Cosmetic Services
Extractions
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Extractions are performed in clinic to help address congestion, remove blackheads/ whiteheads and compliment acne treatment prescribed by our Dermatologists.
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Our team performs steam extractions to address congestion and remove blackheads/whiteheads. Within this treatment, we perform a steam cleanse, manual extractions and then a mask or exfoliant tailored to your skin. Finished off with aftercare tailored to the skin, leaving the skin less congested. Extractions can benefit patients who suffer from acne and have blackheads, comedones present in their skin.
Please complete the Rapid Acne Access Clinic (RAAC) form linked below to start the booking process.
Chemical Peels
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Chemical Peels are performed to remove dead skin and refresh the skin's complexion. At Southern Dermatology we offer minimal downtime chemical peels as these only affect the outer layer of the skin. You can resume back to daily activities right after the treatment.
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There are many types and strengths of chemical peels, but each one works by exfoliating the damaged outer layer of the skin and stimulating the regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. Our Dermal Therapists will tailor your chemical peel to your skin concerns.
A course of peels is usually recommended 4 - 6 weeks apart.
Chemical peels can benefit a wide range of skin concerns, including: Acne, Textural irregularities, Pigmentation & Acne scarring.
AviClear Laser
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AviClear is the first FDA and TGA-approved energy device for the treatment of mild to severe acne. AviClear is a highly specialised laser that downregulates the sebaceous glands in order to stop/reduce sebum production and halting proliferation of Cutibacterium Acnes (C.acnes), thereby effectively treating acne at the source. AviClear is safe and effective at treating all skin types and all severities of acne.
The revolutionary 1726nm wavelength preferentially targets sebum, heating and destroying over-active sebaceous glands, while the rest of the skin remains protected and intact. By twelve months, over 97% of patients experienced significant clearance of their inflammatory acne with results lasting well beyond the one year mark.
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How many treatments of AviClear will I need?
A full course of AviClear consists of three (3) treatments, usually spaced four (4) weeks apart.
Is AviClear painful?
AviClear treatments can be uncomfortable, but usually well tolerated with a variety of techniques. At Southern Dermatology we utilise stress balls, Zimmer cooling (cold air machine), specialised topical anaesthetic cream and various distraction techniques to assist with pain minimisation. We recommend patients take simple analgesics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen 60 minutes prior to AviClear.
What can I expect during an AviClear treatment?
At the commencement of your treatment, your dermal clinician will take baseline clinical photographs and thoroughly cleanse the skin. Goggles will be placed to cover and protect your eyes. During the treatment, the skin must be constantly hydrated - the clinician will ensure that your skin is sprayed with water prior to laser pulses. Laser pulses will be delivered to the full face and treatment should take approximately 30 - 45 minutes. After the treatment your clinician will apply post-laser cream and sunscreen.
What can I expect after an AviClear treatment?
We recommend that patients avoid skincare ‘actives’ for four days after a treatment, and resume a normal skincare routine by day five post-treatment. We commonly refer to AviClear as a ‘no downtime’ laser treatment, with possible after-effects including:
Mild oedema (swelling) lasting for several hours
Mild erythema (redness) lasting for several hours
Mild dryness and itchiness lasting up to several days
Post-treatment ‘flare up’ or ‘purge’: typically occurs at 7+ days post-treatment and may last up to a few weeks; flare ups or purge are usually prevented with prescription or laser-based adjunctive treatments.
When will I see Results?
In clinical studies, most AviClear patients showed improvement by three months after their final treatment, while some patients saw greatest improvement six months after their final treatment session. Although results can vary, improvement continues from six to 18 months after the final session. Some patients respond extremely quickly, whilst others may take six months or more for best results. As a rule however, improvement is noted after the third treatment. As with any treatment for acne, results cannot be guaranteed.
How do I know if I am suitable for AviClear?
All patients must have an initial consultation with either a Dermatologist or Dermal Clinician, who will take a full medical and dermatological history from you, examine your skin, identify risk factors that may preclude you from AviClear and recommend adjunctive therapies (including skincare, prescription therapies and ancillary laser treatments) that will enhance your chances of success and expedite results. AviClear is recommended in patients over the age of 16, in all skin types (fair, tanned or dark skin.) If you have several sites of involvement i.e. face, chest, back - you are likely to require several treatment sessions
LED
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LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’, which is a safe light-based treatment that delivers precise wavelengths to treat common skin conditions, accelerate healing and promote rejuvenation.
At Southern Dermatology, we perform LED therapy which contains over 1800 LED lights, which are programmed to safely penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, without causing any physical trauma or thermal damage. LED has also been shown to accelerate skin repair and stimulate collagen production. This versatile treatment can be used as a stand-alone therapy or as an accompaniment to many other rejuvenating procedures.
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We utilise the three most researched wavelengths to aid skin diseases, skin rejuvenation and repair:
Blue light (415nm): effectively kills acne-causing bacteria, without the need for oral or topical antibiotics.
Red light (655nm): promotes cell reproduction for post-procedural healing after treatments such as skin surgery, laser and chemical peels. This wavelength is also utilised for photodynamic therapy (PDT), a scientifically-proven treatment for the treatment of sun damage and certain superficial skin cancers and pre-cancer.
Infrared (830nm): for reduction of inflammation, pain and swelling post-procedures.
Patients of all ages and skin types can benefit from this safe, gentle, no-downtime treatment.
LED therapy can benefit a wide range of skin concerns, including: Acne and rosacea, Skin pigmentation, Sun damage (when combined with a photo-sensitising cream), Facial redness, Wound healing, Textural irregularities and poor skin tone, Swelling post-surgery & Dull complexion.
Rapid Acne Access Clinic (RAAC)
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Southern Dermatology has introduced a Rapid Access Acne Clinic (RAAC) to address the high demand for Dermatologist consultations and reduce waiting times. Led by Specialist Dermal Therapists, this clinic offers accelerated acne treatment plans to patients.
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Patients can contact the clinic to make an appointment for acne treatment. Upon booking, they will receive a questionnaire and are asked to provide high-resolution images of their skin. The Dermatologist and Dermal Therapists will assess the images and responses, offering early consultation and treatment if suitable.
At the RAAC appointment, Specialist Dermal Therapists provide:
– A comprehensive skincare review and recommendations for an individualized acne program.
– Steam extraction treatment to address congestion and remove blackheads/whiteheads.
– Prescription therapies prescribed by Dermatologists based on clinical images and questionnaire responses.
– LED light therapy.
Follow-up appointments with the Specialist Dermatologist are arranged to assess progress.
Please complete the Rapid Acne Access Clinic (RAAC) form linked below to start the booking process.
Laser Genesis
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Laser Genesis is a breakthrough laser treatment that stimulates the skin’s healing abilities to reverse the visible signs of skin ageing and promote a clear complexion.
Laser Genesis is performed using the Cutera’s Excel V+, by delivering short pulses of 1064nm wavelength laser into the skin. This treatment can address a variety of cosmetic concerns without downtime. Laser Genesis is considered an industry gold standard due to its comfort level, convenience and safety profile.
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How Does it work
Laser Genesis penetrates the skin’s surface and gently heats the upper dermis in order to stimulate collagen. Collagen is a structural protein that plays a key role in maintaining skin strength and elasticity. Collagen production naturally slows over time, leading to wrinkle and skin laxity. Laser Genesis helps reverse these changes by generating heat that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and collagen remodelling. This simultaneously enhances the skin’s quality at a cellular level, creating visible improvements on the skin’s surface.
What are the benefits of Laser Genesis?
Laser Genesis is an ideal modality for the treatment of:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Enlarged pores
Irregular skin texture
General skin rejuvenation
Hair Removal
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Laser hair reduction, employing either intense pulsed light (IPL) or a 1064nm wavelength laser, targets melanin within the hair follicle to diminish hair density and growth. By heating and eliminating the follicle during its growth phase (anagen), this procedure progressively reduces hair thickness over multiple sessions.
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Before initiating treatment, a test patch is conducted on an unshaved area to assess suitability. Protective goggles are worn during the procedure to shield the eyes from the bright flash. Treatment duration varies based on the treatment area, typically lasting 15 to 60 minutes. While patients generally tolerate the procedure well, they may experience temporary redness and swelling, which typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Post-procedure, hair may regrow within 7-14 days, requiring exfoliation or shaving. Treatments are spaced 6-12 weeks apart, with 6 to 10 sessions often necessary for optimal outcomes. Long-term maintenance sessions may be required intermittently. It is imperative to maintain strict sun protection and disclose any medication changes to the practitioner to mitigate potential risks. All body areas are viable for laser hair removal.
IPL Limelight
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Xeo IPL Limelight is a versatile treatment designed to address various signs of ageing and skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and pigmentation issues. Regardless of your specific skin condition, this treatment can help rejuvenate your complexion and combat the effects of ageing and sun damage. Your therapist will tailor the IPL Limelight treatment to target your individual skin concerns, ensuring a customised approach to address your needs effectively.
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Limelight targets common signs of ageing such as pigmentation, redness, and fine lines by utilising specific light sources selected by your therapist. After treatment, you may experience temporary redness or darkening of the treated area, which typically resolves within hours or days, depending on your skin's condition. IPL Limelight offers safe and effective solutions for various aesthetic concerns, providing visible improvements in age spots, facial redness, sun damage, freckles, and fine lines. With just a few treatments, you can achieve noticeable enhancements in your skin's appearance, giving you a renewed sense of confidence and a youthful glow.
Fractional CO2
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Utilising the advanced technology of the fractionated CO2, these treatments effectively combat signs of ageing and damaged skin by resurfacing and remodelling collagen safely. The innovative pearl fusion procedure reduces sagging and wrinkles, requiring fewer sessions and offering a quicker overall recovery. Through a pattern of light pulses targeting both surface and deeper skin layers, patients experience lasting benefits, including improved tone, texture, smoothness, tightening, and a remarkable rejuvenation of their complexion.
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The procedure is undertaken with the application of topical anaesthetic cream or injected anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. The practitioner administers energy pulses in a pattern tailored to the treatment area's size, with sessions lasting 15 to 45 minutes. Post-treatment, the treated area may exhibit redness, swelling, and clear fluid secretion for up to three days, followed by peeling for up to a week. Patients are advised against picking at the skin to allow natural sloughing. While skin may remain red for weeks, it gradually diminishes, potentially aided by LED or vascular laser treatments. Recovery strategies include ice, cool packs, cold compresses, and emollients, with possible prescription of antibiotics or antivirals to prevent infection. Downtime varies based on skin type and healing capacity, typically involving swelling, oozing, redness, and temporary darkening for 4-14 days, along with mild crusting and peeling for 10-14 days.
Anti Wrinkle Injections
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Anti Wrinkle Injections, also known as Wrinkle Reducing Treatments, involve the precise injection of a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. This neurotoxin blocks nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, which in turn relaxes or softens wrinkles. Beyond its cosmetic applications, Anti Wrinkle Injections have been utilised to treat various medical conditions characterised by overactive muscles, including cerebral palsy, migraines, and conditions causing an overactive bladder.
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Anti Wrinkle Injections typically entail minimal downtime, with results becoming evident within two weeks and optimal results manifesting around two to four weeks post-treatment. It's advisable to undergo this treatment at least 2-4 weeks prior to any significant events. While the procedure carries a small risk of bruising at the injection site and slight tenderness for a few days, these effects are generally mild. Anti Wrinkle Injections can effectively address a range of concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, gummy smiles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle-related issues.
Subcision
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Subcision emerges as a minor surgical procedure aimed at addressing depressed cutaneous scars and wrinkles effectively. Also referred to as subcutaneous incisional surgery, this technique involves the insertion of a specialised hypodermic needle through a puncture in the skin surface. Through this process, fibrotic strands tethering the scar to underlying tissue are carefully disrupted, facilitating the release of tension and promoting the deposition of new collagen during wound healing. Subcision typically yields cosmetic improvements in scars and wrinkles and is generally well-tolerated by patients.
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Subcision serves as a versatile treatment option for various conditions characterised by depressed skin, including scars resulting from acne, trauma, or surgery, as well as depressed skin grafts and wrinkles. By effectively addressing these concerns through the disruption of fibrotic strands and the promotion of collagen deposition, subcision offers patients a reliable solution for achieving smoother and more aesthetically pleasing skin texture.
Pigment Laser
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Facial pigmentation, stemming from factors like ageing, sun exposure, acne, and genetics, can lead to uneven skin tone that's challenging to conceal. Effective treatment necessitates an assessment by a Dermatologist to determine the type of pigmentation and the most suitable treatment option. Southern Dermatology utilises the Cutera Enlighten or Excel V+ laser for addressing skin pigmentation, delivering outstanding results. This award-winning laser combines two proven wavelengths to target pigmentation and rejuvenate the skin.
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The Enlighten SR Pico and Excel V+ laser integrates a 532nm wavelength that is highly absorbed by melanin, making it ideal for treating benign pigmented lesions. Pigment laser treatment works by targeting melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. Melanin, produced by melanocytes, can be overproduced due to factors such as sun exposure, acne, hormones, or allergies, resulting in darker skin areas. The laser selectively targets and destroys lesions caused by increased melanin production. This treatment can improve various benign pigmented lesions, including genetic freckles, sun freckles (solar lentigines), flat wisdom spots, liver spots (seborrheic keratosis), and dermatosis papulosa nigra.
PDT
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ALA-PDT (Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy) emerges as a highly effective treatment for sun-damaged skin and pre-cancerous cells, known as solar keratoses. This therapy involves the interaction of a photosensitising lotion (ALA) and specific red LED light wavelengths, preventing skin cancer development and typically requiring only once-a-year administration. Southern Dermatology recommends ALA-PDT for patients concerned about sun damage, redness, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone, with exceptions for those with photosensitive disorders, infections, peanut allergies, or during pregnancy.
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Though ALA-PDT may cause discomfort due to the interaction between the photosensitising lotion and red LED light, measures such as cool sprays and fans are employed to mitigate sensations during treatment. Post-treatment, the skin may feel akin to severe sunburn, managed with cooling techniques and prescribed creams. The procedure spans two appointments on the same day: the morning session involves skin preparation, ALA application, and a four-hour wait, while the second session, occurring after this wait, comprises LED light application, lasting no more than 30 minutes. Downtime following ALA-PDT varies based on skin type and healing capacity, typically featuring swelling, redness, temporary darkening, mild crusting, and peeling lasting 5-14 days post-treatment.
TMJ Dysfunction
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Dermal fillers represent a popular cosmetic option for volumizing and contouring facial areas, resulting in a fuller, smoother, and more youthful appearance that can endure for several months. This minimally invasive procedure involves the injection of fillers into specific areas of the face to enhance volume and definition, providing patients with noticeable and long-lasting results.
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Following dermal filler injections, patients may experience temporary swelling and bruising lasting up to 14 days. It typically takes 6-8 weeks for the filler to fully integrate with the skin and tissue, resulting in optimal appearance and texture. Therefore, it's advisable to schedule these procedures at least 4-6 weeks prior to any significant events. Dermal fillers can effectively enhance various facial features, including the lips, chin, cheeks, temples, and tear troughs, offering patients a versatile solution for achieving their desired aesthetic outcomes.
Skin Booster
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Skin Boosters offer a proactive approach to skincare, aiming to prevent premature skin ageing, restore skin density, and maintain a healthy glow. Comprised of ingredients naturally found in the skin, these boosters act as comprehensive skin enhancers and revitalises, promoting overall skin health and vitality. The treatment protocol typically involves one to three sessions administered at monthly intervals to the face, under eyes, and neckline, with maintenance treatments recommended annually or as desired.
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Skin Boosters deliver intensive skin nourishment and hydration, resulting in tighter, firmer, and glowing skin. By activating fibroblasts and stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin, this treatment fosters a rejuvenated appearance characterised by improved skin texture, luminosity, and hydration. Skin Boosters are beneficial for addressing various skin concerns, including sun-damaged skin, loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, sagging skin, and imperfections. However, it's essential for patients to undergo a consultation and assessment with practitioners to ensure medical appropriateness for cosmetic treatments, as individual needs and recovery times may vary. Additionally, detailed treatment facts sheets, including aftercare instructions, are provided to patients both during consultations and appointments.
Vascular Laser
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Redness, whether due to rosacea, sun damage, scars, or acne, can significantly impact one's confidence and quality of life. Vascular lasers offer an effective solution for reducing facial redness (erythema) by targeting blood vessels in the skin, either shrinking them or eliminating them entirely. Southern Dermatology utilizes the Excel V+™ laser by Cutera, renowned as the Gold Standard laser, to address redness concerns comprehensively.
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The Excel V+ laser employs two proven wavelengths of light to target the vasculature at different skin depths, making it highly versatile for treating various vascular conditions across all skin types. Vascular lasers work by targeting haemoglobin in red blood cells, emitting high-power laser light that is absorbed by blood vessels. As the laser pulses deliver energy into the vessels, the generated heat destroys them, ultimately reducing redness by eliminating the vessels responsible for blood flow to the skin. This treatment effectively improves facial redness due to rosacea, sun damage, scars, and acne, as well as other conditions like telangiectasias (small broken blood vessels), facial and leg veins, port-wine stains, cherry angiomas, and spider telangiectasia (spider naevi).
Fine Wire Diathermy
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Fine wire diathermy is a generally well-tolerated treatment, occasionally supplemented with anaesthetic solutions for enhanced comfort. Following the procedure, the treated area may exhibit temporary redness and mild swelling, typically resolving within a few hours. Mild crusting may occur, typically subsiding within 5 to 7 days. Depending on the condition being addressed, repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
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Fine wire diathermy serves as an effective solution for various medical and cosmetic dermatological issues, including milia, sebaceous hyperplasia, skin tags, and seborrheic keratosis. This treatment offers a versatile approach to addressing these concerns, providing patients with tailored solutions for their specific skin conditions.
Bio-Remodelling Treatments
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Bio-remodelling treatment stands out as a groundbreaking approach to skin rejuvenation, utilising hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump, and tighten the skin. Unlike traditional anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, which target dynamic lines and volume restoration respectively, bio-remodelling treatment introduces a new category of anti-ageing injectables focused on restoring moisture and firmness to the skin. This innovative treatment, containing a highly moisturising form of hyaluronic acid, offers versatile options for achieving a fuller, smoother, and more youthful complexion.
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Bio-remodelling treatment features hyaluronic acid, a highly moisturising ingredient naturally occurring in the human body, known for its ability to attract and retain water. With the capacity to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid serves as a potent hydrator, effectively restoring support and volume to the skin. The treatment involves delivering this pure form of hyaluronic acid into multiple skin layers, stimulating collagen and elastin production while attracting water into deeper skin layers. This results in enhanced hydration, luminosity, and overall skin rejuvenation, with peak results typically visible around 6-12 weeks post-treatment. Two treatment sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, are recommended for optimal outcomes, with potential side effects including temporary lumps and bruising.