Radio Frequency Skin Tightening FAQs
Intense Pulsed Light Treatment FAQs
Skin Check FAQs
What happens during a skin check?
A skin check is a 15-minute appointment where a dermatoscope is used to closely look at any spots over the body. If any spots look concerning, the doctor may take a photo and/or take a biopsy of the lesion to be sent away for a pathologist to determine its exact nature or book for a full excision of the lesion.
What should I expect during my appointment?
When you arrive for your appointment, please report to reception. New patients may be required to complete paperwork prior to seeing the doctor so please arrive 10 minutes early if you have not visited the clinic before. A full skin check will involve the doctor examining the whole body, including skin that is not always exposed to the sun, for example soles of feet and palms of hands. You will need to undress down to underwear. Skin cancer or melanoma can occur in areas not exposed to the sun. Please inform your doctor if you have concerns with areas that are not routinely checked in your appointment, such as the genital region. Please avoid wearing make-up or fake tan for your appointment. Please remove all nail polish if you have moles under your nails.
How long does a skin check take?
A skin check takes about 15 minutes to complete depending on whether you require any biopsies or cryotherapy. It is sometimes unavoidable to spend longer with patient who have complex issues so please bear this in mind if the doctor is running late.
How long do procedures take?
Procedures can take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on complexity.
How much will a skin check cost me?
A standard 15-minute consult will cost $90, or $60 for concession card holders. You will receive a Medicare rebate of $39.10 which will automatically be transferred into your nominated back account with Medicare. Please ensure that your bank details are up to date with Medicare.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral from your GP. However, if your GP has given you a referral for an urgent appointment, we will be happy to accommodate this.
What happens if a suspicious lesion is found during my skin check?
If a suspicious lesion is found the doctor will either biopsy the lesion or book you in for an excision. Biopsy results take about 1 week, and you will be telephoned as to the result and whether an excision will need to be booked.
Why choose Maitland or Port Stephens Skin Cancer Clinics?
All our doctors are highly qualified in detecting and treating skin cancers. They have all undertaken additional training through the Skin Cancer College Australasia.
How often do I need a skin check?
Unfortunately, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 18 have an annual skin check. Your doctor may advise on more frequent skin checks if you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Do my children need a skin check?
Most children don’t need regular skin checks until they are 18. However, if they have a particular mole that you are concerned about, please don’t hesitate to book them in for a check. Children should be checked regularly from the age of 13 if there is any family history of melanoma.
Plexr Plus FAQ
How long does redness last after Plexr?
The skin is red, swollen, and crusty after treatment. It takes 5 days for most of the swelling to go down and 7 days for most of the crusts to fall off. A slight pink colour of the skin may remain for several weeks after treatment, but this is easily concealed.
How long does Plexr take to work?
The treatment stimulates instant correction and shortening of skin fibres and continues to take effect in first 2-8 weeks. The result of the treatment is subjective to number of treatments and your ageing process.
Can I wash my face after Plexr?
Only once the crusting has fallen away can you start to gently wash the area with a mild foam facial cleanser.
Is Plexr treatment painful?
Local anaesthetic cream is applied 30 mins prior to treatment. You may experience a sensation of heat during the treatment.
How long does a non-surgical blepharoplasty last?
This is an exciting alternative to the highly invasive surgical blepharoplasty, which comes with many complications and can involve long periods spent in recovery, and will mean less down time and less cost, with results lasting up to 5 years.
Tattoo FAQs
How many treatments are necessary?
It is impossible to accurately predict the number of treatments necessary as it depends on the amount of ink used and how deep the ink was inserted. However as a guide most professional tattoos will require at least six to twelve treatments. Follow up treatments are conducted at no less than 4-6 week intervals. Further fading can occur for several months after each treatment.
Can all types of tattoos be treated?
It is possible to remove or significantly lighten most tattoos. Black, blue and red tattoos tend to
respond well. Aqua, green and yellow tattoos may be more resistant and only partially fade.
White tattoos reflect laser light and therefore do not respond to laser treatment.
What are the costs likely to be?
Treatment costs will vary depending on the size, colour and time required to treat the tattoo. This
can be discussed during your initial consultation.
How frequent are the treatments?
Time is required between each treatment to allow the body’s lymphatic (cleaning) system to
remove the ink that has been treated by the laser. A minimum period of six (6) weeks between
treatments is recommended.
How long after being tattooed can removal commence?
Removal can commence as soon as the tattoo has completely healed. Although it may appear
healed within a week or two the tattoo will still require further time to completely heal prior to
removal commencing. A minimum period of six (6) weeks is advised. Your initial consultation can
take place at any time during the six weeks.
Can the area be re-tattooed?
Yes, the area can be re-tattooed following laser removal. Whether you have had complete
removal, partial removal or just lightening of the area will be able to be re-tattooed. The wish to
replace an existing tattoo is a common reason for having laser tattoo removal.
Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In many cases, there will be a 100% clearance of the tattoo. On average, 95% fading is
considered a good result. The result depends upon the colour and type of ink used as well as the
depth of penetration of the ink in the skin. Your therapist can discuss with you the likeliness of
success during your initial consultation.
Radio Frequency Skin Tightening FAQs
What does the treatment feel like?
RF is a painless treatment and most clients will experience zero discomfort. Some find the warm sensation relaxing.
Can I get on with my day after treatment?
You sure can! Some clients may experience redness immediately post treatment, but this typically subsides not long after treatment. As there is no downtime, you can get on with your day as usual.
How many treatments will I need?
This will all depend on your individual situation, and we will carefully assess this for you during your consultation. Some clients may only need 4 treatments, while other may require 6 or 8 to achieve brilliant results.
When will I start seeing results?
When it comes to the tightening and lifting effect of RF, it can produce instant results. You will notice immediate improvements to your skin tone that will just get better with each session. The collagen remodeling aspect of RF takes a little more time and you will reach full benefits of the collagen stimulation around 3 months after treatment.
Special care following your treatment...
It is a good idea to avoid excess sun exposure and always apply sunscreen if going out into the sun post treatment. Caring for your skin will ensure the beautiful results of your RF treatments stay with you for a long time to come.
Carbon Facial FAQs
Am I suitable for a Carbon Facial treatment?
Carbon Facials offer a gentler, yet highly effective alternative 2 harsh chemical peels and are therefore an ideal treatment for most skin types. Carbon facials are popular with men and women of all ages seeking solutions for acne and acne scarring, pigmentation and the signs of ageing. Your individual needs will be discussed during your consultation.
How many treatments do I need?
Although you will notice glowing results after just 1 treatment, I course of around 6 treatments is recommended for long lasting anti-ageing as well as well as clear healthy skin for months to come.
How often can I get a Carbon Facial?
Treatments are spaced 4 weeks apart (i.e. once a month), in order to allow the skin regenerative process of the facial to take full effect.
What can I expect on the day of my facial?
Carbon Facials are performed on clean, makeup-free skin. The treatment takes around 30-40 minutes and you are free to get on with your day as usual afterwards. Some skin redness may occur, but this will subside within a few hours. Following treatment it is advised to apply SPF sunscreen for protection, and you may apply makeup if necessary.
Is it safe?
Yes Carbon Facials are safe. A thorough skin consultation will be performed prior to the facial to ensure the treatment is adequately matched to your skin's needs.
Is it painful?
While you will feel a warm and tingly sensation during treatment, it is not painful. Most clients comfortably undergo treatment without the need for topical numbing creams.
Intense Pulsed Light Treatment FAQs
How does IPL work?
A fully trained therapist will apply a specially designed hand piece to your skin and generate an intense pulse of light which will be absorbed by targets in your skin. The light delivered from the hand piece is delivered at high intensity during a very short period of time. It is this rapid discharge of light that provides the high energy levels required for each IPL treatment to be effective!
Skin Tone Correction
Whether born with them or acquired over the course of a lifetime, virtually everyone has one or more sun spots, freckles or skin discolouration they’d love to get rid of! A doctor’s letter confirming that no skin cancers are present is usually required before commencing your treatment cycle and a series of 4 – 6 treatments spaced 4 week apart are required for optimal results. Treatments areas such as backs of hands, forearms, décolletage and face will respond well.
Rejuvenation Treatment
Everybody loves the sunshine! Limited exposure is good for the soul and the immediate effects it has on the skin such as a tan and healthy glow are much desired. However, in the long term, sun exposure decreases the production of collagen, which in turn causes damage to the skin making it feel wrinkled and coarse and looking red and tired. Skin rejuvenation treatments will improve skin tone, texture, refine and refresh the skin by increasing the production of collagen in the skin.
Vascular Treatment
Estimates indicate that unsightly veins are a common problem for more than 60% of the adult population! Our trained clinicians can offer treatments which will reduce facial blemishes such as red flushing and red spots found on cheeks and around the nose with minimal downtime or risk. A treatment cycle of 4 – 6 treatments spaced two to three weeks apart is usually required to reach your best possible outcome.
Skin Clearing
Our trained clinicians are now able to offer IPL based acne management programs for their clients. These unique treatments are designed to specifically slow the overall production of oil that leads to acne, thus dramatically reducing the chance of spots and minimising the appearance of pores in general. Results will vary, but most people will see a significant improvement in skin condition. Treatment should be spaced approximately 1 – 2 weeks apart.