Dr. Zimmerman, a board certified physician, has been utilizing Clear + Brilliant Fraxel laser in Cincinnati for more than 7 years and our patients continue to show lasting results. Clear + Brilliant is one service that’s leading the charge in skin rejuvenation with its innovative laser technology.

It’s a treatment that has been entrusted by the faces of Hollywood stars like Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston, endorsed by Harper’s Bazaar - winning the 2020 Best of Beauty Anti Aging award. If that’s not enough to draw you in, maybe the laser treatment's dermatologically proven benefits can entice you like improved elasticity, wrinkle reduction, smoother skin texture, minimizing pore appearance and dark spot removal to name a few.

What is Clear + Brilliant?

Clear + Brilliant is a fractional laser treatment that helps corrects the visible signs of aging and address the overall effects time and the environment can have on your skin.

Clear + Brilliant works by creating millions of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin, which replaces damaged skin with healthy tissue and yields younger looking skin. When this “controlled injury” happens in the skin, the damaged cells from the dermal layer, are rushed to the surface, causing peeling and shedding to occur. Once the fresh, new cells reach the surface of the skin, a much more youthful appearance is revealed. Fine lines and wrinkles appear softened, skin texture is smooth, and patchy or freckled pigmentation is lightened. The pigmentation exfoliates off of the skin because the skin cells from below are pushing it up and off the surface.

It has been one of Dr. Zimmerman’s favorite devices as it provides less invasive and more affordable treatments with minimal if any downtime that is preventative as well as restorative. Several patients notice improved skin appearance and a “glow” almost immediately, and it is a great introductory laser for patients who do not need more intensive treatments or want to avoid the downtime.

The treatment uses fractional technology, meaning that the laser energy is broken up into thousands of tiny beams, to treat a fraction of the skin while leaving the rest intact. Because Clear + Bright treats 20% of skin, versus the 40% that’s treated with the Fraxel laser, it’s often referred to as “baby” or “mini” Fraxel. Treating less skin causes less damage, which translates into no downtime.

What are the pros and cons of Clear + Brilliant?

Pros

The treatment will leave your skin looking younger, fresher, and more radiant, especially if you’re showing only early signs of aging.
It’s a gentle laser treatment that’s safe for all skin tones and is really useful in treating hyperpigmentation including melasma.
The procedure can also be used for “prejuvenation,” meaning that it can delay and prevent future signs of aging.
It’s considered a good maintenance treatment for people who have already had a more aggressive laser treatment, like fractionated CO2 or Fraxel
The treatment doesn’t make skin sun-sensitive, so it can be performed year-round (though, of course, you’ll still need sunscreen).
The Clear + Brilliant laser can be safely used on all skin types.

Cons

Like other fractional laser treatments, it can trigger herpes breakouts (if you’re prone to them) and cause flare-ups of skin conditions like acne and eczema.
While it targets a variety of age-related issues and sun damage, it’s not good at reducing redness. For that, vascular lasers, like the IPL, are usually a better choice.

Like any laser, it can sometimes cause hyperpigmentation, but Dr. Zimmerman says that the risk is minimal. “The key is to avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment.”

Who are the best candidates for Clear + Brilliant?

Clear + Brilliant fits a broad range of candidates who are looking to up their skin game, prevent and fight the early signs of aging or maintain their youthful appearance. And unlike some other lasers, it’s designed to be used on all skin types and tones—this includes patients with deeper complexions who have been left out of many cosmetic laser treatments in the past.. Clear + Brilliant is considered one of the most gentle skin rejuvenation laser treatments, making it safe for all skin tones, specifically great at treating:

Sun-damaged skin - those pesky brown spots
Hyperpigmentation
Enlarged pores

Uneven Skin Texture

Hands, Chest and Face are treatable areas

Clear + Brilliant treatments can help:

Prevent the signs of aging
Improve the look of fine lines
Improve skin tone and texture
Improve skin’s overall appearance
Minimize the appearance of pores
Improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation

Can Clear + Brilliant be used to treat the neck and chest?
mprove skin tone and texture

Yes! Since fractional resurfacing treatment is so precise, it is safe and effective on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest and hands, in addition to the face.

What to expect?

On the day of the procedure, upon request Dr. Zimmerman will apply a numbing cream to your skin to reduce discomfort, and you’ll get a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Most of our patients here at Absolute Face Bar do not require numbing cream. If you are concerned about discomfort, Dr. Zimmerman may recommend applying a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment. Next, she’ll glide the Clear + Brilliant handpiece over your skin for 15 to 20 minutes. The handpiece has Intelligent Optical Tracking, to maintain proper contact with the skin and ensure that all areas are treated evenly. This laser gently rolls across the skin creating microscopic wounds that activate your bodies repair response and stimulate the production of collagen.

You might feel a scratching or prickly sensation from the laser energy; some people describe it as a slight stinging. Dr. Zimmerman describes it as a “hot cat tongue” licking your skin and the heat of a bad sunburn.

Dr. Zimmerman will apply a topical antioxidant serum post-treatment in addition to a cooling mask, which sits on your skin for 5 - 10 minutes.

How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the area treated, treatments usually take roughly 30 minutes.

What is the downtime?

Post-operative discomfort is almost nonexistent. The intensity and duration of your side effects depend on the treatment aggressiveness and your individual healing characteristics, generally lasting for up to one week. After treatment with most light systems, the treated skin may appear a little flushed and capillaries may seem to be more visible - like a bad sunburn for 24 - 48 hours. The flushed look soon fades away leaving the skin looking younger.

Some have reported scaling or a slightly rough sandpapery texture a 1-4 post treatment.

What will I look like after the treatment?

Immediately after the treatment, you will experience redness, mild swelling and sometimes pinpoint bleeding. You will notice most of the swelling on the first morning after treatment, particularly under the eyes. Swelling usually lasts one to two days. To minimize swelling, apply cold compresses to the treatment area for 10 minutes of every hour on the day of treatment, until you go bed. Sleep elevated the first night.

Heat sensation can be intense for 2-3 hours after treatment.

You may also notice that your skin appears bronzed or little dark dots will appear on the treated area starting the next morning. The fractional laser may leave a grid-like pattern on your skin, which is completely normal. Your skin may feel dry, peel, or flake. You may notice a “sandpaper” texture a few days after treatment. This is the treated tissue working its way out of your body as new fresh skin is regenerated

This dead skin is a normal result of laser treatment, and should start improving 3-4 days after the treatment. Most patient complete this process 5-7 days after a treatment on the face (on off-face areas, such as hands/arms, where healing is slower, the process may take up to 2 weeks).

Most redness resolves during the first week after treatment, but a rosy “glow” can remain for several weeks. If you wish, you can apply make up to minimize the redness.

Some patients can experience itchy skin during the healing process. Moisturizing can reduce this sensation.

When will I see results?

The results of Clear + Brilliant treatment are both immediate and progressive. Within a week or two after one treatment, your skin will start to feel softer, look brighter and show more even tone. Results can last for months depending on age, skin condition, and how you protect your skin.

How many sessions will I need?

One treatment is often enough to achieve results, but most patients undergo a series of 4-6 treatments to achieve optimal results.

After one session, you will note a marked improvement in the overall tone of the skin and the skin will appear glowing. However, for pigment removal and a reduction in fine lines, more treatments are needed.

When will I need a follow up?

The number of treatments is tailored to your concerns and skincare desires. In recent studies, consumers reported visible improvements after each treatment but marked improvement with each additional treatment, as expected. Many patients choose to have routine treatments as part of their overall skin care regimen. Dr, Zimmerman will discuss a personalized treatment regimen with you.

Dr. Zimmerman advises separating each treatment by 3-4 weeks for a maximal effect. She also recommends routine maintenance treatments depending on the skin needs

Results can last for months or years depending on the patient’s age, skin condition and regimen.

Are there any side effects?

Overall, Clear + Brilliant is non-invasive with minimal adverse side effects. At most, patients can experience minor swelling and redness that lasts for several hours up to a couple days. Patients may notice that the skin feels sensitive, or mildly sunburned for the first few days after treatment. . Some have reported scaling or a slightly rough sandpapery texture a few days post treatment. The skin may feel dry and should be hydrated as instructed. Makeup can be applied the day after treatment to camouflage any temporary discoloration or other side effects of the treatment.

Other than that, sun sensitivity is increased in the week following the procedure, and hyperpigmentation can potentially occur in patients with darker skin.

What PRE treatment care is recommended?

Please stop using the following skin products 7 days before your treatment (read labels on your skincare products to avoid these ingredients): a) glycolic acid b) salicylic acid c) retinoids (retinol, Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin) d) acne medications e) exfoliating scrubs and brushes f) skin bleaching agents (hydroquinone)
Two weeks prior to your treatment, stop: a) tanning or sun exposure
Avoid the following procedures for two weeks prior to your treatment: a) microdermabrasion b) hair waxing c) chemical peels d) laser hair removal e) IPL
If you have ever had a cold sore, please let Dr. Zimmerman know prior to your treatment.
Avoid wearing makeup to your appointment (we can provide makeup wipes if needed)
Arrive to your appointment 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time if you would like to apply an optional topical anesthetic.

What POST treatment care is recommended?

Following the procedure, the aftercare is also relatively simple and uncomplicated. Dr. Zimmerman advises using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer twice daily. Futhermore, she recommends a restorative moisturizer such as Alastin Skin Nectar and using a vitamin C serum like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic acid right after the procedure and every morning afterward. Patients who have gotten Clear + Brilliant treatment will see significant results due to the skin’s increased porosity.

Avoid scrubs, exfoliants, toners, glycolic acid, and retinoids until the skin as healed completely from your treatment. Your skin will be sensitive after the treatment. Do not use products that will cause irritation during this time.

Avoid excessive exercise, perspiration, swimming or exposing skin to heat and sun for 2 days after treatment.

At least 7 days following the treatment, Dr. Zimmerman recommends patients receive a Hydra Facial and/or a Dermaplaning treatment for total skin renewal. She is happy to provide referrals for the mentioned services. You can return to a normal skincare regimen once the skin has healed completely and the sloughing is complete.

Protection from the sun is important every day, but especially after a laser treatment because skin is even more delicate and photosensitive than it usually is. Dr. Zimmerman recommends avoiding sun exposure for at least 3-5 days after treatment and advises fastidious use of sunscreen that’s SPF 50 or greater in addition to wearing a sun hat for a week after the procedure in order to protect the skin while new collagen regenerates.

Makeup may be applied immediately following the treatment.