Clearly Effective
What Is It?
Clear + Brilliant is a non-invasive laser treatment that’s designed to reverse some of the signs of sun-damaged skin, otherwise known as photoaging. It can improve your skin’s tone and texture and can even reduce the appearance of your pores. After the treatment, your skin will look healthier and more youthful.
This laser, which received the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011, can be used to treat sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and hands. With women, it’s also used to repair and revitalize the upper (décolletage) area of the chest.
How Does It Work?
Clear + Brilliant is what’s known as a non-ablative fractional laser. This advanced technology uses low levels of laser light to penetrate and treat damaged skin—but without removing the epidermis, or top, layer of skin. The laser light is broken up into millions of tiny beams that target microscopic columns of skin, leaving surrounding skin untouched. The energy from the light triggers the formation of new collagen (a protein necessary for youthful skin) and the production of new skin cells. But because the top layer of skin remains mostly undamaged during the procedure, side effects are minimal and recovery is quick.
In essence, the Clear + Brilliant procedure rejuvenates your skin from the inside out.
What Is the Treatment Like?
The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You may be given a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) beforehand, but most people find they don’t need it. During the procedure, you’ll feel a slight tingling sensation as the Clear + Brilliant laser is passed over your skin. Afterwards, your skin will feel warm—as if you had mild sunburn.
You can return to your regular activities immediately. Your treated skin will look slightly red and swollen—again, as if you had mild sunburn. Those minor symptoms will go away within 24 hours or so. The procedure produces no long-term or serious side effects. But, as with any laser procedure, be sure you receive the treatment from an experienced professional.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Most people receive 4 to 6 treatments scheduled 10 to 14 days apart. Your physician will recommend a treatment plan after consulting with you and examining your skin. Your treatment plan will depend on such factors as your age and the amount of sun damage your skin has received.
When Can I See Results, and How Long Do They Last?
Many people notice some improvement in their skin’s tone and texture immediately after the first treatment. But as time goes on—and as you complete your series of treatments—the improvements will become even more visible.
One clinical trial found that 100 percent of patients reported visible improvement in skin tone and texture and 95 percent reported visible improvement in pore size at the end of six treatments.
The results can last for months. How long they last for you will depend on your age, the previous condition of your skin, and your ongoing efforts to protect your skin from further sun damage.
Who Can Benefit from Clear + Brilliant Treatments?
This laser treatment is beneficial for men and women of all ages and for all skin types and colors. Clear + Brilliant is often mentioned as a “starter treatment”—one useful for people who want to keep their skin looking healthy and youthful, but who don’t have the time to undergo more aggressive treatments.
Clear + Brilliant is also often used in combination with other skin-rejuvenation treatments, such Botox or Dysport anti-wrinkle injections. And it can help enhance the effectiveness of prescription anti-aging products and medications for the skin.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the procedure will vary from one geographic area to another—and on the area of your skin that’s being treated. Usually, the price ranges from $300 to $500 per treatment session.
Find a Local Specialist:
More about Microdermabrasion
The secrets to flawless skin. Celebrities know what they are, do you?
Learn the questions to ask before you schedule your appointment for medical grade microderm...
Learn the differences between crystal and non-crystal methods...
