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Cosmetic Treatments
Laser & IPL
What is Laser & IPL?
- LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulation of Radiation) is monochromatic (single colour) light, which is coherent (rays run parallel) and collimated (linear).
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is broad spectrum light (like a rainbow) which non-coherant (diffuse rays) and divergent (spreads).
How does Laser & IPL work?
Laser & IPL produce various wavelengths of light, which selectively target:
- Haemoglobin – found in blood (eg. thread veins)
- Melanin – found in hair and pigmented skin lesions (eg. freckles)
- Ink & Dye – found in tattoos
Once the correct wavelength is selected, the light energy is absorbed by the target and converted to heat. The target (eg. thread vein / skin lesion / hair / tattoo) is subsequently destroyed and removed, with the surrounding tissue left unaffected.
What can be treated using Laser & IPL?
- Pigmention problems :
eg. Lentigo (age spots), actinic keratosis, melasma, poikiloderma, postinflammatorypigmentation (eg. acne scarring) - Vascular (blood vessel) problems :
eg. Rosacea, thread veins, haemangiomas, telangectasia, port wine stains and superficial varicose veins - Hair removal
- Tattoo removal
Rosacea
Thread veins
Skin rejuvenation (age spots)
Hair removal
Tattoo Removal
What does Laser & IPL treatment involve?
- Medical history to assess skin type and suitability for treatment
- Informed consent, pre treatment photographs and skin patch test
- Any residual hair in the treatment area is shaved
- Protective eye goggles are worn and cool gel applied to skin
- Laser / IPL handpiece applied to small patches of skin at a time
- Each laser shot feels like an elastic band flicking the skin
- Target is disrupted immediately and surrounding skin can be red
- Procedure takes 30-60 minutes to complete
- Treatment repeated at least 6 times at 6 weekly intervals
- Sun avoidance and SPF >30 are advised for 4 weeks
What are the side effects of Laser & IPL treatment?
- Redness and warmth at treatment site (COMMON)
- Blisters, crusting and swelling at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
- Burning and itching at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
- Post inflammatory pigmentation changes (RARE)
- Infection and scarring (VERY RARE)
Who should avoid Laser & IPL treatment?
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- History of diabetes or immune suppression
- History of skin cancer or keloid scarring
- Recent or planned sun exposure / tanning within 4 weeks
- Concurrent use of photosensitising drugs
Laser Hair & Tattoo Removal Prices
| Area | Price | Package (7 sessions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 facial area | £60 | £360 |
| 2 facial areas | £95 | £570 |
| Neck | £100 | £600 |
| Underarms | £75 | £450 |
| Chest | £125 | £750 |
| Arms | £120 | £720 |
| Legs | £275 | £1650 |
| Hands & feet | £150 | £900 |
Photorejuvenation (vascular and pigmented skin lesions) Prices
| Area | Price | Package (3 sessions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 facial area | £100 | £275 |
| Full face | £300 | £825 |
| Neck | £200 | £550 |
| Chest | £200 | £550 |
| Hand | £75 | £205 |
| Leg (blue veins) | £100 | £275 |
Laser & IPL FAQs
What is Laser & IPL?
- LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulation of Radiation) is monochromatic (single colour) light, which is coherent (rays run parallel) and collimated (linear).
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is broad spectrum light (like a rainbow) which non-coherant (diffuse rays) and divergent (spreads).How does Laser & IPL work?
Laser & IPL produce various wavelengths of light, which selectively target:
- Haemoglobin – found in blood (eg. thread veins)
- Melanin – found in hair and pigmented skin lesions (eg. freckles)
- Ink & Dye – found in tattoos
Once the correct wavelength is selected, the light energy is absorbed by the target and converted to heat. The target (eg. thread vein / skin lesion / hair / tattoo) is subsequently destroyed and removed, with the surrounding tissue left unaffected.
What can be treated using Laser & IPL?
- Pigmention problems :
eg. Lentigo (age spots), actinic keratosis, melasma, poikiloderma, postinflammatory pigmentation (eg. acne scarring) - Vascular (blood vessel) problems :
eg. Rosacea, thread veins, haemangiomas, telangectasia, port wine stains and superficial varicose veins< - Hair removal
- Tattoo removal
What does Laser & IPL treatment involve?
- Medical history to assess skin type and suitability for treatment
- Informed consent, pre treatment photographs and skin patch test
- Any residual hair in the treatment area is shaved
- Protective eye goggles are worn and cool gel applied to skin
- Laser / IPL handpiece applied to small patches of skin at a time
- Each laser shot feels like an elastic band flicking the skin
- Target is disrupted immediately and surrounding skin can be red
- Procedure takes 30-60 minutes to complete
How many treatments sessions will I need?
This largely depends on the type of problem. Hair and tattoo removal usually requires treatment to be repeated at least 6 times at 6 weekly intervals. However, photorejuventation for pigmented and vascular problems (eg lentigo and thread veins) may only need 2-3 sessions.
What are the rules for Laser & IPL aftercare?
Laser & IPL can lead to pigmentation if the inflamed treated skin is exposed to UV sunlight. Therefore sun avoidance and SPF >30 are advised for 4 weeks.
What are the side effects of Laser & IPL treatment?
- Redness and warmth at treatment site (COMMON)
- Blisters, crusting and swelling at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
- Burning and itching at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
- Post inflammatory pigmentation changes (RARE)
- Infection and scarring (VERY RARE)
Who should avoid Laser & IPL treatment?
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- History of diabetes or immune suppression
- History of skin cancer or keloid scarring
- Recent or planned sun exposure / tanning within 4 weeks
- Concurrent use of photosensitising drugs
How much does Laser & IPL cost?
Prices range from £60-300 per session and total cost depends on the area treated and the number of sessions required.
