Laser Treatments

How ELOS Plus treatments work

ELOS (Electro-Optical Synergy) combines two kinds of energy. A broad-spectrum light pulse (IPL) is absorbed by pigment or by haemoglobin in small vessels and turns into heat; bipolar radiofrequency (RF) warms deeper layers and stimulates collagen, so less light is needed.

Despite the category name, no classic laser beam is used: Sublime combines infrared light with RF, and Sublative delivers fractional RF to the middle skin layer. Hair removal has its own category:Laser hair removal.

ELOS Plus treatments at Melior Clinics

• ELOS Plus photorejuvenation– dull, uneven skin and sun damage
• ELOS Plus pigmentation removal– sun and age spots, also on the hands
• ELOS Plus couperose and thread vein removal– visible vessels and persistent facial redness
• ELOS Plus acne treatment– inflamed acne, oily skin and acne marks, also on the back
• ELOS Plus Sublime skin tightening– loss of skin firmness
• ELOS Plus Sublative skin resurfacing– scars, enlarged pores, fine lines and uneven texture
• Prices by area are listed in the price list

What the treatment involves

At the consultation the specialist assesses the skin, asks about medication, sun exposure and previous treatments, and chooses the programme. No tanning or sunbeds for two weeks beforehand, and no exfoliants (acids, retinol) for 3–5 days.

Sessions usually take 15–45 minutes; numbing gel can be used for Sublative. Typical courses: photorejuvenation and pigmentation 1–3 sessions 4–6 weeks apart; couperose 1–3; acne weekly for 5–6 weeks, then less often; Sublime 3 sessions 3–4 weeks apart; Sublative 3 sessions 4–6 weeks apart.

When the treatment is not suitable

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• a recent tan, light-sensitising medicines or a strong sun allergy;
• inflammation, active herpes, infection, a wound or a skin condition flare-up in the area;
• metal implants in the area, or a tendency to keloid scars;
• fever or acute illness;
• for Sublime and Sublative, serious heart conditions; Sublime only from 2 weeks after fillers or botulinum toxin.

The final decision is made by the specialist at the consultation.

After the treatment

The skin may be pink, warm or sensitive for a few hours. Pigment spots often darken and flake off within 1–2 weeks. After Sublative, redness and a fine grid pattern usually last 2–5 days, with some dryness or peeling. Usually recommended:

• SPF 50 and no tanning for at least a week (2 weeks after Sublative);
• no sauna, exercise or heavy sweating for 24 hours (a week after pigmentation and couperose treatment);
• gentle moisturising care, no exfoliants for a few days, no make-up for 48–72 hours after Sublative.

Frequently asked questions

Does it hurt?

Most patients describe warmth or mild prickling; Sublative can feel like prickling heat. Numbing gel or cooling is used if needed.

When are results visible?

Pigment spots usually flake off within 1–2 weeks, and the result is assessed 1–2 months after the course. Sublime and Sublative work through collagen, so changes build up over 1–3 months. Sun and hormonal changes can bring new spots.

Can ELOS treatments be done in summer?

Yes, if the skin is not tanned, sun is avoided around each session and SPF 50 is used; otherwise, for example on holiday, the treatment is moved to autumn or winter.

Are couperose and rosacea the same thing?

Not quite. Couperose means visible dilated surface vessels and persistent redness; rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can include couperose. ELOS targets the visible vessels, not the tendency, so new ones can appear over time.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board (Terviseamet) licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, Stockmann department store, 5th floor.