Frequently Asked Questions

Collagen remodelling is the process by which the skin’s structure is renewed and strengthened through the breakdown of old collagen fibres and the production of new ones. Treatments that stimulate this process encourage the skin to produce fresher, stronger collagen, improving firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality over time.

Collagen remodelling is a gradual process. Initial improvements in skin texture and tone may be visible within a few weeks, but the most significant results typically develop over three to six months as new collagen matures and strengthens. Some treatments continue producing improvement for up to twelve months.

It depends on the treatment and the concern being addressed. Most collagen-stimulating protocols involve a series of two to six sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Your practitioner will recommend a realistic plan based on your skin and your goals.

Collagen loss affects the entire face over time, but is most commonly visible around the eyes (fine lines, crepey skin), the cheeks (reduced firmness, hollowing), the jawline (softening, reduced definition), the forehead (lines, reduced elasticity), and around the mouth (lines, reduced support). The neck and décolletage also show collagen loss prominently.

Suitability can only be determined following a medical consultation. Generally, patients concerned about hollowing, loss of definition, or reduced facial fullness may be candidates. We assess every patient individually, including their skin quality, facial structure, medical history, and goals, before recommending whether filler is appropriate.

When administered by experienced practitioners, dermal fillers have decades of clinical evidence and are generally considered safe. Most side effects are mild and temporary, including minor swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site. More significant complications are uncommon but possible. Your practitioner will walk you through specific risks before any treatment.

Dermal filler results are not permanent. Traditional estimates suggest fillers last six to eighteen months, though imaging studies have shown that filler material can persist in tissue for significantly longer than originally understood. This is part of why we use filler conservatively, place it selectively, and track results over time. We’ll discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.

Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo jawline slimming treatment. You may also not be suitable if you have significant allergies, muscular disorders, or severe scarring in the treatment area. All patients must have a medical consultation before any treatment to discuss their suitability.

Patients who experience a heavier or more square lower face appearance, often caused by enlarged masseter muscles from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or genetics. Patients with functional symptoms like jaw tension, bruxism, or tension headaches may also benefit. A consultation will determine whether the concern is muscle-driven, structural, or a combination.

Costs vary depending on the dose required and how staged your treatment plan is. We’re transparent about pricing during your consultation, and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Masseter treatment typically lasts four to six months from a single session. With repeated treatment over time, the muscle becomes less prominent and many patients find they need treatment less frequently. Some patients eventually require only occasional maintenance.

It varies from patient to patient, depending on where the laxity is, which layers are affected, and how advanced it is. Common treatments at our clinic include Ultherapy Prime, Fotona laser, Emface, Exion Face RF Ultrasound, Exion RF Needling, collagen-stimulating treatments, and CO2 laser resurfacing.

Most treatments have little downtime and work over time as cells regenerate and produce more collagen and elastin. Some may require more than one session. Your practitioner will recommend the right approach based on your specific skin and goals.

It depends on the treatment. Structural treatments like Ultherapy typically produce results lasting twelve to eighteen months from a single session, with cumulative benefit from repeated treatment. Collagen-stimulating treatments build over time and are maintained with periodic sessions. The skin continues to age naturally, so ongoing care produces the best long-term outcomes.

Most skin tightening treatments at VCI involve minimal downtime. Some redness, mild swelling, or tenderness may occur for a few hours to a few days depending on the treatment. CO2 laser resurfacing involves more significant downtime of approximately one to two weeks. Your practitioner will advise what to expect for your specific treatment.

Mild to moderate skin laxity often responds well to non-surgical treatment, particularly when addressed early and at multiple layers. More advanced laxity, especially where there is significant structural descent, may benefit more from surgical options. We’ll always be honest about what non-surgical treatment can realistically achieve for your skin, and when another approach may be better.

Skin laxity typically becomes noticeable as a loss of firmness or definition, most commonly along the jawline, mid-face, and neck. You might notice that your skin doesn’t spring back as quickly when gently pressed, or that your facial contours have softened over time. A clinical assessment can identify exactly where laxity is present and which layers are affected.

Candidates for wrinkle consultation and treatment are those with one or more of the following concerns:

Dynamic wrinkles can be softened significantly with appropriate treatment, often to the point where they’re barely visible. Deeply set static wrinkles, particularly those caused by significant structural change, can be improved but rarely eliminated entirely without surgery. We’ll always be honest about what’s realistically achievable for your skin, and we track results over time so you can see exactly how your skin is responding.

Acne scarring can be treated through a combination of methods including skin needling, laser resurfacing (CO2, Fraxel, Fotona), TCA Cross, RF needling, and chemical peels. The right approach depends on the types of scars you have, your skin type, and how reactive your skin is. Most plans combine more than one treatment, staged over months. A consultation will determine which combination is right for your skin.

Some scars can be substantially improved, but most acne scars can’t be entirely removed by non-surgical treatment. Surface texture, mild rolling scars, and post-inflammatory pigmentation often respond very well. Deep ice pick scars and severe boxcar scarring usually improve meaningfully but rarely fully resolve. We’ll always be honest about what’s realistic for your specific scars.

A consultation is the only way to know for sure. Most patients have a mix of scar types (ice pick, rolling, boxcar, pigmentation), and each responds to different treatments. We assess your scarring in person, identify which types you have, and recommend a plan based on what will produce the most meaningful improvement for your skin.

Acne scarring responds gradually. Some improvement in skin texture and pigmentation may be visible within a few months. Meaningful improvement in scar depth typically develops over six to eighteen months of staged treatment, as collagen remodelling takes time to produce visible structural change.

Most acne scarring plans involve a series of treatments rather than a single session. Skin needling is typically done in series of three to six sessions. Laser protocols vary depending on the treatment and severity of scarring. TCA Cross may require multiple applications for deep scars. We’ll talk through realistic numbers at your consultation.

Recovery depends on the treatment. Skin needling typically involves a day or two of redness. Laser resurfacing may involve several days to two weeks of recovery depending on depth. TCA Cross involves localised crusting that resolves over a week. Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare instructions. General guidance includes avoiding sun exposure, using SPF daily, and not picking or rubbing the treated area.

Costs vary depending on the treatments involved, the extent of scarring, and how staged your plan is. Acne scarring plans are typically among the longer treatment commitments because results build over time. We’re transparent about pricing during your consultation, and there’s no obligation to proceed.

No. A face lift is a surgical procedure that physically tightens and removes excess skin on the face and neck. Facial rejuvenation is a broad term for non-surgical treatments that improve skin quality, texture, tone, firmness, and overall appearance without surgery. The two can complement each other, but they work in fundamentally different ways.

Skin rejuvenation results are maintained rather than preserved. With consistent daily skincare and appropriate ongoing treatment, improvements can last indefinitely. Without ongoing care, the skin continues to age naturally. The strongest long-term results come from treating skin rejuvenation as an ongoing plan rather than a one-off treatment.

There’s no single answer. For most patients, starting consistent daily skincare (including sun protection) in the 20s and adding considered in-clinic treatments from the 30s onward produces the best long-term outcomes. But the right starting point depends on your skin, your concerns, and what’s actually happening with your face. Earlier isn’t always better, but consistent care generally is.

Most non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments are well-tolerated with mild, temporary side effects. Common effects include redness, mild swelling, sensitivity, or light flaking, depending on the treatment. More significant side effects are uncommon when treatment is delivered by experienced practitioners. Your practitioner will walk you through the specific risks of any treatment recommended for you before you proceed.

Existing pigmentation can be reduced using different treatments depending on the type. Fraxel laser can remove or minimise some types of sun damage. Excel V+ and Ruby laser target discrete pigmented lesions. Chemical peels can address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. IPL is also effective for reducing pigmentation while improving overall skin quality.

Pigmentation can also be minimised with consistent daily sun protection, regular exfoliation, and medical-grade skincare containing pigment-reducing and brightening ingredients. Prevention is as important as treatment for lasting results.

It depends on the type of pigmentation and the treatment used. Surface pigmentation like sun spots and freckles often improves visibly within a few weeks. Deeper pigmentation and melasma respond more gradually, with meaningful change usually visible over three to six months of consistent care. Some treatments continue improving results as collagen remodels over time.

Many pigmentation treatments are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some topical ingredients commonly used in pigmentation care (including certain acids and retinoids) are also not recommended during this time. Your practitioner will advise which options, if any, are safe for you. In many cases, the focus shifts to sun protection and gentle maintenance until treatment can safely resume.

Preparation varies depending on the treatment. For most pigmentation treatments, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks beforehand. Your practitioner may also recommend starting a skincare protocol with sun protection, pigment inhibitors, or skin-conditioning products to prepare the skin for treatment and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

It depends on the treatment. IPL and Excel V+ typically involve minimal downtime, with some darkening of treated spots that flakes off over a few days. Chemical peels range from no downtime (superficial) to several days of peeling (medium depth). Fraxel laser may involve a few days to a week of redness and roughness. Your practitioner will advise what to expect for your specific treatment.

The cost of CO2 laser treatment depends on whether it’s a fractional or full-field treatment, the handpiece used, the area being treated, and the size of the treatment area. Pricing is provided during your consultation appointment, along with a detailed treatment plan. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Most patients experience redness, swelling, and peeling for seven to ten days following fractional CO2 treatment. The skin continues to heal and improve over the following weeks, with new collagen production continuing for several months. Full recovery of skin colour and texture typically takes two to four weeks, though this varies by individual and treatment depth.

Non-fractional (fully ablative) CO2 laser involves more extensive recovery. Expect significant redness, swelling, and crusting for the first one to two weeks, with residual pinkness that can last several weeks to a few months depending on the depth of treatment and your skin type. Your practitioner will provide detailed aftercare guidance.

Preparation typically begins two to four weeks before treatment. You’ll need to avoid sun exposure and tanning, stop using certain skincare actives (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs), and your practitioner may recommend a skin-conditioning protocol to optimise healing. Patients with a history of cold sores may be prescribed antiviral medication as a preventive measure.

Most patients achieve significant improvement from a single CO2 laser session, which is one of the treatment’s key advantages. For some concerns, particularly deeper scarring or more extensive sun damage, a second session may be recommended after the skin has fully healed, typically six to twelve months later.

Common side effects include redness, swelling, peeling, and temporary skin sensitivity, all of which are expected parts of the healing process. Less common risks include prolonged redness, pigmentation changes (particularly in darker skin types), infection, and scarring. Pre-treatment preparation and careful aftercare significantly reduce these risks. Your practitioner will discuss all potential risks before treatment.

The Erbium laser performs intensive laser resurfacing, so one treatment is usually enough to achieve significant results. For some concerns or for patients who prefer a more conservative approach, a second session may be recommended after the skin has fully healed.

Results from Erbium laser resurfacing are long-lasting, as the treatment stimulates genuine collagen renewal and skin regeneration. The improvements to texture, tone, and scarring are typically permanent, though the skin continues to age naturally. Maintaining results with consistent skincare and sun protection will extend the benefits over time.

Most patients experience some discomfort during treatment, typically described as a warm, stinging sensation. Topical anaesthetic is usually applied before treatment to manage comfort. The level of discomfort depends on the depth and extent of treatment. Post-treatment, the skin may feel tender and sensitive for several days.

Initial healing (redness, swelling, peeling) typically takes five to seven days for Erbium laser, which is generally faster than CO2 laser recovery. The skin continues to improve over the following weeks as new collagen develops. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within a week, though some residual pinkness may last a few weeks.

Costs vary depending on the area being treated, the depth of treatment, and the extent of the concern being addressed. Pricing is provided during your consultation, and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Frequency depends on the treatment type, skin condition, and goals. Some protocols involve a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart, while maintenance sessions may be recommended at longer intervals. A consultation will establish the appropriate schedule for your skin and the specific Fotona protocol being used.

Yes. Fotona is often part of a broader treatment plan that may include other lasers, skin needling, injectables, or medical-grade skincare. The timing between treatments depends on the combination. Your practitioner will advise on appropriate combinations and sequencing to ensure each treatment supports rather than interferes with the others.

Melasma can be treated with Fraxel, as its fractional technology works effectively on both deep and superficial pigmentation. Fraxel is suitable for olive and darker skin types where melasma commonly occurs. However, our preferred treatment for melasma is the Cosmelan Peel Program, which is suitable for both light and dark skin tones and tends to cause fewer complications such as post-treatment pigmentation flares.

Fraxel is one of the most effective treatments for acne scarring, particularly for rolling and boxcar scars. Its fractional approach treats the skin in controlled microzones, stimulating collagen renewal while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. For deeper scars like ice pick scars, other treatments such as TCA Cross or CO2 laser may be more effective. Most acne scarring plans combine Fraxel with other treatments for the best overall result.

Yes. Fraxel can reduce the appearance of freckles by targeting the excess pigment in the skin and promoting cell renewal. However, freckles are driven by sun exposure and genetic predisposition, so they can recur with ongoing sun exposure. Consistent sun protection is essential after treatment to maintain results. For targeted freckle removal, Ruby laser or Excel V+ may also be effective options.

Yes. Most patients experience redness, swelling, and a rough or sandpaper-like texture for three to seven days after treatment. The skin may appear bronzed or darkened as treated tissue works its way to the surface. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities within a week. Sun protection is essential during recovery.

It depends on the concern. For pigmentation and sun damage, one to two sessions may be sufficient. For acne scarring, a series of three to five sessions is more typical, spaced four to six weeks apart. Your practitioner will recommend a realistic plan based on your skin and the severity of the concern.

Common side effects include redness, swelling, bronzing of the skin, and temporary sensitivity, all of which are expected and resolve within a week. Less common risks include prolonged redness, pigmentation changes (particularly in darker skin types), and infection. Pre-treatment preparation and careful aftercare reduce these risks. Your practitioner will discuss all potential risks before treatment.

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who have active skin infections or open wounds in the treatment area, who have recently had significant sun exposure or active tanning, or who are taking medications that increase light sensitivity may not be suitable. Patients with a history of keloid scarring or who have used isotretinoin within the past six months should also discuss suitability with their practitioner.

Initial improvement in skin texture and tone is often visible within a few weeks. More significant results, particularly for acne scarring and deeper pigmentation, develop over two to six months as collagen remodelling continues. Results continue improving between sessions, which is why treatments are spaced several weeks apart.

Treatment pricing varies depending on which laser, peel, or skin treatment is used, along with the size and number of areas being treated. Pricing is provided during a consultation, along with a detailed treatment plan. There’s no obligation to proceed.

Freckles can be significantly reduced or cleared with appropriate treatment. However, because freckles are driven by genetic predisposition and sun exposure, they can recur with ongoing UV exposure. Consistent daily sun protection (SPF 50+, every day) is essential to maintaining results after treatment.

Yes. Freckles are a response to UV exposure in genetically predisposed skin. Even after successful treatment, new freckles can develop with continued sun exposure. Daily sun protection, protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged direct sun are the most important factors in preventing recurrence.

Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap or mild stinging, similar to a rubber band flick. Discomfort is brief and generally well-tolerated without anaesthetic. The treated spots may feel warm or slightly tender for a few hours after treatment.

Most patients see significant improvement after one to two sessions, depending on the density and depth of freckling. Some patients may benefit from an additional session for stubborn or recurrent freckles. Your practitioner will advise on a realistic number based on your skin.

Chemical peels (superficial) and Erbium laser tend to have the least downtime among resurfacing options. However, the choice of treatment should be based on which approach best suits your concern and your skin, rather than which has the shortest recovery. Your practitioner will help you balance effectiveness with acceptable downtime.

Non-laser resurfacing options like chemical peels and skin needling offer effective skin renewal with generally less downtime and lower risk than laser treatments. They’re particularly well-suited to patients with sensitive or reactive skin, darker skin types (where laser carries a higher risk of pigmentation changes), and those who prefer a gentler, more gradual approach to skin improvement.

Most adults in good general health are suitable for laser resurfacing, but suitability depends on the specific laser, your skin type, your medical history, and the concern being treated. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who have active infections, recent sun exposure, or who have used isotretinoin recently may need to delay treatment. Darker skin types require careful laser selection to minimise pigmentation risk. A consultation will determine which approach is right for you.

No. Laser resurfacing is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The effects of laser energy on the developing baby have not been adequately studied, and the skin’s healing response can be altered during pregnancy. Treatment can safely resume after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete.

Laser resurfacing can produce significant improvement in skin texture, tone, pigmentation, scarring, fine lines, and overall skin quality. The primary advantage over non-laser treatments is the ability to precisely control the depth of treatment, allowing more targeted and often more dramatic results in fewer sessions. Laser resurfacing also stimulates substantial collagen remodelling, with results continuing to improve for months after treatment.

There’s no single “best” laser. The right choice depends on your concern, your skin type, your tolerance for downtime, and your goals. CO2 laser offers the most intensive resurfacing but the longest recovery. Fraxel offers significant improvement with moderate downtime. Erbium laser sits between the two. Fotona offers versatility across multiple depths. Your practitioner will recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual assessment.