Clear + Brilliant laser treatments are one of the most sought after cosmetic dermatology treatments. It’s a gentle procedure that improves the health and vitality of skin, helping patients renew that youthful glow they’ve been missing. The innovative fractional laser technology is used to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, remove or diminish the visibility of dark spots, and generally improve the appearance of skin.
Clear + Brilliant is a fractional laser treatment used to prevent and repair the visible signs of aging, sun damage, enlarged pores, and other irregularities of the skin’s tone and texture. Used effectively, Clear + Brilliant laser treatment can help reduce the need for cosmetic dermatology surgeries and other more invasive treatment options. The fast treatment is gentle and effective, leaving people with more youthful skin after just one short treatment appointment. Most people receive a series of four to six Clear + Brilliant laser treatments to achieve their desired results. Plus, there’s little to no downtime following treatment, so you don’t have to worry about swelling, redness, and discomfort after your procedure. There are other fractional laser technologies used for dermatologic procedures at U.S. Dermatology Partners, but Clear + Brilliant laser treatment is one of the most comfortable.
Many laser treatments aren’t effective on all skin types due to the risk for hyperpigmentation and other adverse effects. The gentle Clear + Brilliant treatment technology is effective for patients of any skin type, and even those with sensitive skin can typically receive this treatment. In most cases, patients choose Clear + Brilliant to prevent or treat the signs of aging, so the majority of patients will be in their 20s or older. When started early, Clear + Brilliant treatments offer significant anti-aging benefits, so this fractional laser therapy is quickly becoming a go-to preventive dermatology solution.
Even though Clear + Brilliant laser treatments are effective for a range of people, your dermatologist will partner with you to discuss your specific treatment goals, which will determine whether or not this is the best option for you. Clear + Brilliant is the ideal moderate cosmetic dermatology treatment for patients who need to address skin health issues that go deeper than what is treatable with a chemical peel but who aren’t quite ready for more invasive cosmetic solutions like surgical interventions.
While Clear + Brilliant is a relatively gentle, safe fractional laser treatment technology, some patients may not be good candidates for this cosmetic dermatology solution. Your dermatologist will consult with you to determine if Clear + Brilliant is right for you.
The Clear + Brilliant fractional laser treatment is simple and straightforward. It starts with a consultation session for you to discuss this treatment option with your dermatologist to determine whether or not it’s the best solution for your skin health needs.
Then, your dermatologist will schedule your treatment session. Depending on the patient and area being treated, we may apply a mild, topical numbing agent to ensure complete comfort throughout the procedure. Then your dermatologist will guide the Clear + Brilliant laser tool across the treatment area for about 15 to 20 minutes. Due to the advanced technology within the system, your dermatologist will be able to ensure they’re providing uniform application across the treated skin, so your results will always be consistent.
The Clear + Brilliant laser makes microscopic marks on the skin that are recognized by the body as needing to be repaired. This causes the body to get to work removing the damaged outer layer of skin and replacing it with healthy new skin cells. It also jumpstarts the production of collagen and elastin, which give skin its youthful smoothness and elasticity. Because the benefits of Clear + Brilliant laser treatment are the result of your body’s healing abilities, it can take a few days or weeks for you to see the full benefit of treatment, and every patient heals differently. Your dermatologist will want to monitor your results after your first procedure to plan for your initial treatment cycle (usually four to six sessions) and ongoing maintenance schedule.
Because Clear + Brilliant is relatively non-invasive, there are few side effects. Most people can return to work or other daily activities immediately after treatment. The side effects experienced by patients are generally very mild and clear up within a few hours of treatment, and they include swelling, redness, and some mild discomfort. Less common side effects include thickening or scaling skin or rough skin texture that occurs during the healing process in the days immediately after treatment.
To protect your skin immediately following treatment, there are a few care steps that should be taken. To avoid the risk for hyperpigmentation, patients should limit sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher anytime they’ll be exposed to the sunlight. Additionally, any retinoid or steroid treatments need to put on hold during healing. Otherwise, use a gentle facial cleanser to clean skin twice a day followed by a cream-based moisturizer.
After your initial treatment session, it can take a week or longer to see the final result, and in most cases, patients need four to six total treatments over several months to achieve their desired results. Results can last for several months or even years, depending on the individual, so your dermatologist will monitor your skin to determine how often you should schedule retreatment. Typically, patients undergo Clear + Brilliant treatment once or twice a year after their initial sessions.
In addition to regular maintenance treatments, your dermatologist may recommend changes to your skincare routine to help you prolong the results. First and foremost, practicing effective sun protection is essential. Make sure to apply sunscreen several times each day to any part of the body that’s exposed to sunlight. Additionally, you should use gentle facial cleansers and keep skin hydrated, using cream-based moisturizers each day. Your dermatologist can provide specific recommendations for products that will help you maintain the results of Clear + Brilliant fractional laser treatment.
*Results may vary by individual