser skin rejuvenation treatment. It combines the laser light with a topical antioxidant formula to improve the appearance and condition of your skin. The antioxidant increases skin permeability, which means your skin will absorb more of its nutrients.
The laser device targets only the damaged skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact. As a result, the treatment requires almost no downtime.
Among the conditions that Clear + Brilliant® improves are:
- Sun damage
- Fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin
- Age spots / brown spots / sun spots
- Enlarged pores
- Rough, dull skin
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, all consultations and treatments, including Clear + Brilliant®, are done by our registered nurse under the supervision of our doctors. Our staff has been thoroughly trained in the operation of this laser device and how it improves the appearance of your skin.
We are very particular about the treatments we offer, studying each to determine if a particular product or technique is worthy of our patients. It is important to us that we can stand by every treatment and recommend it with confidence. Then, we make sure that we receive the training required to provide excellent results. This includes follow-up training, as needed.
A thorough examination and detailed medical history will determine if you are a good candidate for Clear + Brilliant® or if a different laser device or different treatment would work best for you.
The effects of Clear + Brilliant® laser treatment last about six months. You may require a few treatments to achieve optimal results, especially if you have scars or pigmentation issues. The average patient receives four to six treatments spaced two weeks apart.
While the face and neck are the most common areas for Clear + Brilliant® treatment, it can be used on almost any area of the body. Some people like to use it to improve sun damage on the chest, for example.
The Clear + Brilliant® Treatment
After cleansing your skin and applying a numbing cream, our registered nurse will pass a handheld device over the areas to be treated. The numbing cream will need at least a half hour to take effect, and the Clear + Brilliant® treatment itself takes less than a half hour. You might still feel a slight stinging and heat sensation, but Clear + Brilliant® is gentler than other lasers.
Recovering from Clear + Brilliant®
One of the advantages of Clear + Brilliant® is that any post-treatment redness is usually gone within 12 hours. Within a few days, your skin will be softer, smoother, brighter, and with more even skin tone. If your skin peels for a day or two, however, don’t be alarmed. This is a normal after-effect that a few patients experience.
We will instruct you how to care for your skin after your treatment. Lasers make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn, so you must always wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Clear + Brilliant® FAQs
Q. What should you avoid after Clear + Brilliant®?
- Don’t use Retin A, Refissa, Tazorac, Differin, any exfoliant, or other skincare products containing salicylic acid or glycolic for two days before or five days after your Clear + Brilliant® treatment.
- Avoid the sun and tanning beds for ten days before treatment. Wear sunscreen daily.
- If you have a history of cold sores, inform us during your consultation so that we can prescribe preventative treatment with Valtrex. You will take two pills the morning of treatment.
Q. How long is Clear + Brilliant® recovery?
Recovery takes about a week. You will start to notice your skin will feel softer, look brighter, and show a more even tone. Results are long-lasting depending on your age, skin condition, and how well you care for your skin.
Q. Do you peel after Clear + Brilliant®?
Clear + Brilliant® fortifies an enhanced complexion without interrupting daily activities. Patients typically experience some redness at the treatment site for a few hours rather than days or weeks from other devices. And recovery doesn’t include any skin peeling.
Q. How do I prepare for Clear + Brilliant®?
Stop applying all active skincare products (like Retinol) two weeks before treatment. However, moisturize your skin leading up to the day of your Clear + Brilliant® treatment session and use any exfoliating products we recommend.
Q. Is Clear + Brilliant® painful?
Clear + Brilliant® is a quick and convenient treatment with minimal discomfort. However, Fraxel® treatments can cause some distress as the laser penetrates the skin deeper. Therefore, a numbing cream is applied for both treatments before the laser is administered.
Q. Can I shower after Clear + Brilliant®?
The day after the Clear + Brilliant® treatment, you can shower. We advise you to use a gentle cleanser and moisturize daily.
Q. How long does it take to see results?
Facial improvements start within five days and three weeks for results on the neck, arms, hands, or chest.
Q. How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting, although the natural aging process will continue to affect your skin. We recommend you apply sunscreen daily to extend your Clear + Brilliant® benefits. Using recommended topical treatments will slow down skin aging. You may also need periodic Clear + Brilliant® maintenance treatments to prolong optimum benefits.
Do you think Clear + Brilliant® might be right for you? Call us today for an appointment.