UltraClear Laser at AARVA

UltraClear uses a 2910 nm fibre laser, a wavelength absorbed very strongly by water in the skin. Almost all of its energy goes into the tiny treatment channels it creates rather than heating the skin around them. As the skin repairs those channels, it renews its surface and lays down new collagen and elastin. That is why it is often called a cold laser.

UltraClear is used for acne scars, rough texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, sun damage, age spots, uneven pigmentation and redness. Melasma needs more care, because heat can darken it, so we usually start melasma with skincare and a depigmentation plan instead.

It suits many people who want smoother, clearer skin and can allow a little downtime. It is not suitable during pregnancy, with an active skin infection or cold sore, with a recent tan, or if you tend to form raised (keloid) scars. If you have taken oral acne medication in the last six months, we discuss timing with you. Your consultation confirms whether it is right for you.

Often, yes. Because it puts less heat into the skin than many older lasers, it can be used across a wider range of skin tones. Any laser carries some risk of temporary darkening in darker skin, so we adjust settings for you and may suggest a test patch first.

Redness, swelling, a sunburn-like feeling and flaking are expected and settle as the skin heals. Less commonly, the skin can darken temporarily, cold sores can flare, or breakouts can occur. Lasting colour change and scarring are rare. We go through every risk with you before you consent.

After your consultation, your skin is cleansed and a numbing cream applied. The laser is passed over the area at the depth set in your plan, which takes 30 to 60 minutes. You go home the same day with written aftercare.

Most people find it very manageable with numbing cream. It feels warm and prickly. Deeper settings feel more intense, and lighter treatments sometimes need little or no numbing.

After a light treatment, expect a day or two of pinkness and a few days of rough, flaking skin. Most people are back at work the next day. After deeper resurfacing, plan for five to ten days of redness, swelling and crusting. You will need SPF 50 every day for at least a month.

A refresh or mild pigmentation often needs one session. Acne scars and deeper lines usually need two or three, four to six weeks apart. Your written plan sets this out before you start.

Skin usually looks brighter and smoother within one to two weeks. New collagen keeps building for around three months after each session, so that is when we review the full result.

Both resurface the skin. A CO2 laser leaves more heat in the surrounding skin, which usually means a longer recovery. UltraClear lets us choose how much heat to use, so recovery can be shorter for a similar kind of treatment.

UltraClear is available at Aarva on Midland Drive, Royal Sutton Coldfield, a short drive from Four Oaks, Walmley, Erdington, Lichfield, Tamworth and north Birmingham. Parking is available nearby.

UltraClear at Aarva is priced individually, with course pricing where it helps. The final price depends on the area, the depth of treatment and the number of sessions, and you receive it in writing at your consultation before you commit to anything. UltraClear also earns points in the Aarva Circle.