Most people experience mild to moderate discomfort. In most cases there is no need for a topical anesthesia, but it could be used. Reddening and swelling of the skin are rare and harmless side effects that disappear in 15-30 hours. The skin may feel tight for 1-2 days. In extreme cases slight blistering may occur, which usually heals within a few days.

A full-face treatment takes 20-25 minutes as the ‘cycling time’ is rapid - each pulse takes about 1.5 to 2 seconds to ‘cycle’.

Most types of skin (Fitzpatrick type I- V) could be treated using different filters with different wavelength selection. Trials showed that people of Hispanic, Middle East or Pakistan/Indian origin can be treated with yellow-orange filters (’cut-on’ 565 or 580 nm) and on Caucasians with yellow filters (’cut-on’ 535 or 550 nm) for skin rejuvenation.

The 615 nm filter can be used for removal of brown to dark hair in all skin types. Blond hair is difficult to treat but some individuals have responded well utilising a filter with ‘cut-on’ wavelength of 580 nm.

It is usual to treat the whole face and not only some selected lesions because ‘full-face’ treatments provide a better overall result.

The doctor will discuss how Plasmalite® works and evaluate if it is suitable for the patient. A test patch may be performed to observe its effect on the patient. A thin layer of optical contact water-based gel is spread over the area to be treated. The waveguide is then applied over the area and a series of short light flashes are passed over each 10x20 mm spot. If no adverse reacation is noted, treatment is commenced.

After the initial treatment the patient often may see an immediate difference. However within 2-3 weeks after each treatment most subjects see a visible improvement. Pigmented and vascular lesions usually respond rapidly to the treatment.

Some people are more sensitive to light than others - it is important that the patient is properly assessed. Test patching is useful to check the patient’s suitability for treatment. Please note, however, that the test patch result may not necessarily be the same as the result after the completion of the treatment. The patient should avoid exposure to the sun and sun beds for 4 weeks before and after treatment.

*Note: Not all types of skin lesions can be treated.