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Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation Information

We are capable of improving the complexion of the skin by reducing the appearance of pigmented areas, wrinkles and fine thread veins. The main advantage of non-ablative light based systems is that they can improve the quality of the skin safely with little or no recovery time.

There are many different types of laser, IPL/LHE and LED system available on the market. Each machine has its own individual profile and body of clinical evidence to support treatment claims - make sure that you ask for this when you visit a clinic.

We only use the Lumenis IPL machine which is recognised as the best in world. Very few clinics can afford to invest in such high end technology but the results speak for themselves

What are lasers/IPL/LHE/LED systems and how do they work?

A Laser is a high-energy beam of light that can transfer its energy into specific areas of the skin’s tissue to treat skin problems. These beams of light are produced in one wavelength or colour at a time, and can vary in terms of their strength and the type of tissue that they can target.

Non - Ablative Lasers

The so called non - ablative lasers have been a more recent introduction in types of aesthetic equipment for skin improvement.

These lasers have lower energy levels than ablative lasers (which resurface or remove the outer layer of skin completely) and try to cause damage within the dermal layer of the skin without removal of the outer epidermal layers (see diagram below). That is to say that the laser treats the layers of skin under the surface without damaging the surface too much. This lessens the recovery period after the treatment and reduces the number of complications that can occur.

It is thought that the laser's heat in the dermal layers causes collagen to be produced which helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. However, the results from this type of procedure are less obvious than those which can be achieved with ablative laser skin resurfacing during which the surface of the skin is removed.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light systems, although technically not lasers, use flashes of light that work in a similar way to non - ablative lasers by causing heat damage to dermal tissues without disruption or removal of the outer epidermal layers of the skin.

Both treatments using non- - ablative lasers and those using IPL systems are usually described by cosmetic clinics as a procedure called photo rejuvenation.

Summary of advice for Laser and IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Traditional ablative laser skin resurfacing has been shown to be very effective in improving deeper lines and wrinkles associated with sun damaged skin.

The downside of this treatment is the recovery time, cost, and potential complications. Developments in laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments have centred on trying to improve non - ablative light sources that do not harm the surface of the skin, but still cause visible improvement of lines and wrinkles.

This treatment is usually called "photo rejuvenation", and although the aim is wrinkle improvement, these machines do not, as yet, produce the sometimes dramatic results achieved with the more aggressive skin resurfacing approach.

In reality, many systems are capable of improving the complexion of the skin by reducing the appearance of pigmented areas and fine thread veins. Any improvement in wrinkles is less marked.

The main advantage of non-ablative light based systems is that they can improve the quality of the skin safely with little or no recovery time.

The prices of some of the newer light machines have recently come down which means that more and more practitioners are now buying and using them.

You may find that clinics recommend using light in conjunction with other treatments to help improve the overall result (especially in the appearance of wrinkles).

A common example used by practitioners is the added use of botulinum toxin (or Botox®) to reduce creasing of the skin around the eyes or forehead.

Who should not have Laser & IPL Hair Removal treatment?

This really depends upon the type of machine used by a clinic and your skin and hair colour. There is a wide variety of equipment promoted by around thirty manufacturers and distributors in the U.K..

Some of the newer machines available claim that they can treat all skin types and hair colour, however other pieces of equipment may be more limited. As a result, some clinics may not be able to treat you for the following reasons:

if you have ginger hair which may respond poorly to the treatment. Blonde or white hairs sometimes hardly respond at all;
Mediterranean, Middle and Far Eastern skin types may need to be treated with care;
darker skin types than the groups listed above. They may not suitable for the stronger lasers because the skin pigment absorbs too much energy causing unwanted damage. Similarly, patients who have recent sun tans should wait until their tan fades.

General reasons of unsuitability not related to skin and hair type include:

any history of sensitivity to light based treatments;
an active infection at the site to be treated;
patients who have used the drug isotretinoin in the last year.
pregnancy

Any drug can cause photosensitivity, although some are known to cause it more than others, hence the importance of a full medical history. If you are currently taking a particular medication and have not had a problem with summer holiday sunshine since being on these drugs then you should be fine, but an experienced medical practitioner will be able to discuss your specific case.

About 5% of epileptic patients have photosensitive epilepsy. These patients are theoretically more likely to have an attack if they are exposed to strobes or camera flashes. If the epilepsy is non-photosensitive (i.e. 19 out of 20 patients) then IPL/laser hair removal is considered safe. For those with photosensitive epilepsy, so long as the area being treated is well away from the eyes and the patient is wearing blackout goggles (i.e. they cannot see the flash of the IPL), then there should be no problems.

What can they be used to treat?

IPL can cause improvement in wrinkles, mild scarring and reduction of large pores

Before & After

Frequently Asked Questions

Who performs the treatment?

All our consultants have treated 1000’s of satisfied patients with Dr F Choudhuri who is the clinical lead, ensuring the highest standard is adhered to. She has amongst her patients members of many royal families and A-list celebrities.
Where is the treatment carried out?

Either in our Centres of Excellence in London or Nottingham. Both are easily accessible by all forms of transport as road, rail and airports are all nearby.
What does the treatment involve?
What happens during a Laser and IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatment?
Depending on the area of skin and type of laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) system used, different treatment procedures may be recommended for you by your practitioner.

Your first discussion with a practitioner should clearly set out your expectations. These should be matched by the likely cosmetic outcome your doctor predicts. He or she should be able to prescribe the most appropriate type of light treatment for you.

A medical history should be taken to ensure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t have the treatment. You would also normally be asked to read detailed information and sign a consent form at this time which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure recommended.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a "before and after" comparison at a later date.
Treatment procedure
This procedure generally requires no special pre-treatment care.

Anaesthetic cream may be applied 20 minutes or so before the treatment to help numb the skin, and you will be required to wear eye protectors for all laser and IPL machines.

Depending upon the type of system used, you may experience a slight stinging sensation in the area treated during the procedure. The treatment usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
Repeat procedures
The procedure may be repeated every few weeks or so for 4 or 5 courses to achieve the desired effect. Afterwards, every 6 months for maintenance, as required.
What are the benefits?

Immediate Safe results with minimal risks.
How long will it take to see the results?

Over the course of a number of weeks
Are there any side effects?

Laser/IPL hair removal can be uncomfortable and many people describe a stinging sensation or a feeling of elastic bands being flicked at the skin. Those with darker skin tones may notice the discomfort more than others. Many clinics will offer some kind of cooling which is applied to the skin to relieve any discomfort and protect the skin if required for darker pigmentations, either in the form of a chilled tip on the device or an air cooling system which is targeted at the area being treated.

Problems after Laser or Intense Pulsed Light, IPL treatment for hair removal vary according to your skin type and the type of hair removal machine used, but here are some of the potential complications.

Immediately after the procedure, you may notice some swelling, and the skin may become pink or red and a little sore.

Patients have described it as feeling like mild sunburn, but this is a reaction that usually disappears within a day or so.

Skin pigment may be darkened by bright light. It has the same effect as a light suntan, but because it is only visible at the points at which the laser has landed on your skin, it can look quite peculiar! If it occurs at all, (which is quite rare) it will gradually fade but may take many months to do so.

If the skin pigment absorbs too much laser energy, the pigment can be damaged leaving pale patches on the skin. Again these usually slowly recover.

The same process can cause the skin to overheat, resulting in blistering and possibly scarring. These effects are unlikely on pale skin, but care must be taken with darker skin.

Individuals vary in their sensitivity to light treatment so your practitioner should test a patch of your skin before going ahead. This is particularly necessary with some types of machines.

Recently tanned skin can be more vulnerable to the side effects or risks described above, and for many types of machine used, clinics will advise you to be as pale as possible before considering hair removal using light treatment.

There is some evidence that the use of light based systems for hair removal can cause hair to grow in areas adjacent to the treated area in a small proportion of patients.
How will I be looked after the treatment?
We are the only clinic that gives all patients 24 hour access to medical staff & regular follow up
What should you do after a Laser and IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatment?
It is very important that you follow carefully the advice of your practitioner following any type of light treatment to help make the treatment as successful as possible and to reduce the risk of complications afterwards.

Post-treatment advice may include:
- moisturising the area treated regularly
- not exposing the area treated to the sun without a sunscreen for at least 2 weeks to reduce the risk of pigmentation or change in skin colour. A high factor sun block should be used daily to protect the skin;
- contacting your practitioner immediately if you notice any signs of infection or pigment changes
Additionally, when you leave a clinic after a laser/IPL skin rejuvenation treatment you are likely to suffer from varying degrees of redness depending on intensity of the treatment, which may not be the most attractive face that you wish to present to the public as you walk down the street. There is however a solution which is to use a completely safe camouflage and concealer products that oxygenate skin at the cellular level, and are suitable for immediate use after cosmetic procedures such as laser/IPL skin rejuvenation. We use it as it is the only foundation that has the ability to promote the healing of damaged or postprocedural skin and can be used on the skin immediately following treatment, allowing you to face the world without a red face.

Few clinics currently offer this product, or any camouflage make-up, as part of the treatment service, so be prepared and take it with you. It is available in a variety of shades to suit all skin colours.
Cost
Each patient is different so please call the clinic where a consultant will be able to give an indication of cost