
At Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor, Sharon Leayr is an experienced skin and laser therapist with over nine years of clinical experience.
We require a 30 minute consultation prior to any laser treatment, where Sharon assesses your skin type, medical history, and any previous laser treatments to ensure a safe and personalised approach.
Using advanced Fotona Dynamis and StarWalker laser systems, Sharon offers a range of treatments including skin rejuvenation, pigmentation correction, rosacea and melasma management, as well as skin tightening and laser peels, all tailored to achieve natural, high quality results.
At Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor, we use two complementary, medical-grade laser platforms for skin treatment: Fotona Dynamis and Fotona StarWalker. These systems let us tailor treatment to the exact issue (texture, pores, scars, pigmentation, redness, vessels, tightening, tattoo/pigment), while keeping safety front and center.
Fotona Dynamis is a premium medical laser system designed to treat multiple skin concerns by working at different depths of the skin. What makes Dynamis different from many other laser devices is its versatility and control. It’s not a “one-laser-does-everything” gadget with a narrow use case. It’s a platform that allows treatment to be tailored to your skin, your concern, and your downtime tolerance.
Instead of pushing one setting onto every patient, Dynamis lets us choose the right mode and intensity for what you actually need — whether that’s gentle rejuvenation or more targeted corrective work.
Skin tightening and collagen stimulation
Dynamis can deliver controlled energy into deeper layers to stimulate collagen remodelling. Over time, this can improve firmness, skin density, and fine lines. Patients like it because results build naturally — you still look like you, just with better skin quality. It’s usually best as a planned series.
Texture, pores, and surface refinement
If your skin looks rough, pores are more obvious, or makeup doesn’t sit smoothly, Dynamis can help refine the surface. It works by supporting healthier skin turnover and improving the underlying support structure. The goal is smoother, more even skin that looks better in real life and in harsh lighting.
Acne-prone skin support
For some patients, Dynamis can support acne-prone skin by calming inflammation and helping reduce the “reactive” cycle in the skin. It won’t replace proper acne medicine if you need it, but it can be part of a broader plan to improve stability and skin quality.
Acne scarring and unevenness
Scarring often involves collagen disruption beneath the surface. Dynamis can stimulate remodelling to gradually soften scar edges and improve skin smoothness. The key is doing it in a measured, staged way. Overly aggressive treatment increases risk without guaranteeing better results.
Redness and small visible vessels (selected cases)
Some types of redness and broken capillaries can be treated using settings that target superficial vessels. Done properly, this can reduce background redness and create a calmer-looking complexion. Sharon will assess first because redness can have different causes, and treatment choice needs to match the cause.
Fotona StarWalker is a high-performance laser platform designed for pigment and ink. It uses ultra-fast pulse technology to target pigment particles with precision. This is why it’s widely used for tattoo removal and sun-related pigmentation, and why it often performs better than older pigment systems that are less targeted or less controllable.
StarWalker is about accuracy: treating what needs treating, while keeping surrounding skin as calm as possible.
Tattoo removal
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis as particles your body can’t quickly remove. StarWalker breaks those particles into smaller fragments so your immune system can clear them gradually. Tattoo removal is a process, not a one-off. The number of sessions depends on ink colour, depth, age of tattoo, and skin type. A careful plan matters, because pushing too hard increases the risk of blistering, pigment change, and scarring.
Pigmentation and sun damage (freckles, sunspots, uneven tone)
Sun-related pigment is very common in Australia. StarWalker targets pigment clusters so they fade over time and the skin tone becomes more even. Patients often notice their skin looks brighter and cleaner once blotchy pigment is reduced. Good aftercare and sun protection are crucial here, because pigment can rebound if skin is re-irritated or re-exposed.
Skin clarity and brightening (selected modes)
In some modes, StarWalker can improve overall radiance and clarity, especially for patients who want a fresher look with minimal downtime. It’s a good option when your goal is “better skin,” not aggressive resurfacing.
Laser can deliver amazing results — but it can also cause real problems if it’s done on the wrong patient, at the wrong time, or with the wrong settings. That’s exactly why Sharon consults first and only treats when it’s safe.
During your consult, we check the key factors that influence risk and outcome, including:
Your skin type and how easily you pigment
Recent sun exposure or tanning (including fake tan)
Current skincare (especially retinoids, acids, and irritating products)
Medications that increase light sensitivity
History of melasma or pigmentation issues
Tendency to hypertrophic scarring or keloid scarring
Previous laser outcomes (good or bad)
Cold sore history (important when treating around the mouth)
Your ability to follow aftercare and sun avoidance
This is the list we’re actively trying to prevent — and it’s the reason we take a consult-first approach:
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (dark marks after treatment)
Hypopigmentation (light patches)
Burns, blistering, and crusting
Prolonged redness and swelling
Skin barrier injury (irritation, dermatitis, flares of sensitive skin)
Infection (rare, but possible if skin is compromised)
Scarring (uncommon when done properly, but possible if overtreatment occurs)
Hypertrophic or keloid scarring (higher risk in predisposed patients)
Cold sore flare-ups
Worsening melasma in patients prone to it
Eye injury risk if correct eye protection isn’t used (we take this seriously)
Laser is not “just a beauty treatment.” It’s medical-grade energy delivery. When it’s planned and performed properly, it can be brilliant. When it’s rushed, that’s when people end up with pigmentation, burns, or prolonged inflammation that takes months to settle.
Depending on the type of treatment, your session will either use:
Non-Ablative Laser – Stimulates collagen and rejuvenates the skin without removing surface layers. Minimal downtime: mild redness, slight warmth or swelling for 1–2 days. Makeup can usually be worn the next day.
Ablative Laser (Fractional, Laser Peel, FracTat) – Removes a portion of the skin’s surface to trigger deep healing and collagen production. Downtime varies from 3–7 days. Expect redness, swelling, and mild peeling during recovery. A post-care pack and instructions will be provided.
Non-Ablative: Mild redness, tightness, and warmth for 1–2 days. You can resume daily activities immediately.
Ablative: Redness, swelling, mild oozing, and flaking for several days. Peeling typically begins around day 3 and completes by day 7–10. Results continue to improve over several weeks.
If symptoms worsen or you notice signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, fever), contact us immediately.
Laser treatments are suitable for most skin types and ages. Ideal candidates:
Have clear treatment goals (texture, pigment, scarring, tightening)
Are in generally good health
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Are not on photosensitising medications
We do not recommend laser treatment for:
Active infections or open wounds at treatment site
Recent sunburn or tanning
Uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. lupus, active cancer)
History of abnormal scarring (unless cleared during consultation)
While rare, possible complications may include:
Temporary pigment changes (lightening or darkening)
Redness or swelling beyond expected time
Blistering or crusting (especially with ablative treatments)
Infection or delayed healing
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (particularly in darker skin types)
These risks are minimized through consultation, patch testing when needed, and following strict post-care guidelines.
We can combine multiple laser treatments in one session to maximise results and reduce costs. This might include pairing a FracTat session with pigmentation removal or a 4D facelift with SmoothEye.
Fractional resurfacing laser treatment improves skin texture, fine lines, and acne scarring by stimulating natural collagen production. The treatment creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to encourage regeneration and smoother, firmer skin over time.
Fractional resurfacing treatment starts from $550. This is a general guide only, as pricing can vary depending on the treatment area, skin condition, and the customised treatment plan recommended by your practitioner.
Laser peel treatment using Erbium YAG gently removes damaged outer layers of skin to improve tone, texture, and overall skin brightness. It can help reduce fine lines, sun damage, and uneven skin tone while promoting healthier skin renewal.
Laser peel treatment starts from $300. This is a general guide only, as pricing can vary depending on the depth of the peel, skin concerns being treated, and the individual treatment plan.
Broken capillaries and spider veins laser treatment helps reduce visible facial blood vessels and redness. Using targeted laser energy, the treatment gently heats and collapses small surface vessels so they are naturally reabsorbed by the body, resulting in a clearer and more even skin tone.
Broken capillaries and spider veins laser treatment starts from $150. This is a general guide only, as pricing can vary depending on the number of vessels treated, the size of the treatment area, and the personalized treatment plan recommended during consultation.
Melasma laser treatment helps reduce stubborn pigmentation patches often caused by hormonal changes and sun exposure. Targeted laser energy works to gradually lighten dark patches and improve overall skin clarity.
Melasma laser treatment starts from $300 per session. This is a general guide only, as multiple sessions are typically recommended and pricing may vary depending on skin response and treatment requirements.
Laser pigmentation treatment targets sun spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone by breaking down excess pigment in the skin. Over time, the treated pigmentation fades to reveal a clearer and more even complexion.
Pigmentation laser treatment starts from $150. This is a general guide only, as pricing may vary depending on the size of the area treated and the severity of pigmentation.
Smooth Eye and Smooth Lip laser treatments refine delicate skin around the eyes and lips. The treatment helps soften fine lines, improve skin texture, and stimulate collagen for smoother and firmer skin.
Smooth eye laser treatment starts from $450. This is a general guide only, as pricing may vary depending on the treatment area and the customised treatment plan.
Smooth lip laser treatment starts from $300. This is a general guide only, as pricing may vary depending on the individual treatment plan and desired results.
Combination laser treatments use multiple laser technologies during the same session to address several skin concerns at once, such as pigmentation, texture, redness, and signs of ageing.
Combination laser treatments start from $300. This is a general guide only, as pricing may vary depending on the number of technologies used and the personalised treatment plan designed for your skin concerns.
Rosacea laser treatment helps reduce persistent facial redness and visible capillaries associated with rosacea. The laser targets small blood vessels beneath the skin to improve overall skin clarity and reduce flushing.
Rosacea laser treatment starts from $150. This is a general guide only, as pricing can vary depending on the severity of redness, the treatment area, and the personalised treatment plan recommended by your practitioner.
Laser scar reduction treatment improves the appearance of acne scars and other skin scars by stimulating collagen and resurfacing the skin. Over time, scars become smoother and less noticeable.
Laser scar reduction treatment starts from $250. This is a general guide only, as pricing may vary depending on the type of scar, the size of the treatment area, and the number of sessions recommended to achieve the best results.
Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor – Broadmeadow, NSW
Short answer:
Avoid sun exposure and stop active skincare a few days prior.
Extended answer:
Stay out of the sun for 7 days before treatment. Discontinue retinol, AHAs, and exfoliants 3–5 days before. Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. Let us know about any medications or health changes before your appointment.
Short answer:
We assess your skin, goals, and medical history.
Extended answer:
We discuss your previous treatments, current concerns, and relevant health info. You’ll be given detailed information about the procedure, risks, expected results, and alternative options. Photos may be taken for tracking your progress.
Short answer:
Warm pulses with mild discomfort, similar to a rubber band snap.
Extended answer:
Depending on the treatment, you may feel warmth, tingling, or a prickling sensation. Numbing cream is used for most ablative sessions to keep you comfortable throughout.
Short answer:
You may have redness or mild swelling.
Extended answer:
Expect a sunburn-like warmth and some pinkness or puffiness. For non-ablative treatments, you can return to work right away. For ablative ones, you may look red or shiny for a few days.
Short answer:
Keep the skin clean and hydrated; avoid sun exposure.
Extended answer:
Use only the recommended gentle products, avoid heat (like saunas or hot showers), wear SPF 50 daily, and don’t pick at flaking skin. We'll give you detailed aftercare instructions before you leave.
Short answer:
Redness, swelling, or peeling. Rarely, pigmentation changes or infection.
Extended answer:
These are uncommon but possible. We reduce the risk by thoroughly screening during consultation and giving tailored aftercare. Report anything unusual right away.
Short answer:
Gradual improvements in texture, tone, and firmness.
Extended answer:
Non-ablative treatments deliver results over a few weeks. Ablative sessions often show more dramatic improvement after 7–10 days, with full results over 1–3 months.
Short answer:
It depends on your skin and goals.
Extended answer:
Some patients see visible results after one session. Others may need 3–6 treatments for optimal results, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. We’ll advise based on your consultation.
Short answer:
Most people with realistic goals and healthy skin.
Extended answer:
It’s suitable for various skin tones and ages. If you're not pregnant, breastfeeding, or using photosensitising medications, and have no active skin infections, you're likely a candidate.
Short answer:
Yes – often with injectables or other skin treatments.
Extended answer:
We frequently combine Fotona with dermal fillers, wrinkle treatments, or medical facials. This provides synergistic results with less downtime overall.
Short answer:
No sun, fake tan, or actives for 5–7 days.
Extended answer:
Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and fake tan for at least a week. Pause active skincare and exfoliants a few days before. Tattoos should be fully healed before removal treatments.
Short answer:
Safety, suitability, and informed consent.
Extended answer:
We evaluate your pigment or tattoo type, skin tone, and medical history. You’ll learn about the procedure, expected results, potential side effects, and downtime.
Short answer:
Short, fast zaps – a bit stingy but tolerable.
Extended answer:
You’ll feel a snapping or stinging sensation, similar to elastic bands on the skin. Topical numbing is available, especially for tattoo removal or deeper pigment treatment.
Short answer:
A bit pink, warm, or spot-darkened.
Extended answer:
Treated areas may appear darker temporarily or feel warm. In some cases, slight swelling or frosting (tiny white spots) is normal. These typically settle within 24–48 hours.
Short answer:
Keep it clean, avoid picking, and use SPF.
Extended answer:
Avoid makeup for 24 hours, apply post-care cream as advised, don’t scratch or exfoliate, and wear sunscreen daily. Healing pigment may look darker before fading.
Short answer:
Temporary redness, swelling, pigment darkening.
Extended answer:
More sensitive skin types may notice transient hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Rarely, blistering or prolonged redness occurs. We guide you to minimize any risk.
Short answer:
Gradual lightening of pigment or fading of tattoo ink.
Extended answer:
Pigmented lesions may lighten within 1–2 sessions. Tattoos typically fade over 4–10 sessions depending on colour, depth, and age of the ink.
Short answer:
Every 4–8 weeks, depending on treatment.
Extended answer:
Tattoo removal is spaced 6–8 weeks apart. Pigmentation treatments and laser toning are typically every 4 weeks. Results build progressively.
Short answer:
Pregnant women and those with fresh tans or skin infections.
Extended answer:
We don’t recommend this laser for people with recent sunburn, open wounds, certain autoimmune diseases, or who are pregnant. All exclusions are discussed during consult.
Short answer:
Yes, it works well in combination.
Extended answer:
StarWalker treatments can follow other skin therapies or be part of a laser package, especially when treating pigment alongside texture issues or acne scars.
If you’re considering laser and skin treatments in Newcastle, book a relaxed and informative consultation with Dr. Bart Scanlon at Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor.
This information is general in nature and does not replace a medical consultation. All cosmetic injectable treatments are individualised. Results vary. Any discussion of treatment is subject to clinical assessment, informed consent, and appropriate prescribing and administration under Australian regulations.