Frequently
Asked Questions

I use three lasers: Pico Laser (picosecond), CO₂ Laser (fractional), and the Candela VBeam (pulsed dye laser). Each is suited to different concerns, which means the laser can be matched to your skin rather than the other way round.

• Carbon Laser Facial
• Laser treatment for acne & acne scarring
• Sun damage & pigmentation
• Rosacea, veins & broken capillaries
• Fine lines, wrinkles & skin resurfacing
• Milia, Fordyce spots & sebaceous hyperplasia
• Hand treatments (CO₂ + Pico)
• Neck & décolletage

If you're unsure, book a free consultation. I'll assess your skin in person, discuss your goals, explain whether laser is likely to be appropriate, and outline the relevant options including risks and recovery. There is no obligation to proceed.

Yes. Treatments are suitable for any adult client following individual assessment. Suitability is determined at consultation, not by gender.

A Carbon Laser Facial (sometimes called a Hollywood Facial) is a non-invasive Pico laser treatment. A layer of carbon is applied to the skin and the laser passes over it, with the carbon absorbing the laser energy. It's used for concerns like oily skin, congestion, and dullness, with limited downtime for most people. Outcomes vary.

• Sun damage & pigmentation (sunspots, freckles, some types of melasma)
• Acne, acne marks & acne scarring
• Rosacea, veins & broken capillaries
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Enlarged pore appearance & oily skin

Suitability for any specific concern is assessed individually at consultation.

Sensation varies between individuals and between lasers. Most people describe Pico and VBeam as a snapping or warming sensation, generally tolerable without numbing. For CO₂, topical numbing cream is applied at home before the appointment. I check in throughout the session and can adjust settings to your tolerance. If pain is more than expected, the session can be paused.

It varies. Some people notice change after a first session; many benefit from a series. General guidance only:

• Pico Laser (pigmentation): typically 3–6 sessions
• VBeam (vascular): typically 2–4 sessions, with periodic review thereafter
• CO₂ Laser: often 1–3 sessions, spaced months apart, with continued collagen change for 3–6 months after each

A treatment plan is set at your free consultation based on assessment. Outcomes are not guaranteed and vary between individuals.

Carbon Laser Facials and milder Pico sessions generally involve limited downtime — most people return to normal activities the same day. For more intensive Pico sessions targeting deeper pigmentation, mild redness and swelling for a day or two is common, sometimes followed by gentle flaking. Recovery varies between individuals.

You may experience mild redness and swelling for 24–72 hours. In some cases, particularly when targeting deeper vessels, temporary bruising (purpura) can occur and may last 5–7 days. Most clients can return to normal activities immediately, though it's recommended to avoid heat, sun exposure, and intense exercise for the first 24–48 hours.

CO₂ involves real downtime. A general timeline:

• Days 1–4: Redness and peeling
• Days 5–7: Residual redness, skin settling
• Days 8–14: Pink new skin, gradually returning to normal tone
• More intensive CO₂: Some pinkness can continue for 1–2 weeks beyond this

Daily SPF 50+ is essential for several weeks after CO₂ treatment, and direct sun exposure must be avoided. An aftercare kit with the relevant products is provided with CO₂ treatments. Recovery duration varies between individuals.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and fake tan for at least 1–2 weeks prior
• Discontinue active skincare ingredients (retinol, AHAs, BHAs, exfoliants) 3–5 days before treatment
• Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, fake tan, or heavy products on the treatment area
• For CO₂ Laser: stop actives 5–7 days prior; do not take Roaccutane (isotretinoin) within 6 months of treatment
• For rosacea/vascular treatments: avoid saunas, hot yoga, intense exercise, and alcohol for 24–48 hours prior

All laser treatments carry risks. Common reactions include redness, warmth, mild swelling, temporary darkening or flaking of treated pigment, and sun sensitivity. Less common reactions include blistering, crusting, pigment change (lighter or darker patches), cold sore activation in those predisposed, infection, prolonged redness, and rarely, scarring. CO₂ has a more significant risk profile than Pico or VBeam.

Full risks for your specific concern are explained at your free consultation. You are encouraged to ask questions and take time to decide before booking treatment.

Laser is not appropriate for everyone. Reasons for declining or deferring treatment include (but are not limited to):

• Recent sun exposure, tanning or fake tan
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (for some treatments)
• Use of oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) within the last 6 months — for CO₂
• Active skin infection or breakout at the site
• Some skin conditions, autoimmune conditions, or photosensitising medications
• History of keloid scarring (CO₂)
• Suspected skin cancer or undiagnosed skin lesions — referred to a GP first

Full screening happens at consultation. If laser isn't appropriate, I'll tell you.

No. Laser by Tom is a private laser studio. I am a trained laser operator — I am not a registered medical or nursing health practitioner. Treatments are provided as non-medical aesthetic laser services. Where a skin concern requires medical diagnosis or treatment (for example, suspected skin cancer, undiagnosed melasma, prescription medication for acne, or anti-wrinkle injectables), I refer to a GP or dermatologist.

If you have feedback or a concern about your treatment, please contact me directly at tom@laserbytom.com. Consumer complaints about health services in NSW can also be made to the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC). You can also raise concerns with NSW Fair Trading or your state's consumer protection agency.