Treatment focus: Nordlys Frax Lip Treatment

Lip resurfacing is nowhere near as popular as dermal fillers for lip rejuvenation, but for patients seeking a subtler, more natural-looking alternative – or who don’t want to opt for filler straight away – it could be an option to consider introducing in clinic.

The Nordlys non-ablative laser system from Candela Medical is the platform behind the Frax Lip Treatment, performed to improve collagen synthesis and increase hydration in the lips, as well as to target small lines around the mouth.

The treatment uses the Frax 1550 laser to heat the underlying skin tissue, employing a software algorithm to set parameters that allow the practitioner to control pulse duration and energy intensity. Small pulses of heat into the surrounding tissues of the lips speeds up collagen generation, resulting in a temporary plumping effect without the use of filler.

The laser also woks to produce a gentle desquamation of the lips, removing dry, dehydrated cells that can cause lips to appear chapped and feel tight. Patients may also notice their natural lip colour is enhanced post-treatment, thanks to an increase in blood circulation.

A combination of fractional and infrared lasers in the device generates heat to tighten the skin surrounding the lips, smoothing fine lines, while SoftCool cooling technology is integrated into the machine to prevent the skin overheating and reduce patient discomfort. The technology sends a focused stream of cool, damp air directly to the treatment area.

Patients can opt for a one-off 10-minute treatment for temporary results, but are advised to complete a course of five to six treatments spaced four weeks apart for longer-lasting effects.

Nurse and advanced aesthetician Sarah Dale has provided more than 120 treatments at her clinic Sarah Dale Aesthetics in Dorset. “It’s a quick treatment to do and gives patients instant results”, she says. “They also tend to report back that their lips feel very hydrated, less cracked and restored with colour.

"I personally have had five treatments myself and love the results. I had a scar on the inside of my lip which used to affect me when I spoke, but the treatment has completely removed it. I have patients that have stated their fillers have left them with lumps and they much prefer this method of lip plumping.”