Clear + Brilliant (Gentle Fractional Laser)

A non-ablative 1440nm or 1927nm diode laser delivers microscopic columns of thermal energy into the dermis. The surface of the skin is left intact, but in the treated columns, cellular turnover is accelerated and collagen remodelling is triggered. Over the following weeks, new healthy skin pushes the damaged stratum corneum up (the characteristic post-treatment 'bronzing' or sandpaper texture) where it sheds. Because only a fraction (5–10%) of the skin surface is treated per session, healing is fast and surrounding tissue provides reservoir for recovery.

Numbing cream applied for 30–45 minutes. Treatment takes 15–20 minutes. Sensation: warm prickling, tolerable for most. Immediately after: significant redness, warmth, mild swelling lasting 12–24 hours. Cool compresses help. Day 2–7: skin feels sandpaper-textured (MENDs working up), may flake or peel. Mineral SPF non-negotiable. Day 8 onward: visibly smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin. Results build over 4–6 sessions.

Clear + Brilliant is Solta Medical's (Valeant) junior sibling to the full-strength Fraxel platform — a non-ablative fractional diode laser that delivers microscopic columns of thermal energy at significantly lower intensity than Fraxel Dual or Fraxel Restore. The result is meaningful collagen stimulation and cellular renewal without the week of visible downtime that Fraxel requires. The ideal candidate is the 30–50-year-old patient who wants to prevent or softly reverse early signs of photoageing (fine lines, mild textural irregularity, early sunspots, enlarged pores, dullness) without booking a full week off work. Typical series is 4–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, then maintenance every 3–6 months. Session itself takes 30–45 minutes including prep and post-cool. Immediate post-treatment: moderate redness, warmth, mild swelling lasting 12–24 hours. Days 2–7: sand-paper texture ('MENDs' — microscopic epidermal necrotic debris) works up and sheds. Day 7 onward: visibly smoother, brighter skin. Full collagen remodelling peaks at 3 months. Clinical evidence (Alexiades-Armenakas et al. 2014) supports fine-line and pore improvement; the stronger case is the patient experience — Clear + Brilliant has become the default 'maintenance laser' in derm and medspa practices.