Clear + Brilliant® Laser Treatment

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The newest trend in the beauty world is a natural, low-maintenance look, with celebrities and influencers alike showing off their radiant, bare skin. While good skin care is essential to having clear, glassy skin, many of us need a little boost to achieve these results. Many patients want to turn to laser treatments for facial rejuvenation but are deterred by the downtime that lasers can require. Luckily, the Clear+Brilliant laser can treat dark spots, texture, fine lines, pore size, and uneven skin tone with absolutely no downtime or side effects. Dr. Green, one of the best cosmetic dermatologists in New York City, carries the Clear+Brilliant laser among her arsenal of lasers for total facial rejuvenation.

The Clear+Brilliant laser can be used to address and prevent a host of skin concerns in patients of any skin type or tone. Often referred to as the “Mini-Fraxel,” the Clear+Brilliant laser creates thousands of controlled microscopic wounds in the skin, increasing the skin’s permeability to active ingredients like vitamin C. Clear+Brilliant® laser treatment also induces the skin’s natural wound-healing and stimulates the production of new collagen for firmer, more youthful, clear skin. The new Clear+Brilliant Perméa handpiece allows for increased effectiveness in treating sun damage, pigmentation, and brown spots with no downtime. Using the Clear+Brilliant laser, Dr. Green can help patients achieve radiant, glowing, clear skin that leaves them looking and feeling like their best selves.

Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist, is an expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning men and women with the best non-invasive solutions for facial rejuvenation. Dr. Green is consistently voted as one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times due to her expertise and dedication to her patients. She is known for embracing a ‘less is more’ philosophy and holistic approach to skin revitalizing treatments, creating beautiful, natural-looking results that last. After an in-depth discussion regarding your specific skin concerns and personal cosmetic goals, Dr. Green will work with you to create a customized treatment approach that incorporates the skincare and minimally invasive procedures that are most suited to your situation and that will leave you looking and feeling your best.

What is Clear+Brilliant?

Clear+Brilliant® is a non-ablative, non-invasive laser created by Solta Medical, the maker of the Fraxel® laser. Clear Brilliant is often referred to as the “mini-Fraxel” since it has results similar to the Fraxel laser without the downtime associated with traditional laser resurfacing procedures. Clear+Brilliant works via fractionated laser technology, which is designed to create millions of tiny microscopic treatment zones to stimulate new collagen formation and replace damaged skin. As a fraction of the skin is treated in one session, the surrounding skin is left unaffected, allowing for little to no downtime after treatment. Another advantage of Clear+Brilliant is its ability to enhance skin permeability. Directly after the Clear+Brilliant laser is performed, Dr. Green can apply serums and antioxidants to the skin to increase its effectiveness, as the skin is more permeable to the effects and benefits of the antioxidants at this time. Dr. Green incorporates her most popular Vitamin C serum (from her MGSKINLABS, Inc. line of products) to speed up the process of skin rejuvenation.

Patients love Clear+Brilliant laser treatment due to its safety in all skin types and tones, its effectiveness, and its ease of scheduling. As there is no downtime with treatment, patients can easily schedule a “lunchtime” session and immediately resume their daily activities. Due to its fractionated laser technology, multiple treatment sessions are required to achieve the best cosmetic results. With Clear+Brilliant, patients can look forward to new, healthier-looking skin and a youthful glow with results that last.

What does Clear+Brilliant do?

Clear+Brilliant was FDA-approved in 2011 to treat the visible signs of aging, sun damage, and skin texture. The Clear+Brilliant laser delivers fractional laser energy to the skin, increasing skin cell turnover rate and the production of new collagen. Faster skin cell turnover allows for dead, pigmented skin cells to be replaced by new, healthy skin cells. By stimulating collagen production, the Clear+Brilliant Laser is able to treat a myriad of different skin conditions, including:

Sunspots or age spots
Sun damage
Fine lines
Pore size (large pores)
Acne scars
Melasma
Uneven skin tone
Uneven skin texture

How does Clear+Brilliant laser work?

The Clear+Brilliant laser is a great skin rejuvenation treatment that caters to those who are looking to achieve a brighter complexion, even skin tone and texture, and a youthful glow without any downtime. Clear+Brilliant utilizes fractional laser energy to create thousands of microscopic injuries to the skin to trigger the skin’s natural healing processes, including skin cell turnover and the production of collagen, the protein in the skin that provides structure, firmness, and youthfulness. This method allows the superficial skin cells containing sun spots and age spots to exfoliate, making way for new, healthy skin cells with an even skin tone and texture. With each Clear+Brilliant laser treatment, visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark spots, are diminished. The faster healing time and simpler treatment process make Clear+Brilliant® the ideal solution for non-ablative laser skin resurfacing. Although repeated sessions are recommended for optimal results, many patients notice an improvement in their skin tone and texture following their first treatment. Sessions are scheduled four weeks apart, and most patients reach their desired goals after five or six sessions.

What is the Clear+Brilliant Perméa laser?

The Clear+Brilliant laser has a second handpiece called the Perméa that is effective for treating pigmentation, brown spots, sun spots, and melasma. The Perméa handpiece utilizes a 1927nm wavelength that has a higher absorption of pigmentation. Since the Perméa handpiece depth is fixed at 170nm, it treats the tissue where the melanin resides. Perméa is safe on all skin types because it targets water, not other chromophores such as pigment or melanin. There is no additional downtime or side effects when using the Perméa handpiece for treatment.

Which areas of the body can you use Clear+Brilliant laser treatment for?

Clear+Brilliant can be used for skin rejuvenation on the face, neck, décolletage, arms, legs, back, or any area of the body. Since there is no recovery time, this procedure can be done anytime without concern about returning to your normal daily activities. The Clear+Brilliant laser is a quick procedure, and many patients at Dr. Green’s office come in for a quick “lunchtime” skin rejuvenation treatment and return to work immediately after.

Who is a good candidate for Clear+Brilliant treatment?

One of the benefits of the Clear+Brilliant laser is that it is a gentle “colorblind” laser, allowing patients of all skin types and skin tones, including patients with deeper complexions, to be candidates for this procedure. Many patients with darker skin tones cannot have Picosure, CO2, Fraxel, or other fractionated lasers, as there are risks of unwanted side effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These patients with darker complexions can now benefit from safe treatment with the Clear+Brilliant laser.

There are several contraindications to the Clear+Brilliant laser. Some of the most common ones include:

Active infections, open wounds, cold sores, inflammation.
Diagnosis of a photosensitive autoimmune disease such as Lupus or Scleroderma
Sensitivity or disorder to UV light
Propensity to keloid formation
Current Isotretinoin (Accutane) treatment or within the past six months
Irritation or peeling from previous laser procedures or chemical peels

If you are interested in Clear+Brilliant treatment and unsure if you are a good candidate for treatment, consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. During your initial consultation, she will review your medical history and aesthetic concerns to determine if Clear+Brilliant is right for you.

What is the process of getting a Clear+Brilliant treatment?

The first step in getting a Clear+Brilliant treatment is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office. During your consultation, Dr. Green will assess your medical history and skin concerns to confirm you are a good candidate for the procedure. Medical photography will be taken to track future progress with treatment. Clear+Brilliant treatment can be done on the same day as your consultation or on a different day.

To prepare for treatment, Dr. Green will prescribe a topical numbing cream to your local pharmacy. The cream should be applied to the skin one hour before your appointment to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. When you arrive at the office, the cream will be wiped off, and the skin will be cleaned for treatment. One session takes about 15 minutes, although this may vary depending on the size of the treatment area. Dr. Green will pass the Clear+Brilliant handpiece over the treatment area, tailoring the settings to your specific skin type and concerns. A vitamin C serum will then be applied to the face to take advantage of the skin’s increased permeability after treatment. Dr. Green uses the Vita-C serum from her MGSKINLABs skincare line to deliver highly concentrated vitamin C to the skin.

What is the downtime for the Clear+Brilliant laser?

Clear+Brilliant is a gentle laser with no downtime due to this fractional laser technology. Immediately after the treatment, it will feel like you had a mild sunburn with some minor redness. This redness dissipates in roughly 30 minutes after your treatment and is not noticeable. After your laser procedure, the treated areas may feel like fine sandpaper, which is not noticeable to others. This rough, dry skin represents the “mico-peeling” response of the skin to the Clear+Brilliant laser and is easily improved by applying thick, hydrating moisturizers. Once this rough skin flakes off, new healthy skin is revealed. Vitamin C serum is advised to be used three times a day to maximize the skin’s increased ability to infuse these antioxidants into the skin to maximize the result of the laser treatment. As with any laser treatment, it is imperative to avoid excess sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50 for maximum protection. Any sun exposure after treatment can reverse the rejuvenating effects of the Clear+Brilliant laser.

What are the side effects of Clear+Brilliant?

The most common side effects of Clear+Brilliant include the following:

Minimal erythema
Minimal swelling

These side effects are very mild and temporary, typically only lasting 30 minutes. Skin dryness may occur as the skin undergoes its exfoliating process, with many people describing the skin as feeling like “fine sandpaper” for a day after the Clear+Brilliant laser treatment. Dryness is improved by applying proper moisturizers and Vitamin C Serum.

Rare side effects of Clear+Brilliant include:

Hyperpigmentation
Hypopigmentation
Milia formation
Cold sore activation
Skin infections

To avoid any adverse side effects from treatment, consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience treating patients with noninvasive lasers like Clear+Brilliant and has the expertise to choose the right settings for your specific skin type and concerns.

What to expect after Clear+Brilliant laser

After one session of Clear+Brilliant, you will notice an improvement, with your skin feeling smoother and brighter. This first treatment removes dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis, giving you an immediate radiant glow. More sessions are needed to improve pigmentation and fine lines. Subsequent treatments produce new collagen for continued improvement, which, over time, helps your skin look firmer and more youthful. Routine maintenance every three to six months following the initial treatments ensures continued collagen renewal with lasting results.

Does Clear+Brilliant hurt?

No, the Clear+Brilliant laser does not hurt. Applying a topical anesthetic prior to the treatment will minimize any potential discomfort for a smooth and quick skin rejuvenating procedure. There is no discomfort after the procedure, and skin care products and makeup can be applied directly after your session.

How many Clear+Brilliant laser treatments?

To achieve the best cosmetic results from Clear+Brilliant, a complete series of treatments, generally 5 to 6 treatments, are advised. These treatments should be spaced approximately two to four weeks apart. Many patients return for maintenance treatments every three to six months to maintain the positive effects of these laser treatments.

How long does Clear+Brilliant last?

The Clear+Brilliant laser treatment provides patients with results that can last for years with the proper skin care and sun avoidance. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays can speed up the aging process and reduce the effects of Clear+Brilliant treatment, which is why Dr. Green recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 50 whenever you go outside and reapply every two hours. Patients can schedule Clear+Brilliant treatments three to four times a year to maintain an even skin tone and texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and eliminate sun damage.

How much does Clear+Brilliant laser cost?

On average, a Clear+Brilliant session costs approximately $650 per treatment. Factors that can affect the price of treatment include the geographic location of the office and the expertise of the provider. Treatment in a metropolitan city is often more costly than treatment in a suburban area. MedSpas typically offers cheaper sessions than a board-certified dermatologist. However, it is important to note that they do not always have the expertise to ensure that your laser treatment will be both safe and effective for your specific skin type and concerns. If you are interested in Clear+Brilliant treatment, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience treating her patients with non-invasive treatments like the Clear+Brilliant laser and will work with you to achieve clear, radiant skin with no adverse side effects.

What are the best skin care products to use with the Clear+Brilliant treatment?

Utilizing a proper skincare routine is essential to maintaining the positive results of Clear+Brilliant laser treatment. Dr. Green’s MGSKINLABS, Inc. line of products features cleansers, serums, and moisturizers targeted to treat a variety of skin types and concerns, including sun-damaged, sensitive, and mature skin. After treatment, using targeted skin care products is essential for maintaining and enhancing the results from treatment. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will review your skincare routine and recommend products to help you keep a bright and radiant complexion.

One of the benefits of Clear+Brilliant treatment is that it increases the permeability of topical skincare products. Using antioxidants daily after treatment will help to lengthen the results from treatment and improve the texture and tone of the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps the skin fight free radical damage and environmental toxins, reduces hyperpigmentation, and increases the rate of skin cell turnover. Dr. Green’s Vita-C-Serum is packed with a high concentration of vitamin C to protect and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Dr. Green often recommends a retinol cream to exfoliate the skin further, treat fine lines and enlarged pores, and stimulate collagen production. Retinol and retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that work to increase skin cell turnover rate, sloughing off dead, pigmented skin cells to reveal new healthy cells underneath. Dr. Green’s Essential Antioxidant Infusion is an over-the-counter retinol that delivers a pure concentration of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as other antioxidants, to maximize new collagen production and create healthy, glowing skin. Patients looking for a higher concentrated product can have a retinoid prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist.

As retinol and retinoids can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it is essential only to apply them at night and practice proper sun protection. Additionally, sun protection is essential for maintaining the treatment results and minimizing the risk of further sun damage to the skin. Patients should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50 and reapply every two hours. Sunscreen should be worn even on cloudy or rainy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off of puddles and snow. For maximum protection, patients can layer both physical and chemical sunscreens on their skin. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the skin. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like octinoxate and avobenzone to convert UV rays into heat and reflect them from the body. Dr. Green’s Hydrating SPF 50 is a mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide to protect the skin from UV damage. Its formulation also includes hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, caffeine to soothe and calm the skin, and niacinamide to brighten discoloration.

Can the Clear+Brilliant laser be combined with Botox or other lasers?

Absolutely! Clear+Brilliant is an incredibly effective laser for improving sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. However, many patients incorporate other cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and Thermage, to address other skin concerns they may have. Dr. Green is an expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology and will craft a treatment plan best designed to treat your specific skin concerns for pan-facial rejuvenation.

One of the most popular cosmetic treatments to incorporate with Clear+Brilliant laser is Botox. Botox is a neuromodulator that treats dynamic wrinkles created through muscle movements and repetitive facial contractions. When injected into the targeted area, Botox causes temporary muscle paralysis, essentially “freezing” the muscle responsible for the movement. Over time, patients can look forward to a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Botox is FDA-approved to treat forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), and crow’s feet (around the eyes). Botox lasts three to four months before another treatment is needed to maintain and enhance results.

Patients interested in treating facial redness can turn to the VBeam laser for treatment. The VBeam laser is an intense pulsed dye laser that treats red pigmentation on the face, including facial redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, post-inflammatory inflammation, red stretch marks, surgical scars, and acne scars. Multiple treatment sessions are needed every four weeks to achieve the best cosmetic results. There is no downtime with the procedure, and many patients choose to have a VBeam and Clear+Brilliant treatment on the same day to treat both redness and sun damage on the face.

In addition, many patients choose to have Thermage treatment to complement the results from Clear+Brilliant. Thermage laser is the gold standard for skin-tightening laser treatments. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the inner layers of the dermis, encouraging the production of new collagen for tighter, firmer skin. No downtime is associated with Thermage treatment, making it an excellent “lunchtime” treatment for facial rejuvenation. Results can last for a year and a half, and patients typically engage in annual maintenance sessions to retain the effects of treatment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Clear+Brilliant laser treatment

What type of laser is Clear+Brilliant?

Clear+Brilliant is a noninvasive, nonablative laser that uses fractionated energy to resurface the skin. The laser delivers energy to the inner layers of the dermis, increasing the rate of skin cell turnover and stimulating the production of new collagen. As its fractional technology only treats a portion of the skin at a time, the surrounding skin is left unaffected, resulting in faster recovery times and little to no downtime. With Clear+Brilliant treatment, patients can look forward to clear, radiant skin that lasts.

What is the difference between Clear+Brilliant and Clear+Brilliant Permea?

The Clear+Brilliant system features two distinct handpieces specially designed to treat specific skin concerns. The original Clear+Brilliant handpiece operates at a wavelength of 1440 nm to target fine lines, pore size, and overall skin complexion. The goal of the original handpiece is to boost collagen production. The Permea handpiece operates at 1927 nm wavelength to treat pigmentation, such as sunspots and age spots, and improve skin tone. Both treatments are excellent options for skin rejuvenation and achieving a youthful glow. Neither handpiece is inherently better than the other, as each targets distinct skin concerns. Depending on your specific skin type and aesthetic goals, Dr. Green will select either the original or the Permea handpiece. Both handpieces can be alternated at each treatment session to achieve the best results.

What does Clear+Brilliant do for your skin?

Like other types of laser resurfacing, Clear+Brilliant physically removes the damaged outer layers of the skin’s surface to reveal the healthy, glowing skin below. At the same time, the laser treatment stimulates new collagen production, helping your skin look firmer and more youthful. Clear+Brilliant treatments are simple and gentle, designed to proactively fight the early signs of aging on your face, such as sun damage and fine lines, without any downtime after your treatment. The combination of quick and effective treatment and zero recovery time make Clear+Brilliant® the ideal procedure for many patients. Another benefit of Clear+Brilliant is that it is a “colorblind” laser, meaning it can effectively treat all skin types and skin tones. Because Clear+Brilliant is gentle and does not depend on melanin, it is safe to use even on darker skin tones.

Does Clear+Brilliant stimulate collagen?

Yes! Clear+Brilliant laser uses fractional laser energy to create thousands of tiny, microscopic thermal injuries to the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing processes to increase the production of new collagen. Not only does Clear+Brilliant improve the appearance of pore size, pigmentation, and fine acne scars, but it also improves the overall texture and surface of the skin.

Is Clear+Brilliant good for melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown, gray-brown, or dark-brown patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. These blotchy patches are often found on the face, commonly on the upper lips, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and forehead. Melasma is not curable but can be treated by topical treatments and chemical peels. While some lasers can treat melasma, many can make its appearance worse. When the wrong laser is used on melasma, the pigment can become further entrenched in the skin, making other forms of treatment less effective. If you are suffering from melasma and are looking for treatment, it is best to have an initial consultation with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office. She will assess your melasma and skin type and determine the best treatment to help you achieve clear, even-toned skin.

Is Clear+Brilliant laser safe for all skin tones?

Since Clear+Brilliant is a “colorblind laser,” all skin tones, including Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, and African-American skin, can benefit from this treatment. The Clear+Brilliant laser is a gentle treatment that does not depend on melanin or pigment but rather targets the water in the skin, so it is safe to use on darker skin tones for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

Are Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant the same?

Clear+Brilliant and Fraxel are two different lasers manufactured by Solta Medical, which is the same company. Clear+Brilliant is often referred to as a “mini-Fraxel” as it targets similar skin concerns more gently. Clear+Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser that creates thousands of small pinpoint injuries to the skin to stimulate natural regenerative processes, building collagen and triggering skin cell turnover. The Clear+Brilliant laser has two distinct settings: the Original 1440 nm handpiece stimulates collagen to improve pore size, fine lines, and signs of aging, and the Permea 1927 nm handpiece works more superficially on the skin to target pigmentation, such as sun spots and age spots. Because Clear+Brilliant is a gentle laser, there is no downtime necessary, and you can return to normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. The gentleness of this laser means it is safe to use on all skin types and skin tones, including darker skin and Asian skin.

Fraxel Dual is also a fractionated laser that creates thousands of controlled and precise micro-injuries to the skin to induce the natural wound-healing process of the skin. Fraxel Dual laser contains two distinct settings to target skin concerns similar to Clear+Brilliant: the 1550 nm Erbium laser improves skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and acne scars, and the 1927 nm Thulium laser targets pigmentation, skin discoloration, age spots, and sun damage. Because Fraxel penetrates more deeply than Clear+Brilliant, there is mild downtime associated with Fraxel. If the 1550 nm setting is used, there will be some redness and swelling for about 48 hours. If the 1927 nm setting is used for pigmentation, there is a 48-hour period of redness followed by an additional 3-5 days of downtime, where the skin flakes off like rough sandpaper. Unlike Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel does not cater to Asian skin or darker skin tones. Fraxel also should not be performed as a treatment for melasma, as laser treatments can worsen the appearance of melasma.

Is Clear+Brilliant laser better than Microneedling?

Clear+Brilliant is not inherently “better” than microneedling, as each treatment uses different methods for skin rejuvenation. Similarly to Clear+Brilliant treatment, microneedling can treat fine lines, uneven skin texture and tone, discoloration, enlarged pore size, and acne scars. Microneedling uses small, surgical-grade needles to produce microscopic injuries to the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing process and inducing collagen production. The microscopic channels created also allow for skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin afterward to deliver maximum benefits. There is mild redness and swelling associated with microneedling treatment, which typically resolves on its own within a few days of treatment. Due to the increased skin permeability of topical skincare products, microneedling treatment can be paired with a depigmentation serum to treat discoloration or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to accelerate wound healing. PRP is taken from the patient’s blood and is packed with growth factors and proteins necessary for tissue regeneration and growth. PRP is an excellent addition to microneedling treatment to enhance the results from treatment further.

Clear+Brilliant uses fractionated energy to heat the inner layers of the dermis, increasing skin cell turnover rate and the production of new collagen. Clear+Brilliant also allows for better absorption of topical skincare products and is often paired with a vitamin C serum for overall skin rejuvenation. No downtime is associated with Clear+Brilliant, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Many patients choose to alternate between microneedling and Clear+Brilliant since they work synergistically to produce healthier, younger-looking skin. Both microneedling and Clear+ Brilliant work on tone and texture and replace damaged collagen with younger, healthier skin.

What is better: IPL or Clear+Brilliant?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Clear+Brilliant are two excellent noninvasive laser treatments for cosmetic dermatology. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, commonly known as photo-rejuvenation therapy, uses concentrated wavelengths of light to treat a variety of skin concerns, including broken blood vessels, rosacea, pigmentation, sun spots, age spots, and fine lines. IPL can also be used for laser hair removal. Depending on the wavelength of light used, pigment cells, hair follicles, or blood vessels absorb the light energy and are destroyed. Clear+Brilliant uses fractionated energy to treat sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, uneven texture and tone, and enlarged pore size. Instead of targeting chromophores such as melanin or pigment, Clear+Brilliant targets water in the skin. This technology allows the Clear+Brilliant to be a color-blind laser, making treatment safe and effective for all skin types and tones.

When compared to the Clear+Brilliant laser, IPL is neither better nor worse, as each laser uses different methods to target different skin concerns. If you are concerned with redness, rosacea, or broken capillaries, IPL can improve them, whereas C+B cannot. It is important to note, however, that IPL is not recommended for darker skin tones due to the concentrated melanin, but Clear+Brilliant is suited for all skin types and skin tones. At your consultation with Dr. Green, she will carefully assess your skin and aesthetic goals to determine which laser treatment will work best for you.

Can Clear+Brilliant make melasma worse?

Since the Clear+Brilliant laser is gentle, it should not make your melasma worse; however, it is not the ideal treatment for melasma. Typically, patients with melasma should avoid fractionated laser treatment, as lasers can further entrench the pigment in the skin and make it harder to treat the melasma. The risk of developing hyperpigmentation from Clear+Brilliant is minimal, as it is a very gentle laser. However, any lasers have a risk of developing or worsening hyperpigmentation or triggering post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). For melasma treatment, Dr. Green will typically recommend chemical peels, Mesopeels, and Cosmelan peels as the best treatment to remove facial melasma. If you have melasma, it is best to consult with an expert, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green to determine if Clear+Brilliant is the best and safest treatment option for you.

Does Clear+Brilliant tighten skin?

Clear+Brilliant is an exceptional treatment method for various skin concerns, including fine lines, pigmentation, sun damage, large pore size, and more. However, Clear+Brilliant is not the ideal non-invasive treatment option for tightening skin. If skin laxity is a cosmetic concern, Dr. Green typically suggests a Thermage radiofrequency treatment. Thermage is a laser treatment designed to tighten and firm skin through the induction of new collagen, a protein that provides the skin with a firm foundation and youthful appearance. Thermage is a painless procedure that can be completed in just over an hour and doesn’t involve any downtime at all. Most patients see an initial glow and plumpness to the skin after treatment. As collagen levels increase, patients can expect to see an improvement in skin laxity over three months. The cosmetic effects of Thermage continue to improve for six months following initial treatment and last for up to two years. Most patients require only a single treatment session of Thermage radiofrequency for a given area to improve skin elasticity and engage in annual maintenance sessions to keep and enhance the results from treatment. Many patients combine their Thermage skin tightening treatment with other non-invasive options for skin rejuvenation, including cosmetic injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, as well as skin resurfacing treatments like Clear+Brilliant laser, Fraxel Dual laser, VBeam for redness, or chemical peels. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to develop a customized treatment approach that addresses each of your concerns and achieves your cosmetic goals.

Does Clear+Brilliant help with acne?

Acne is a medical skin condition that can be attributed to a number of underlying factors, including genetics, hormones, stress, hygiene, and environment. When excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris become trapped within a pore, bacteria multiply, leading to the formation of a pimple. When it comes to reducing acne breakouts, there are other treatments available that are more appropriate and effective than a Clear+Brilliant laser. It is recommended to be evaluated for acne by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible to prevent the development of acne scars, which are caused by damage done to the skin tissue as a result of inflammation associated with acne lesions. Some common acne treatment options include topical prescription creams, oral medications, and in-office treatments such as acne surgery, chemical peels, and HydraFacials.

Dr. Michele Green in New York City is a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating patients from around the globe for acne breakouts and acne scars. Dr. Green can help determine the underlying causes of acne and formulate a treatment approach that targets the reasons behind the breakouts. Once the breakouts are resolved, focusing on eliminating the signs of aging with other non-invasive cosmetic treatments becomes a breeze.

Is Clear+Brilliant Painful?

No. Clear+Brilliant is not a painful treatment. To prepare for a Clear+Brilliant session, Dr. Green will prescribe a topical anesthetic to be applied to the treatment area one hour before your appointment. The numbing cream will ensure that treatment is not painful and any patient discomfort is minimized.

Can I wear makeup after the Clear+Brilliant laser?

You can wear makeup just as soon as your treatment is complete. First, Dr. Green applies Vitamin C serum at the end of the Clear+Brilliant procedure to maximize the procedure’s impact and provide antioxidants to your skin. You can then apply sunscreen and makeup directly after your Clear+Brilliant treatment, as there is no downtime at all.

Can you work out after Clear+Brilliant?

Refrain from working out for 24-48 hours after Clear+Brilliant laser treatment to reduce the risk of swelling, redness, and infection.

How long after Clear+Brilliant can I exfoliate?

Patients often ask, When can I exfoliate after Clear+Brilliant? After having treatment with Clear+Brilliant laser, patients should wait three days before exfoliating. Following a treatment session, patients should adhere to a simple skincare regimen that consists of a gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, nourishing moisturizer, and protective sunscreen. When you have your Clear+Brilliant laser treatment with Dr. Michele Green in NYC, she will work with you to ensure that you have the perfect skincare regimen following your non-invasive cosmetic treatments that will maximize and prolong your results.

How often should I get Clear+Brilliant?

Initially, most patients will require six treatment sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart to obtain optimal results. On average, five treatment sessions will be necessary, but the exact number depends on the treatment area and the patient’s aesthetic goals. Following the initial round of treatments, routine maintenance can be performed three to four times a year to maintain the procedure’s results.

Is Clear+Brilliant worth it?

Yes! Clear+Brilliant is immensely popular because patients of every skin tone and skin type can have this treatment without any downtime involved whatsoever. Clear+Brilliant laser treatment refreshes and rejuvenates the complexion, providing patients with a radiant, healthy glow that leaves them looking and feeling like the best version of themselves. With minimal downtime and side effects, the accessibility of the Clear+Brilliant laser treatment is excellent, even for patients with busy schedules. Dr. Michele Green in New York City often suggests Clear+Brilliant laser treatment to her patients and is internationally recognized and appreciated for her holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy when it comes to skin rejuvenation.

How to get started with Clear+Brilliant today

Clear+Brilliant has become one of the most popular lasers in Dr. Michele Green’s NYC dermatology office. It will help you achieve a youthful, rejuvenated complexion with absolutely no downtime. This is why this laser treatment is called a “lunchtime” procedure to improve skin tone and treat fine lines and the visible signs of aging. Clear+Brilliant laser uses fractional laser energy to create thousands of tiny, microscopic thermal injuries to the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing processes to reveal healthy, new skin cells and a brighter complexion. The rate of skin cell turnover is faster with Clear+Brilliant laser treatments, meaning the top layer of dead skin cells holding dark spots are sloughed off and replaced by new skin cells that are more even in skin tone and texture. Clear+Brilliant is a color-blind laser, meaning that patients of all skin types and tones can enjoy the benefits of treatment without any risk of adverse side effects. If you’re looking to treat sun damage, sun spots, fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, or uneven skin texture or tone, Dr. Green can use the Clear+Brilliant laser to help you create healthy, radiant, clear skin.

Dr. Michele Green is a world-renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience treating the world’s most discerning men and women with non-invasive treatment options, including the Clear+Brilliant laser. She is consistently voted as one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times. She takes the time required to carefully customize a treatment plan for each patient after a thorough consultation consisting of an in-depth discussion of their personal skin concerns and cosmetic goals. Dr. Green has a brilliant touch on cosmetic dermatology, taking a holistic approach towards facial rejuvenation treatments to leave you with radiant, natural, youthful-looking results. If you are looking for a way to improve or enhance your skin and reverse the visible signs of aging with minimal downtime and side effects, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green by contacting us online today or call us at 212-535-3088