Aesthetics

Clear + Brilliant® Laser

Clear + Brilliant® is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that treats tiny columns of skin at a time to help improve texture, tone, pigmentation and fine lines, with minimal downtime.

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Background

Understanding Clear + Brilliant® Laser

01
Background

How Did Fractional Lasers Develop?

Early laser resurfacing removed the whole outer layer of skin. It could be effective, but recovery was long and the risk of side effects was significant. In 2004, researchers introduced the concept of fractional photothermolysis: treating the skin in thousands of microscopic columns, leaving the surrounding skin intact so it can heal quickly^[1].
Clear + Brilliant® is a low-energy, low-density fractional diode laser built on this idea. It is available with a 1440 nm wavelength, aimed mainly at texture and tone, and a 1927 nm wavelength, aimed more at pigmentation and brightness^[2]. Because it is gentler than more intensive lasers, it is often used as a course of treatments.
2004fractional photothermolysis first described
Microscopictreatment zones, with healthy skin in between
1440 nmwavelength aimed at texture and tone
1927 nmwavelength aimed at pigmentation and brightness
Figure 1. Key ideas behind Clear + Brilliant® laser treatment.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

How Does Clear + Brilliant® Work?

The laser creates microscopic zones of gentle heating in the upper layers of the skin, without breaking the skin surface. The untreated skin around each zone helps it heal quickly^[1].
Fractional laser light
microscopic treatment zones
Healing responseEach tiny zone triggers the skin’s natural repair process.
Collagen renewalRepair is associated with new collagen and gradual skin remodelling.
Surface renewalDamaged and pigmented cells are gradually replaced, which may improve tone and brightness.
Figure 2. How low-energy fractional laser treatment is thought to renew the skin^[1]^[2].
Studies of low-energy 1440 nm and 1927 nm diode lasers have reported improvements in texture, fine lines and pigmentation, generally over a series of treatments^[2]. A retrospective review of 61 patients with darker skin types reported improvement in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the 1927 nm laser^[3]. Most studies are small and not controlled, so results should be seen as gradual and variable. Temporary redness, a warm, sunburn-like feeling, mild swelling and a rough, sandpaper-like texture are common for a few days; less commonly, pigment changes or cold-sore flare-ups can occur.

References

Manstein D, Herron GS, Sink RK, Tanner H, Anderson RR. Fractional photothermolysis: a new concept for cutaneous remodeling using microscopic patterns of thermal injury. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2004;34(5):426–438. doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20048
Friedman PM, Polder KD, Sodha P, Geronemus RG. The 1440 nm and 1927 nm nonablative fractional diode laser: current trends and future directions. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2020;19(8):s3–s11. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32804450/
Bae YC, Rettig S, Weiss E, Bernstein L, Geronemus R. Treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin types using a low energy 1,927 nm non-ablative fractional laser: a retrospective photographic review analysis. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2020;52(1):7–12. doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23173

Your session

What you need to know

1Before your treatment

What to Prepare
14 days before:
- Avoid direct sun exposure without protection.
- No waxing or depilatory creams.
- Avoid other laser and skin treatments.
7 days before:
- Avoid exfoliators, acids and any retinol or vitamin A-based products.
24 hours before:
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water (at least 2 litres).
Please tell us if you are pregnant, have a history of cold sores, take medicines that increase sun sensitivity, have used isotretinoin recently, or have a tan. Your practitioner will check that the treatment is suitable for your skin.
2During your treatment

What to Expect
- Your skin is cleansed and a numbing cream may be applied for comfort.
- Eye protection is used throughout.
- The handpiece is glided over the skin in several passes. Most people feel warmth and a light prickling sensation.
- A soothing product and SPF are applied at the end.
3After your treatment

Aftercare
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks after your treatment.
- Avoid touching the skin.
- Avoid strong acidic products and exfoliators for at least 5 days.
- No facial hair removal for at least 14 days.
- Avoid heat, hot water and vigorous activity for 12 hours, as this may reactivate the treatment and cause a reaction.
- Use a gentle cleanser, serum, moisturiser and SPF 50 daily.
Redness, warmth and a slightly rough texture are common for a few days as the skin renews. Contact us if you notice blistering, crusting or anything that concerns you.

Who can benefit

Who Clear + Brilliant® is for

Clear + Brilliant® is often chosen by people looking for a gentle way to refresh their skin with minimal downtime. These are some of the most common reasons our patients ask about it.

Uneven texture

Rough or uneven skin texture, which may become smoother over a course of treatments.

Enlarged-looking pores

Pores that look more visible; many patients notice their skin looks more refined.

Pigmentation and sun spots

Uneven tone, sun spots and dark patches. The 1927 nm wavelength is often used for pigmentation.

Fine lines

Early fine lines, which may soften as the skin renews.

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Dull complexion

Skin that lacks brightness or radiance.

Early signs of ageing

People who want to look after their skin early, as part of a regular routine.

Neck and chest

Sun-related changes in texture and pigmentation on the neck and chest.

Your practitioner will assess whether Clear + Brilliant® is right for you at your consultation. Results vary and are not guaranteed.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Clear + Brilliant® hurt?

Most people describe a warm, prickling sensation. Numbing cream can be used to make it more comfortable.

Is there any downtime?

Usually minimal. Your skin may be red and feel warm, like mild sunburn, for a day or so, and may feel rough for a few days. Most people return to normal activities quickly, but you must protect your skin from the sun.

How many treatments will I need?

Because it is a gentle laser, a course of several treatments is usually suggested. Your practitioner will recommend a plan based on your skin and goals.

Is it suitable for all skin types?

It can be used on many skin types, including darker skin, but suitability depends on your skin and history. Your practitioner will assess this at your consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Temporary redness, swelling, dryness and a rough texture are common. Less commonly, pigmentation changes, acne flare-ups or cold-sore outbreaks can occur. Following the aftercare advice, especially sun protection, helps reduce these risks.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.