Laser treatments

With one of the most comprehensive laser suites in London, we are able to undertake a wide range of laser and aesthetic services for our clients.  A detailed consultation will explore your needs and expectations and give a realistic assessment of the improvements that can be gained.

Common aesthetic conditions treated with laser

• Hair removal 
• Skin tightening
• Skin resurfacing
• Thread veins
• Skin growths
• Acne
• Wrinkles
• Rejeuvenation
• Cellulite
• Fat removal
• Facial redness

Common medical conditions treated with laser

• Rosacea 
• Scar revision
• Acne and acne scarring
• Keloid/hypertophic scars
• Hirsutism
• Port wine stains
• Haemangioma
• Syringoma
• Skin tags

The range of lasers stocked is one of the best in London, with a comprehensive suite of the American lasers available.  This is important to you as a patient, as we often use multiple types of laser to treat one condition, this gives you the best cosmetic outcome. The treatment you receive is tailored to your individual needs. 

• Pulsed dye
• Nd:YAG (long pulsed 1064nm)
• Alexandrite
• Carbon dioxide (fractionated ablative)
• Intense Pulsed Light

Laser Hair Removal

Laser is an excellent method by which to remove or reduce unwanted hair.  We treat all body sites - most commonly the face, breasts, abdomen, bikini area but also legs, feet,back, armpits, eyebrows and inside the nose. 

How does it work?

Laser hair removal works best on dark hairs.  The laser used can heat the hair, without burning the skin.  This heat vapourises the hair and gently heats the root of the hair.  With repeated treatment, the hair root stops producing new hair. 

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient.  The lighter your skin and the darker your hair, the more laser energy we are able to use.  This allows us to treat your hair more quickly.  If you have darker skin r skin that tans very easily, we have to use less laser energy to protect your skin from burning.  This means that patients with darker skin require more treatment sessions for good results.  Most patients need between 4 and 6 treatments to get good results. 

Which lasers do you use?

We have the best available lasers for hair removal - the Alexandrite and the Nd:YAG.  We also have IPL for patients who prefer that treatment.  The choice of laser is determined by your skin type and the ability of your skin to form a deep tan.  Your dermatologist will adjust the settings of the laser depending on your progress and thickness of your hair shafts as treatment progresses. 

I've had laser elsewhere and it didn't work....

Some patients come to our practice because treatment given elsewhere did not work.  Most commonly we find that this is because the incorrect settings had been used in the past, or that a different laser or light source would be more effective.  We are often very successful in providing good results to patients in this position

Do you use numbing (anaesthetic) cream?

Most patients are able to manage the laser hair treatment without any significant pain.  We use an air cooler to soothe the skin and reduce the risk of burning.  We can also apply an anaesthetic cream in advance of treatment, which numbs the skin and makes treatment more comfortable. 

Facial redness

The first thing to consider is: why is my face red?  In your consultation, we shall explore your history and examine your skin to give an understanding of why your face has become red.  For example, you may have a skin condition known as rosacea, or other medical causes of facial redness.  Further,  the role that sun damage has played in your skin changes will also be addressed. 

Treatment

Once your dermatologist has made a diagnosis, the treatment options will be explained to you.  Many causes of facial redness are treated with laser or light, but others are not and the most appropriate treatment for your condition will be discussed.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions. 

Red facial conditions that we treat with lasers:

• Acne scars
• Rosacea
• Haemangioma
• Port wine stains
• Sun damage
• Thread veins
• Venous lake

After treatment for facial redness, it is common to have a bruised appearance for a few days after treatment.  This usually settles very rapidly.

Preparing for laser treatment

Here is some useful advice for patients coming for a test laser or a full laser treatment.  Usually, specific advice will be given at your consultation, but this page forms a useful reference.  If you are unsure what to do, you may email or call our team.

General Advice

Before any laser visit, there are steps you can take to maximise the benefit of the treatment and minimize the risk of any complications:

• Avoid real or fake tans before treatment
• Remove any make-up before your consultation (you can do this immediately before the appointment - our nurses will be glad to help.)
• If you are coming for hair removal, shave any hair in the treatment area the 2 days before you attend

Hair removal laser

Patients who are attending for their first consultation are not required to epilate or remove any hair if they wish to show the dermatologist the extent of their hair growth.  Prior to any laser treatment for hair growth, the hair should not be waxed or plucked for several weeks.   Shaving and clipping are the only permitted methods before a laser treatment. 

Patients attending for laser hair treatment should:

• Avoid real or fake tans before treatment
• Avoid wearing make up or remove it before treatment
• Shave or clip any hair in the treatment area the day before you attend

Vascular laser (redness/veins)

Patients who are attending for vascular laser are requested to remove make up prior to the treatment.  If required, we shall endeavor to provide a private space to do this. This will make it easier to assess the treatment area, as make up removal can itself lead to some temporary redness and flushing of the veins.

Patients attending for vascular laser treatment should:

• Avoid real or fake tans before treatment
• Avoid wearing make up or remove it before treatment

Resurfacing laser

Patients who attend for laser resurfacing may require specific pre-treatment instructions before the treatment.  Advice will usually be given after the test treatment. 

Most patients will not have any specific requirements before laser resurfacing.  Patients undergoing a full face resurfacing may require:

• Antiviral tablets
• Antiseptic ointments
• Face washes
• Antiseptic moisturizers
• Pain control
• Depigmenting creams

If you have any history of cold sores, please notify the dermatologist or the nurse.