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A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending an exclusive laser seminar and masterclass series on the Gold Coast, where leading dermatologists from across the United States gathered to share, debate, and demonstrate the future of laser-based skin treatment. The level of expertise in the room was extraordinary. It was one of those rare professional experiences that leaves you genuinely inspired, not only by the technology itself, but by what is now possible for patients when these treatments are used with real precision and understanding. |
Much of the discussion centred around Cutera technology, particularly Limelight and the globally respected Laser Genesis treatment. What became immediately clear was just how versatile Genesis has become in advanced clinical practice. Dermatologists are now using it to support a remarkably wide range of skin concerns, from inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis, through to fungal conditions, wound healing support, and even suppression of the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
But it was the anti-ageing outcomes that truly stopped the room. The before and after results we were shown were some of the most impressive clinical transformations I have seen in my career. The skin itself appeared genuinely healthier, stronger, clearer, and more refined. Skin that looked restored rather than treated.
The rise of “stacking” treatments
One of the biggest topics discussed throughout the seminar was the concept of “stacking” laser treatments. This involves combining multiple technologies within a single appointment to create outcomes that no single treatment could achieve alone.
The combination receiving the most attention was Cutera Limelight and Laser Genesis. These treatments work in completely different ways, which is exactly why they complement each other so effectively.
Limelight works at the surface level of the skin, targeting pigmentation, sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, and uneven tone. It uses precise wavelengths of light to selectively treat visible discolouration and vascular damage, helping to restore clarity and brightness to the skin.
Laser Genesis works deeper within the dermis using a 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength. Rather than targeting pigment directly, it gently heats the skin to stimulate collagen production, calm inflammation, refine pores, and improve texture and overall skin quality from within.
When combined in the same session, the results are incredibly comprehensive. Limelight clears and brightens the surface, while Genesis strengthens and rebuilds the skin underneath. Together, they create improvement in redness, pigmentation, tone, texture, and overall skin vitality, with results continuing to develop over the following weeks as collagen production increases.
One of the most reassuring things shared by the dermatologists presenting was that, when performed correctly and with appropriate patient selection, stacking treatments does not significantly increase downtime. Most clients experience only mild redness for a few hours, yet the improvement in results can be substantial.
This isn’t new to About Skin
For many of our clients, this concept may already sound familiar. At About Skin, we have been combining and layering treatments for years. What this conference gave us was not an entirely new approach, but a much deeper understanding of how to refine these protocols even further, particularly when treating stubborn or resistant pigmentation that has historically been difficult to fully clear.
It also reinforced something we have always believed: results come from understanding skin properly, not simply owning good technology.
The techniques and treatment parameters shared throughout the seminar have allowed us to further evolve how we approach these treatments in clinic, helping us push outcomes further while still keeping treatments safe, comfortable, and natural looking.
The most overlooked area in facial aging
One of the more surprising discussions focused on an area that is almost universally neglected: the back of the neck. It sounds unexpected, but the condition of the skin on the back of the neck has a direct impact on how the front of the neck ages over time.
The back of the neck is one of the most chronically sun exposed areas of the body, yet it is consistently missed when sunscreen is applied. Over years of UV exposure, the skin in this area becomes increasingly thickened and damaged as the body attempts to protect itself.
As this tissue becomes heavier, less elastic, and more sun damaged, it can begin contributing to laxity and downward pull through the surrounding neck tissue, ultimately influencing sagging and ageing at the front of the neck. Once explained, the connection makes complete sense, yet it is something very few people ever consider.
As a result of what we learned, we are now evolving our neck treatment protocols at About Skin. Whether clients are having Limelight to treat pigmentation and redness, or Sublative resurfacing to improve texture and firmness, we will now routinely include the back of the neck as part of the treatment area.
Treating both sides of the neck allows us to achieve a completer and more balanced outcome and ultimately deliver better long term skin health and rejuvenation.
