LipLase®

How does Fotona LipLase® work?

Fotona LipLase® is a non-invasive laser treatment designed to enhance the lips by improving their volume, shape, and overall appearance without the need for injectables or surgery.

It uses advanced Er:YAG laser technology to stimulate collagen production in the lips and surrounding tissues. Here’s how it works:

The Er:YAG laser delivers controlled energy to the lips and peri-oral area (around the lips), penetrating the skin, targeting its deeper layers – the dermis – without damaging the surface. By doing so, heat is generated in these layers which subsequently stimulates the body’s natural collagen production process.

This process will then lead to an increased lip volume and improved elasticity over time.

A surface effect of the laser would also result in improving texture, reducing fine lines, and enhancing the lips’ natural colour.

A tightening effect will also occur in the surrounding skin as the collagen remodels on further maturation. This effect will further enhance the definition and shape of the lips.

What are the Key Benefits of LipLase®?

• Natural Enhancement: Increases lip volume subtly and naturally without injectables.
• Improved Texture: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.
• Defined Shape: Enhances the natural contours and definition of the lips.
• Non-Invasive: No needles, incisions, or downtime required.
• Quick and Painless: Each session lasts about 15–30 minutes, with most patients reporting minimal discomfort.

How long will my Fotona LipLase® treatment take?

A Fotona LipLase® treatment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size of the treatment area and the provider’s approach. Here’s a breakdown of the procedure’s timeline:

Preparation (10–15 Minutes)

This involves the following steps:

• Consultation and Assessment: If it’s your first session, the provider will briefly assess your lips and discuss your goals.
• Skin Cleansing: The lips and surrounding area are cleaned to ensure optimal laser contact.
• Application of Local Anaesthetics: Although it is generally not necessary, local anaesthetics may need to be applied, in situations where the treatment may need to be undertaken at a higher level of intensity as per the clinical need and in sensitive patients. The anaesthetic may be applied topically which would require 30-45 minutes to become effective. Alternatively, a field block (an injection) is performed which would require about 5 minutes to be applied (usually effective immediately).

Treatment (10–20 Minutes)

This includes:

• Laser Application: The Er:YAG laser is applied to the lips and peri-oral area in short bursts. The procedure is generally well tolerated even without anaesthetics with patients often describing a mild warming sensation.

Post-Treatment (5 Minutes)

• Soothing and Aftercare: Our practitioner may apply a soothing balm or recommend a hydrating lip product.
• Post-Treatment Instructions: You’ll receive guidance on any specific aftercare (though LipLase® has no significant downtime).

When will I notice results from my Fotona LipLase® treatment?

Results from Fotona LipLase® can appear gradually as the treatment stimulates natural collagen production. Here’s what to expect:

Right After Treatment: Some patients notice a slight plumping effect immediately after the session. This is usually due to mild swelling and increased circulation, which is temporary.

First Few Days to 1 Week: As the lips begin to heal and the tissue responds to the laser treatment, you may see subtle improvements in lip texture and hydration.

6 Weeks and Beyond Post-Treatment: Full results become noticeable as collagen production increases and the lips gain more natural volume. The skin around the lips may also appear smoother, with fine lines and wrinkles reduced.

How long do the results of Fotona LipLase® last?

The results of Fotona LipLase® are long-lasting but not permanent, as they rely on your body’s natural collagen production.

Optimum results are seen after completing a series of 4 treatments (spaced 2–4 weeks apart); the effect can then last between 3 and 12 months. More treatment cycles in the initial phase would lead to a longer lasting effect. A maintenance treatment would be recommended to maintain the achieved outcome long term.

Are there any situations that may influence longevity of the treatment?

Yes, there are several factors that may lead to reduced or unfavourable outcomes, and may lead to the loss of gains achieved by the treatment. These include:

• Natural Aging: Collagen naturally breaks down over time, so results will gradually diminish as part of the aging process. Furthermore, an older person would less likely retain the effect of the initial treatment for longer, hence more frequent maintenance may be suggested.
• Lifestyle Factors: Such as sun exposure, smoking, diet, hydration will all accelerate the process of collagen breakdown reducing the longevity of treatment.
• Skin Care: Using lip balms with SPF and hydrating lip products can help sustain the smooth texture and volume achieved with LipLase®.
• Frequency of Treatments: Patients who undergo periodic maintenance sessions may notice more prolonged and cumulative results.

How is Fotona LipLase® procedure performed?

1. Consultation and Preparation

• Initial Assessment
• Skin Preparation
• Application of anaesthetic if required
• Precautions undertaken against laser injury to the provider, attendant and patient

2. Laser Application

• Laser equipment turned on after ensuring safe environment.
• Laser settings applied.
• Step-by-step treatment undertaken as per the pre-planned protocol, addressing the lips followed by the perioral area.
• During the procedure the patient is regularly asked about the level of comfort/discomfort and if necessary the parameters are altered accordingly.

3. Post-Treatment Care

• Hydration: A soothing balm or hydrating lip product may be applied after the session.
• Immediate Recovery: No downtime is required, and you can resume daily activities immediately.

How do I prepare for my Fotona LipLase® treatment?

Proper preparation for your Fotona LipLase® treatment ensures optimal results and a smooth procedure. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. At consultation, discuss your goals and share your desired outcome within the realm of real expectations. This will be further explained by our practitioners.
2. Although specifically asked, ensure that our practitioners are aware of any health conditions, medications, allergies and previous lip treatments provided such as fillers, tattoos or surgery.
3. Meanwhile, avoid direct sunlight and apply a broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF 30+ for a week prior to your scheduled date.
4. Discontinue the use of exfoliants (retinoids, AHAs, BHA etc) and lip scrubs for 3 days prior to the treatment day.
5. Stay well hydrated at all times by drinking adequate amounts of water.
6. If you have a history of cold sores you must let our practitioners know to be able to prescribe a course of antiviral medication to take starting at least 2 days before the scheduled treatment day and to continue for a total of 7 days.
7. If you take any supplements that may thin the blood, such as fish oil, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, vitamin E, ginseng, should be stopped for a minimum of 3 days before your treatment day. If you are taking a blood thinner for a medical reason our practitioner will discuss the appropriate measures to be taken beforehand. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories should be stopped at least 3 days before treatment is initiated.
8. On the day of your scheduled treatment, arrive with clean lips, no lipstick, balms nor gloss.
9. Refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking for at least one week prior to your scheduled treatment, and preferably to continue for another week post treatment.
10. If you had any lip treatment such as fillers, or tattooing it is best to schedule your LipLase® treatment at least 4-6 weeks later.

Is Fotona LipLase® painful?

No, Fotona LipLase® is not usually painful for most patients. Generally, most patients feel a mild warming or tingling sensation on the lips and surrounding area. In some situations where patients have sensitive skin or more intense treatment is required to achieve more pronounced results a local anaesthetic may be required, which is delivered either as a topical application or by injection to block the nerves supplying the treatment area.

After the procedure feeling of mild warmth, and tightness may be encountered subsiding after a few hours. There will be increased lip sensitivity in the following day or two which may be accompanied by lip dryness and minimal exfoliation resolving in 2-3 days.

There is no downtime and you can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.

Fotona LipLase® aftercare?

After your Fotona LipLase® treatment, proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal results and minimize any potential side effects. Fortunately, the procedure has minimal downtime, and aftercare is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

• Hydration: Keep your lips hydrated by applying a moisturizing lip balm or a hydrating lip treatment recommended by your provider. Drink plenty of water to support the healing and collagen production process.
• Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching or rubbing your lips to avoid irritation.
• Sun Protection: Apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun exposure, as the skin may be slightly more sensitive.
• Avoid excessive heat (e.g., hot showers, saunas, or direct sun exposure) for 24–48 hours.
• Avoid lip makeup for the first 24 hours to prevent irritation.
• Avoid the use of harsh scrubs, exfoliants, or active ingredients like retinoids around the lip area for 3 days. Use only mild cleansers for the first few days.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support skin and collagen health.

How often can I have Fotona LipLase® treatments?

Fotona LipLase® treatments can be performed every 2–4 weeks during the initial treatment phase to achieve optimal results. The frequency depends on your individual goals, the condition of your lips, and your provider’s recommendations.

It is recommended to have a package of 4 treatments initially followed by a maintenance treatment every 3, 6 or 12 months.

The interval of maintenance treatment varies depending on the initial treatment package (number of initial cycles, the intensity of treatment provided), your age, and other important factors in your medical history and lifestyle that may influence the speed of collagen breakdown in your body.

Our practitioners would discuss these factors with you and suggest the optimum interval to consider.

Factors Influencing Treatment Frequency

1. Desired Results: If you want more dramatic results, your provider may recommend shorter intervals during the initial phase.

2. Lifestyle and Aging: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and natural collagen breakdown may influence how often you need maintenance sessions.

3. Skin Type and Healing: If your lips are particularly sensitive or prone to dryness, your provider may suggest longer intervals between treatments to allow adequate healing.

Are Fotona LipLase® treatments safe?

Yes, Fotona LipLase® treatments are considered very safe when performed by qualified practitioners. The procedure uses Er:YAG laser technology, which is specifically designed for gentle, non-invasive treatments with minimal risk of complications. Here’s why the treatment is safe and what precautions to consider:

• Non-Invasive: The treatment is needle-free, does not involve incisions, and works by stimulating natural collagen production without disrupting the skin’s surface.
• Precision Technology: The Er:YAG laser delivers controlled energy to the targeted area, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
• No Harsh Chemicals or Fillers: Unlike injectables, LipLase® relies on your body’s natural processes to enhance lip volume and texture, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects.
• Minimal Discomfort: Most patients report only a mild warming sensation during the procedure, with no need for anaesthesia or numbing creams.
• No Downtime: The procedure allows for immediate return to normal activities, with little to no recovery time.
• TGA Listed and Clinically Tested: Fotona lasers are listed and CE-marked, meeting stringent safety standards for medical and aesthetic use.

Who Should Avoid LipLase®?

While safe for most people, LipLase® may not be suitable for individuals who:

• Have active skin infections, cold sores, or herpes in the treatment area.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your provider).
• Have very sensitive skin or certain skin conditions that may react to laser treatments.

Is Fotona LipLase® suitable for all skin types?

Yes, Fotona LipLase® is suitable for all skin types. The treatment uses Er:YAG laser technology, which is safe for a wide range of skin tones and types, including sensitive skin. Here’s why the procedure works effectively for everyone:

• Non-Invasive and Gentle: The Er:YAG laser delivers energy to the deeper layers of the lips and surrounding tissues without causing damage to the skin’s surface, making it safe for sensitive and diverse skin types.
• No Melanin Interaction: Unlike some laser treatments that target melanin (the pigment in skin), LipLase® focuses on stimulating collagen production in the dermis. This eliminates the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which can be a concern with darker skin tones.
• Customizable Settings: The laser’s intensity and settings can be adjusted by the provider to suit individual skin characteristics, ensuring safe and effective treatment for all patients.

I have tattoo coloured lips, can I still have Fotona LipLase®?

Yes, you can still undergo Fotona LipLase® treatment if you have tattooed or coloured lips, but there are important considerations to ensure safety and effectiveness:

• The Er:YAG laser used in LipLase® primarily targets the dermal layer to stimulate collagen, not the pigment in your lip tattoo. This makes the treatment generally safe for tattooed lips.
• However, there is a small possibility of the laser causing slight fading or altering the colour of the tattoo due to its interaction with the pigment.
• If the tattoo is new, you should allow the lips to fully heal before undergoing LipLase® to avoid irritation or interference with healing, generally 4-6 weeks.
• We may decide to apply a patch test a few days prior to the scheduled treatment to assess the response of the tattoo to the treatment.

I previously had filler injection in my lips, will I still be able to have LipLase®?

Yes, you can have Fotona LipLase® treatments even if you’ve previously had lip filler injections. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure safety and optimal results:

• Lip fillers add volume by injecting hyaluronic acid or other substances directly into the lips.
• LipLase® stimulates natural collagen production, enhancing the lips’ texture, shape, and overall health. These effects can complement each other.
• Since LipLase® works on the dermal layers to stimulate collagen, it does not interfere with filler material in deeper layers of the lips.
• A waiting period of at least 4 weeks after a filler injection before undergoing LipLase® is recommended, to allow the filler to settle fully and minimize the risk of irritation or uneven results.

Is there a benefit for combining Lip Fillers with LipLase®?

Yes, for the following reasons:

• Natural Enhancement: LipLase® can refine the results of fillers by smoothing the skin, improving texture, and adding subtle volume through collagen stimulation.
• Maintenance: LipLase® helps sustain the plumpness and elasticity of your lips, potentially extending the time between filler touch-ups.
• Fine Line Reduction: The laser can address fine lines around the lips (peri-oral area), which fillers may not fully treat.

Can I combine Fotona LipLase® with other aesthetic treatments?

Yes, Fotona LipLase® can be combined with other aesthetic treatments to enhance results and address multiple concerns in other areas of the face and body. The combination of treatments should be planned carefully to ensure safety, effectiveness, and optimal outcomes.

Addressing concerns in the face and body with other treatment modalities would not generally affect your treatment with LipLase®. However, treatment involving the mucosal lip may need to be carefully evaluated and preferably delayed 4-6 weeks to minimise risks of complications.

How much downtime do I need after Fotona LipLase® treatment?

Fotona LipLase® treatments require no significant downtime, making it an excellent choice for individuals with busy schedules. You can resume most daily activities immediately after the procedure. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect:

However you may experience the following side effects or inconveniences:

• Mild Redness or Swelling: Some patients may experience slight redness or mild swelling in the treated area, which typically resolves within a few hours to 1–2 days.
• Sensitivity: The lips may feel slightly warm or sensitive, similar to mild sunburn. This is temporary and usually subsides quickly.

How is my Day-to-Day Recovery Going to Look?

Day 1: You can return to work or regular activities right after the treatment. Avoid applying makeup on the lips for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of irritation.

Days 2–3: Any residual redness or sensitivity should be gone. Use a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and comfortable.

By Day 5: The lips will feel normal, and you may start noticing subtle improvements in volume and texture.

How much will a treatment for Fotona LipLase® cost me?

Our price is dependent on the magnitude of treatment required to achieve the desired outcome. It is also often better to combine this specific treatment with other forms of aesthetic treatments to further improve the results. This usually attracts an add-on cost. If payment was instituted for the full package, then usually this attracts a price reduction if paid in advance in full.

Standard session	AUD 300–400
Package of 4 standard sessions (2-4 weeks apart), paid in full in advance	AUD 850
Package of 4 advanced sessions, paid in full in advance	AUD 1,200
Maintenance treatment – three-monthly	AUD 250
Maintenance treatment – six-monthly	AUD 300
Maintenance treatment – yearly (advanced technique)	AUD 400

Prices exclude add-on treatments.

Are there any serious side effects or complications that may occur following Fotona LipLase®?

Fotona LipLase® is a non-invasive and safe treatment with a very low risk of serious side effects or complications. However, as with any aesthetic procedure, there are potential risks to consider, even though they are rare. Here’s an overview:

Common and Mild Side Effects

These side effects are temporary and resolve on their own:

• Redness: Mild redness in the treated area is common immediately after the procedure and usually subsides within a few hours to 1–2 days.
• Swelling: Slight swelling of the lips may occur, which typically resolves within a day or two.
• Dryness: The lips may feel dry or slightly sensitive, which can be managed with a hydrating lip balm.
• Warmth or Tingling: Some patients report a mild warming or tingling sensation in the lips post-treatment, which fades quickly.

Rare but Possible Complications

While serious complications are very rare, they may include:

• Burns or Blistering: If the laser is applied improperly or at excessively high energy levels, minor burns or blisters could occur. This is extremely rare when the procedure is performed by our qualified practitioners.
• Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: Changes in skin colour are unlikely but may occur, especially if the treatment is combined with excessive sun exposure without proper SPF protection.
• Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation): In patients with a history of cold sores, the laser heat may trigger a recurrence. This can be minimized by taking antiviral medication before the treatment.
• Prolonged Redness or Irritation: In rare cases, redness or irritation may persist longer than usual, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Complications?

• Patients with active cold sores, infections, or open wounds in the lip area.
• Individuals with very sensitive skin or a history of adverse reactions to laser treatments.
• Those who do not follow post-treatment care instructions (e.g., avoiding sun exposure or using SPF).

When to Contact Us for Help?

Although complications are rare, you can contact us at any time when you are concerned or believe things are not going as expected. These are some of the red flags that may prompt you to reach out to us:

• Persistent redness or swelling beyond 48 hours.
• Unusual discomfort or pain.
• Signs of infection, such as pus or fever.

Please note that the individual results will vary depending on the individual and the targeted area. Any details provided here are general and should not replace professional consultation.

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