In addition to our mini face lift procedures, one of the most popular treatments we offer is laser skin care. You may also hear this referred to as laser skin rejuvenation or photo rejuvenation treatment. The aim of treatment is to remove any unwanted thread veins, spider veins or age spots and to stimulate facial collagen production. The end result is clearer, fresher skin without any unwanted blemishes – people often comment just how well you look after a course of laser skin care!

Who is suitable for laser skin care?

The effects of ageing and exposure to sunlight affect everyone’s skin. If you have troublesome age spots, thread veins, spider veins or fine wrinkles then a course of photo rejuvenation may be just the answer. Most people are suitable for laser treatment, but before any treatment is carried out we will take a full medical history and determine your skin type. We routinely test a small patch of the skin on your arm with the laser prior to any laser treatment on the face. If you have been sun bathing or using artificial tanning lotions recently, you will need to wait at least six weeks before undergoing laser skin care treatment. A small number of people who may be light-sensitive, have skin infections or are taking the drug isotretinoin are unsuitable for laser skin care.

What happens during laser skin rejuvenation?

It should be noted that laser skin rejuvenation is not a ‘quick fix’. Several treatment sessions are needed for optimum results, but sadly there are no short cuts! Each treatment session takes from 15 – 30 minutes.

Treatment takes place in two distinct phases:

1. Any surface blemishes such as areas of broken capillaries, thread veins, spider veins and age spots are removed using a short-wavelength laser. You will usually see a very rapid improvement in thread veins and spider veins, while age spots may take ten days or so to resolve. Diffuse skin redness (e.g. rosacea) may need treatment over several sessions for maximum effect.

2. A more prolonged phase using a long-wavelength laser that penetrates deeper into the skin to stimulate facial collagen production. This has the effect of plumping and toning your skin, improving the appearance of fine wrinkles and decreasing the size of visible pores. A subtle change occurs with each treatment – normally six treatments are needed (at two week intervals) to reduce wrinkles. Visible improvement occurs after a month or so. Any unwanted dark facial hair can be removed at the same time.

How does laser photorejuvenation treatment work?

The lasers we use do not remove the surface layer of the skin (as in laser skin resurfacing) and are therefore inherently safer. The energy of the laser is converted to heat in the skin which stimulates facial collagen production, renewing the natural texture of your skin. There are other ways of stimulating facial collagen production, such as Sculptra treatment and glycolic peels.

Does it hurt?

This type of laser skin care is usually well tolerated – the treatment is uncomfortable at most. People sometimes use the phrase ‘like being snapped with an elastic band’ or ‘pinprick’ to describe the discomfort. The lasers we use have special cooling heads to minimise any discomfort.

What happens after treatment?

After all types of laser treatment it is imperative that you avoid direct sun exposure and routinely (that means always!) wear a sunscreen of minimum SPF 30. Makeup can be applied to the treated area immediately if desired. You may experience some slight redness for a few hours after the first phase of treatment. Age spots tend to crust and flake off after several days. Phase two treatment is usually very well tolerated, with no visible side effects of laser treatment.

Are there any side effects of laser skin rejuvenation?

Laser photorejuvenation treatment is generally very safe in trained and experienced hands. Possible risks and side effects of laser skin care include:

• short –term redness or swelling (this is common)
• transient localized pain or stinging sensation during treatment (common)
• laser-induced ‘cold-sore like’ blistering (rare)
• a decrease or increase in skin colour at the site of treatment
• hair reduction at the site of treatment
• infection and scar formation (rare)
• eye injury due to the use of the laser is a potential risk to the patient and clinician; the risks are dramatically reduced by following the correct safety procedures, including the use of protective eyewear
• an unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome

How much does laser skin care cost?

A 15 minute treatment session costs £125. A discounted rate is applicable when you book a course of laser skin care.

For the independent scientific evidence of the benefits of the lasers we use for laser skin rejuvenation, please click here.

If you would like to speak to one of our doctors about whether laser skin care treatment is suitable for you, please phone me 0117 3250325 to arrange a free consultation.