Level 3, 95 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290

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Level 3, 95 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290

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Sun Damage Specialist Clinic

Sun Damage Specialist Clinic

Advanced Laser Treatment for Sun Damage & Early Skin Cancers

Preventing Skin Cancer Through Early, Targeted Treatment
At Hunter Coast Dermatology & Laser, we are dedicated to the proactive management of sun-damaged skin, recognising that untreated actinic damage significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, namely squamous cell carcinoma. Our focus is on prevention, offering highly effective, evidence-based treatments like carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser resurfacing and photodynamic therapy (PDT) that address early skin changes with minimal downtime.

Our Treatment Philosophy
We offer specialised CO₂ laser and PDT treatments for patients with actinic keratoses, superficial skin cancers, or widespread sun damage, especially those who have not tolerated or responded to topical therapies. These procedures are designed to treat both visible lesions and subclinical damage, improving skin health and reducing long-term cancer risk. 

We welcome both GP and self-referrals for assessment and treatment.

Advanced Technology with Proven Outcomes
Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and photodynamic therapy are gold-standard dermatological treatments for managing sun-damaged skin. These advanced modalities precisely target abnormal cells while preserving healthy tissue, delivering results with reduced healing time. Clinical studies show up to 80–90% reduction in sunspots following CO₂ laser treatment. Both options provide excellent cosmetic outcomes and are powerful tools in preventing the progression of actinic damage to skin cancer.

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Photodynamic Therapy​

Photodynamic Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a combination of a photosensitising agent and a specific type of light to target and destroy damaged skin cells. During the procedure, a topical photosensitiser is applied to the affected areas, which is then activated by a light source. This process helps to eliminate abnormal cells, including those causing sun spots and actinic keratoses, and promotes the growth of healthy skin. PDT is particularly effective for treating actinic keratoses and can also improve the overall appearance of sun-damaged skin.

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Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy

CO₂ Laser Therapy is a highly advanced procedure that uses focused laser beams to remove damaged outer layers of skin. The CO₂ laser precisely targets sun spots and actinic keratoses, vaporising the affected skin and stimulating the body's natural healing process.

This treatment not only reduces the appearance of sun spots but also improves skin texture and tone by promoting collagen production. CO₂ laser therapy is well-suited for individuals seeking a more comprehensive rejuvenation of sun-damaged skin.

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Before & Afters: Real patient results at HCDL

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Dermatologists are the most highly trained specialists of the skin and skin cancer detection and management

Treating sun damage at HCDL

Why Treat Sun Damage?

Chronic sun exposure can lead to premature ageing, uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine lines, and an increased risk of precancerous lesions (actinic keratoses). Treating sun damage is about protecting long-term skin health and preventing progression to skin cancers (squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas) and improving the skin's appearance.

Why Field Treatment Is More Effective Than Spot Treatment?

While spot treatment targets individual sunspots or lesions, it often undertreats the widespread, underlying sun damage present in the surrounding skin—known as the “field.” Sun damage tends to occur across broader areas, not just isolated spots, and may include subclinical changes that aren’t yet visible. Field treatment, such as CO₂ laser resurfacing and photodynamic therapy, addresses the entire affected area and these are the most advanced and effective treatments for skin cancer prevention.

Treatment process

Treatment starts with a consultation by one of our Dermatologists. At your appointment, we will perform a thorough skin assessment, including a full skin check, to evaluate the extent of sun damage and determine your suitability for treatment such as carbon dioxide laser or photodynamic therapy. Our dermatologists will then discuss your personalised treatment plan in detail, including the process, expected results, cost, and downtime, so you feel fully informed and supported in your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any area of the body can be treated with CO2 laser. The most common sites treated are the face and scalp, followed by the neck, chest and limbs.

Treating sunspots reduces the risk of future of skin cancer and improves the appearance and texture of the skin by reducing scaly and unsightly lesions. Treatment can also help reduce symptoms such as itch, pain or tenderness.
Laser therapy is a very good option for patients wanting to reduce sun spots and signs of sun damage. It is important to understand that in sun damaged skin it is normal for sun spots to slowly return over time and re-treatment may be needed. This interval is different for everyone.
CO2 laser treatments are generally completed in 30-45 minutes. Patients need to arrive 1 hour earlier for numbing cream and for post treatment information. The whole process takes around 2-2.5 hours.
Patients are able to drive themselves home after the laser procedures. No sedating medications are needed for this laser.
Treatment is well tolerated by most and several measures are taken to enhance patient comfort including numbing creams, injected anaesthesia and cooling fans. With these measures it is expected patients will still feel the treatment and at times of deeper settings have mild or moderate short lived discomfort.
At your initial consultation, your Dermatologist or nurse practitioner will assess your skin and suggest the most appropriate treatment option. The anticipated recovery process is unique depending on your specific skin concerns and depth of treatment required.
Patients should expect to see a significant improvement in sun damaged skin with a single session of CO2 laser. For heavily sun damaged skin a second session may be required and you doctor or nurse will advise you of this at your initial appointment or at your 6 week review where applicable.
HCDL nurses will discuss your after care in detail on the day of your procedure and provide you with clear written individualised instructions. HCDL nursing team are highly trained and directly supervised by Specialist Dermatologists and your aftercare is given utmost priority to optimise outcomes and recovery .

Post treatment reviews take place at designated intervals depending on your specific needs. At your treatment your nurse practitioner informs you what follow-up is required.

This will depend on your individual needs and skin concerns being treated. Your dermatologist or nurse practitioner will advise you of any additional measures you need to take to prepare for your treatment.
Call our practice on 4003 7693 and let our administration team know you would like to book to have a consultation with one of our laser nurse specialists. A referral is not required but is recommended as there are Medicare rebates available for patients with sun damaged skin and early skin cancer. A dermatologist will review you with the nurse specialist to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you. A full skin check will not take place at this consultation but can be arranged at another date if required.

Interested in improving your skin texture, tone and sun damage?

Book a consultation to find out if our laser treatments are right for you. 

Book a consultation today