Laser Skin Treatments

Which laser is best?

May 3, 2019 by Rebecca Giffen Leave a Comment

The cosmetic treatment market now hosts a variety of laser treatments, from laser eye surgery to laser hair removal – it seems like there is a laser for everything. Lasers are not just great for the body though and laser facial skin care treatments are becoming increasingly popular for patients looking for to tackle anything from wrinkles and pigmentation to rosacea and acne.

At The Private Clinic, we offer a wide range of laser skin treatments to help with specific skin concerns and just general anti-ageing too. A big benefit of laser treatments is that they have the ability to target more than one skin concern at a time meaning you get a lot more treatment for your money.

No laser treatment is better than another, the results are very individual and depend on what results you are expecting to achieve. The best way to find out the best laser treatment for you is to visit us for a free consultation with one of our expert laser therapists, but in the meantime; here is a helpful guide to get you started in your laser treatment journey.

Which laser is best for wrinkles?

It may be a surprise to find out that laser treatments can be a great way to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. Although injectable treatments like Botox are usually the most popular way to tackle this common skin complaint, lasers do a great job at treating the skin as a whole and it can be a great compliment treatment to boost the effects of injectable treatments too.

Our top pick for targeting fine lines and wrinkles is our Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment. We offer three types of laser skin resurfacing treatments at The Private Clinic; Pearl, Pearl Fractional and Pearl Fusion. The one that is best for you will depend on the extent of your wrinkles. Pearl is great for fine lines but for deeper wrinkles, a Pearl Fractional treatment may be more suitable.

Pearl Fractional only exposes small areas of the skin to the laser beam making it ideal for targeting areas of fine lines and wrinkles. The laser essentially causes microdamage to encourage your skin to form a protective layer. Deeper within the skin the laser pulses have also encouraged the dermis to speed up the collagen production which helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the surface.

Patients can expect to achieve rejuvenated and revitalised skin with a dramatic improvement in wrinkles and fine lines.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment for Wrinkles

Treatment Time	20-30 Minutes
Downtime	5-8 Days
Results	1 week, continuing over 6 months
Treatments required	1
Maintenance	You may require another treatment anywhere from 6 months – 2 years after treatment.

$pearl fractional laser skin resurfacing best laser wrinkles fine lines before after photo$

Which laser is best for anti-ageing?

We have many patients come to visit us concerned about their ageing face. Anti-ageing, of course, is natural and unfortunately, is a process that we are unable to avoid however there are certain factors and conditions that can cause a more aged appearance in comparison to the patient’s actual age.

Factors such as blemishes, fine lines and broken capillaries can cause you to have a more aged appearance. In these cases, a more general anti-ageing treatment is going to be best and laser treatment is a great way to treat multiple concerns in one treatment.

Our top pick for anti-ageing is our Regenlite treatment. Regenlite is a laser treatment which can be used in a multitude of ways. For general anti-ageing Regenlite treatment uses a low energy beam to help stimulate the body’s own cells to increase collagen production. The Regenlite laser targets blood vessels just below the skin which are then tricked into behaving as if they are damaged. This causes mediators to be released which tell the cells to help by producing more collagen. Collagen helps to plump the skin giving an overall more youthful appearance. For patients who have vascular lesions such as red veins, sun spots or rosacea then a higher energy beam can be used to target the problem blood vessels or pigment that is causing the blemishes but the healthy skin around the area will be left unharmed.

Regenlite is a gradual laser treatment meaning that the results will take time to develop. This treatment is popular for patients looking for more of a subtle and natural rejuvenation as although the results can be outstanding when compared to how the skin was originally because the change is not instant, it is not obvious that you have had a treatment.

Regenlite treatment for Anti Ageing

Treatment Time	30-60 Minutes
Downtime	None
Results	Skin will gradually improve over a course of 3 months after your last treatment
Treatments required	3-5 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart
Maintenance	You may require maintenance treatments every 9-12 months

Which laser is best for sun spots and pigmentation?

Pigmentation comes in many forms such as sun spots, age spots and dark spots but they all cause the face to have an uneven complexion and premature ageing to the skin.

Unlike freckles, pigmentation, sun spots, age spots or dark spots are all caused by too much sun exposure which can still affect us Brits living here in the UK. Sun spots are most common on areas that get the most sun exposure such as the hands and face. We can all take steps to avoid any new damage appearing, but reducing the appearance of pigmentation that is already there can be a little trickier.

Our top pick for sun spots and pigmentation is our IPL Photorejuvenation laser treatment. IPL stands of Intense pulsed light and is also known as a Photofacial. IPL is great for targeting areas of pigmentation, it uses light energy which penetrates below the skin’s surface where all the unwanted brown pigment known as melanin lives. The heat of the light will work to break down this pigment into much smaller particles. These particles may then rise to the surface of the skin appearing as small dark areas or scabs or they will be naturally absorbed the body’s lymphatic system.

Patients may need a course of treatment to see the best results from IPL Photorejuvenation treatment but they can expect to see an improvement in skin discolouration and pigmentation leaving skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

IPL Photorejuvenation for Pigmentation

Treatment Time	30-60 Minutes
Downtime	Redness and sensitivity for 48 hours.
Results	1 week after first treatment with best results seen 3-5 months after last treatment.
Treatments required	3-6 sessions spaced 1 month apart.
Maintenance	You may require maintenance treatments every 9-12 months.

Which laser is best for acne?

Although most common in your teenage years, for some patients acne has either occurred for the first time or continued into their adult life. Acne can be very difficult to treat and the market is flooded with topical solutions, creams and masks all claiming to give you clearer looking skin.

Our top pick for acne treatment is our N-lite laser treatment which has been quoted as a saving grace for many of our long-suffering acne patients. N-lite is a laser treatment that works in 3 ways, firstly it targets and kills the bacteria causing acne, it then works to stimulate new collagen before finally reducing any inflammation on the skin caused by acne.

Our n-lite acne laser results have been life-changing for a large majority of our patients with many achieving smoother, clearer and fresher looking skin that they thought they would never see. See out n-lite acne patient stories here.

N-Lite treatment for Acne

Treatment Time	30 Minutes
Downtime	None
Results	Best results are seen after the second treatment, with continued improvement over 3 months.
Treatments required	3-5 sessions spaced 1 month apart.
Maintenance	You may require 1 or 2 maintenance treatments every year.

Why Choose The Private Clinic for your laser treatment?

All of our laser treatments are performed by highly qualified and experienced laser specialists who are extremely knowledgeable in skin care and will be able to tailor your treatment plan to help you achieve the best results from our laser treatments.

With over 35 years of medical experience in treating a variety of skin problems, you can be sure that you are in the best hands. We treat thousands of patients every year and pride ourselves on our knowledge and expertise. All of our Clinics are registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Free skin consultations for laser treatments are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton. To make an appointment please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online skin laser treatment contact form.

When is the best time to have an IPL treatment?

January 12, 2019 by Julia Morgan Leave a Comment

Achieving a perfect complexion especially in winter can be a difficult task even with the best skincare regime, so having some extra help with advanced laser skin treatments that can help you achieve your ideal skin goals.

Many people are concerned about pigmentation, redness, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles or suffer from rosacea; IPL is a light skin treatment that can help tackle these issues and reduce their appearance giving your skin a brighter and more rejuvenated look. In this blog post, we will be covering everything you need to know about the IPL treatment including when is the best time to get it done.

What is IPL?

IPL, stands for Intense Pulse Light. This treatment consists of the emission of a laser and pulse light emission able to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin heating up cells to encourage the production of new and fresh collagen.

The production of fresh collagen helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the light waves minimise the appearance of brown spots redness, rosacea and skin discolouration.

Is IPL an invasive treatment?

IPL is a non-invasive and not painful skin treatment. The sensations that are usually experienced whilst having the treatment are similar to the feeling of someone flicking the skin with an elastic band and a slight heat sensation, due to the light pulse reaching the skin.

If you feel any discomfort or have very sensitive skin, it’s possible to apply some an anaesthetic lotion prior to the procedure to numb the areas to be treated.

When is the best time to get an IPL treatment done?

The best time to undergo an IPL treatment is during winter as any changes in pigmentation can affect the results. The IPL treatment cannot be performed if the skin is naturally or fake tanned, you would have wait until the tan has completely faded away (usually takes 6 weeks) before your IPL treatment.

When would I be able to see the results?

The results from an IPL treatment can be seen each week after the treatments.

However, the best and final results are seen after the end of the course of treatments typically over the following 3-5 months.

ipl face treatment before and after — Before and after IPL treatment.

How long do the results last for after an IPL treatment?

The results from the IPL treatment are not forever, however, they do last a long time ranging from 12 to 18 months depending on your sun exposure. At The Private Clinic, we highly recommend using a high sun protection factor even in winter and when it is cloudy, and even more so if you are more susceptible to brown spots or redness.

How many IPL treatments will I need?

The number of treatments you might need will depend on the condition of your skin. Usually, patients require a course of 5 treatments, which are scheduled every 4 weeks in order for the skin to restore itself.

Once your initial course of treatments are over, to maintain the results we recommend going in for a top-up the following year.

In which clinics is IPL available?

IPL Photorejuvenation is performed in our clinics in London Harley Street and Manchester by trained skin specialists who are highly qualified.

If you would like to book a IPL consultation at either of these locations or see before and after images of the results of the IPL treatment please use our online contact form or call us on 0333 920 2471

Three laser treatments that will make your life easier

November 26, 2015 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

From funky disco lights to optical disk drives, laser technology has proven to be a very useful asset to humanity. In medicine, laser surgery has saved lives by enabling unprecedented precision and that same quality allows for effective specialist laser skin treatments.

We’ve picked out the top three procedures that could help you save time and money in the long term, with health and beauty benefits to boot.

For Black Friday Offers 2017, please check this link – https://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/black-friday-offers-discount-deals-2017

Laser Hair Removal

Ever since Harper’s Bazaar printed an ad with a young woman posing in a sleeveless dress with her arms resting over her head, modern-day women have been concerned about unwanted hair in previously hidden places.

harper's bazaar 1915 hair removal — Harper’s Bazaar 1915 Hair Removal ad.

As fashions changed and women’s bodies became more and more uncovered, a trendy and self-conscious woman would have to spend some time in the bathroom smoothing out various areas. More men have also started to pay attention to their grooming and let’s just say that for those who have to tackle thick back hair, life isn’t so easy either.

Anyone who’s had to tackle their legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip… will know just how time-consuming the process can be. Plus you have to repeat it on far too regular a basis. Depilation creams can be quicker, but they can be aggressive on the skin. Same goes for wax – with some added pain, because as we all know: no pain, no gain.

back hair removal the private clinic — Results before and after Laser Hair Removal.

Laser Hair Removal only involves three to six sessions, can be done on just about any part of your body and best of all, it’s permanent. The laser zeros in on hair follicles and damages them in such a way as to disrupt the hair’s growth cycle. Once the follicle ‘dies’ it won’t produce any more hairs.

Think of all the time you’ll save… money too, depilation products don’t come cheap!

To get 25% off our Harley Street Laser Hair Removal courses click here.

Acne N-Lite Laser treatment

If you’ve ever had an Acne breakout – which you would have since such is the gift of puberty – you’ll know that it’s not a pleasant experience to go through. Severe Acne can make you feel very self-conscious, plus you subconsciously know a spot will be plotting to pop out on events like birthdays, parties and Christmas.

Roaccutane pills are one way of dealing with the problem, but they can be expensive and have side effects like dry skin and lips (amongst others). Many mainstream brands will claim they can work miracles but it’s rarely the case.

Before and after N-Lite treatment for acne.

Our N-Lite treatment is one type of laser treatments for the face which targets the small bacteria in your skin that’s causing you all this grief and eliminates them. It has an added bonus of encouraging collagen production and lowering the chances of acne scarring. The long-lasting relief it offers can be truly life-changing for people with severe Acne, while milder cases will benefit from clearer, healthier skin, and the added advantage of no longer having to worry that your face is out to get you.

N-Lite treatments are available at our clinics in Harley Street London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Northampton and Buckinghamshire.

IPL Photorejuvenation

Naturally flawless skin is usually a pretty tall order, especially when you live in an urban setting where exhaust fumes abound. We usually counteract the effects of such an environment with all sorts of cleansers, creams and of course, make-up. If you’ve caught on to the countering make-up trend, then there’s half of your morning gone already.

The Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology makes it possible to smooth out your skin’s tone and texture to the point that after having it done, the Editor of Essentials magazine was ‘happy to go out with just moisturiser on’.

It’s a very effective treatment for sun damaged skin, age or sun spots, Rosacea and an irregular skin tone, as it diffuses redness and reduces discolouration. The fabulous Jemma Kidd is a make-up artist and her quest for the perfect complexion lead her to us. She said: ‘Three days after treatment, I have flawless skin.”

Take it from the pros, having smooth skin has never been easier.

IPL is available at our Harley Street clinic in London and our clinic in Leeds.

The Private Clinic and Cyber Monday

There’s never been a better time to give these treatments ago. With 25% off Laser Hair Removal at our Harley Street clinic during our Cyber Monday promotion, you’ll find that we’re competitively priced while still offering the most advanced treatment options, performed by qualified and reputable therapists and laser practitioners. Find out just how much you could save with our Cyber Monday offers here.

Why do we get spots?

April 10, 2015 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

The vast majority of us will suffer with bad skin at least once in our life; a whopping 80% before the age of 25 and a still significant 10% afterwards. But why?

First things first, anyone who has ever suffered with acne will understand that it’s not just down to washing your face properly. For many even the most expensive cleansers, exfoliants and moisturisers can’t save the skin from random breakouts – no matter how much those who don’t suffer from regular face fights insist…

Instead the condition is actually caused by something much more complicated and is linked directly to how our skin is constructed. Look closely at any area of flesh (bar the palms or soles of feet) and you’ll see tiny, almost unnoticeable, hairs all over. The term for these is androgenic and, much like the strands on your head, each comes complete with a follicle and something called a sebaceous gland – which is responsible for producing an oily substance called sebum.

Sebum is our body’s natural moisturiser which lubricates the skin to prevent it drying out. However, while the oil normally rests completely unnoticed, acne is provoked when too much is produced. The excess sebum combines with dead cells and dirt on the surface of the skin, causing the attached hair follicle to clog – resulting in blocked pores and blackheads. When spots occur, it’s because normally harmless bacteria that lives on the surface of our skin gets caught within these clogged pores and contaminates them, inflaming the skin and causing it to rise.

As tempting as it is to scrub your face to oblivion to try and get rid of dirt, excess oil and bacteria, washing too much or using cleaners that are too strong can actually have the opposite effect – causing the skin to produce more sebum to counteract for the moisture that has been lost.

So what can be done to stop acne in its tracks?

Nlite Laser Acne Treatment

While certain creams and use-at-home products can get rid of individual spots, it’s their cause – the bacteria – that needs to be addressed to stop them occurring completely. One treatment that does just that is a revolutionary method called NLite which is a laser skin treatment for face that consists of laser light directed at the affected area to destroy bacteria and stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanism.

Before and after N-Lite Acne treatment at The Private Clinic

Because of the advanced lasers used the treatment is suitable for all skin types, with each session lasting an average of around 30 minutes. Most patients need a course of three sessions, though some patients do see a notable improvement after just one. Laser resurfacing recovery time is very fast as the downtime is minimal to none.

Other treatments for acne include:

Chemical Peels for Acne

Chemical peels and enzyme treatments are great acne facial treatments to help reduce and control the redness and inflammation of acne whilst regulating your oil production. The peel can be customised to suit your skin type and the severity of your acne. A chemical skin peel treatment starts with your face being cleansed and the peel applied to entire face or area to be treated. The peel will then be left for a certain amount of time decided by your practitioner this is usually determined by your skin type and sensitivity. A neutralizer is then applied and then peel is then removed before a serum/sun protection is applied to the face.

Before and after Chemical Peel Acne treatment at The Private Clinic

Obagi

The Obagi Clenziderm M.D System is a complete acne treatment that is specifically formulated for normal to oily skin. The Clenziderm system is a series of 3 products that will need to be used everyday in the morning in the evening to help firstly clear up your acne and then prevent future breakouts. A course of treatment lasts around 12 weeks and by this point the oil production of your skin will have become more regulated and breakouts much less frequent. Pores will appear smaller and blackheads clear. At this stage you should start to maintain your new healthy skin using the aftercare advice given to you by your practitioner.

Everything from hormones to diet, stress and genetics can trigger your skin to be susceptible to acne. But you don’t have to put up with it. Laser Laser skin treatments are available to address the problem, and experts are on hand to help understand your condition and make sure it gets stopped in its tracks. We have a team of nurses, therapists and expert dermatologists on hand and acne consultations to see if the treatment’s the best way forward for you. We understand acne is much more than the spots on the surface, and our job is to get your confidence and your skin back.

Acne treatments are available at our clinics in Harley Street London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Northampton and Buckinghamshire.

To book a consultation to find out more about the treatments we offer, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form to get booked in at a clinic local to you.

The Pearl Returns: Pearl Laser Treatment at Harley Street

January 31, 2014 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

At last, the long-awaited return of the Pearl Laser skin rejuvenation treatment is over – and it was well worth the wait! Loved by many, loathed by few, the Pearl Laser is a beloved lase skin treatment that is making a well-deserved come back at our London Harley Street clinic.

The Pearl Laser

The Pearl Laser treatment is an exclusive type of Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment, which promotes skin rejuvenation for a more youthful appearance. The Pearl Laser treatments available at our Harley Street clinic include: Pearl Laser Resurfacing, Pearl Fractional Laser Resurfacing and Pearl Fusion. Each unique treatment caters to a multitude of skin concerns, and our specialist surgeons, Dr Gupta and Dr Anthony, ensure that patients receive the best options specific to their concerns. Options include:

Pearl Laser Resurfacing is one of the types of laser treatments for face which can treat the Décolletage, Face and Neck (treatments may be individual or a combination of all three). This treatment is beneficial for patients wishing to reduce superficial lines and sunspots
Pearl Fractional Laser Resurfacing, with the choice of a simple or complex treatment. This treatment is targeted towards deeper wrinkles on specific areas of the face.
Pearl Fusion, with the choice of simple or extensive laser skin resurfacing near treatment. This treatment combats deep wrinkles and improves the overall texture of the face.

Age spots, wrinkles and uneven skin tone are erased in a single session, as the Pearl Laser surpasses previous time-consuming skin resurfacing methods. Using the latest in laser technology, our Pearl Laser (manufactured by Cutera, a leading medical laser manufacturer) remains a superior device for delivering outstanding results. The procedure is relatively pain-free, lasting around 30 minutes for a full face. The laser resurfacing recovery time can vary from 5-8 days.

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing results

After having Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment, you will notice that your skin’s surface appears not only healthier and more clear You will also continue to see improvements as the structure of the skin actually improves for six months as the growth of new collagen occurs. You will start to noice results from your treatment a week after your first treatment, your skin immediately following treatment will need to go through a healing process which can take 5-7 days with the peeling process usually occurring 3-4 days after treatment.

Before and after laser skin resurfacing.

Before and After laser skin resurfacing treatment.

View our online Laser Skin Resurfacing gallery for more before and after photos

Laser Skin Resurfacing at The Private Clinic

We are one of the UK’s leading specialists in non-invasive treatment and have some of the most experienced doctors and nurses working with us. Our specialist laser doctors and practitioners have an esteemed reputation for their pioneering work on skin rejuvenation and produce results that speak for themselves.

Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is available at London Harley Street, Manchester and Glasgow.

To find out more about which treatment is suitable for you, book a free skin consultation via our online contact form or call 0333 920 2471

Treatment Guide FAQ: Melasma

November 8, 2013 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

Melasma, also known as ‘chloasma’, is a skin condition where dark brown to light pigmentation develops, usually on the face. It is a common medical and cosmetic issue for many people. Treatments include Laser Skin Cosmetic Treatments and skin peels.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition where skin appears darker, lighter or greyer than the surrounding skin due to pigmentation, occurring mostly on the face. Often made worse by sunlight, it is a condition that affects people cosmetically and psychologically. It is not sore or itchy but can have a significant impact on those affected.

Melasma can affect both men and women of every race but it is most commonly found in women with darker skin types who are exposed to the sun regularly or who live in sunny places. As a result, melasma tends to get worse in the summer and better in the winter.

It is not a sign of skin cancer, nor will it progress into skin cancer. Melasma is not due to allergies or contagious and nor is it caused by an infection.

What is the cause of Melasma?

Melasma is thought to be affected by:

Pregnancy
Hormonal drugs
Certain medical conditions that affect hormones
Certain cosmetics can bring on melasma
Sunlight exposure often worsens melasma
Genetics – can run in families

What treatments are available for Melasma?

Sun Protection

First of all, be careful in the sun. Everyone should be using Sun Protection Factor (SPF) cream every day to protect their skin but it is even more important for anyone with melasma to regularly apply and avoid the sun at its peak where possible. Please take care in the sun and make sure you SPF cream protects against UVA and UVB light at factor 30 or greater.

Skin Care Products and Camouflage Makeup

You can incorporate treatments into your daily skincare routine. The Private Clinic has a range of special skin care products, including camouflage makeup, specifically designed to offer the right kind of skin care and protection for those of you with common skin conditions, like melasma. Please do seek professional advice if taking creams like Hydroquinone cream as the usage needs to be regulated to protect the skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical skin peels can help remove skin cells with excess pigment in so if your melasma is darker they can help. There are a number of skin peels available with varying degrees of intensity so please make sure your practitioner is aware of your condition and has experience treating it.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing is an effective treatment for smoothing any uneven texture and discolouration to the skin. The treatment can effectively remove the problem skin cells, helping to even out the skin tone for long-lasting results.

How can The Private Clinic help?

The Private Clinic, established in 1983, now has over 35 years of medical experience treating patients with the latest and most effective methods. The Private Clinic specialises in non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic and medical treatments from world-class medical and clinical practitioners.

Melasma laser skin rejuvenation treatments are available at our clinics in Harley Street London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Northampton and Buckinghamshire.

We also offer specialist dermatologist appointments with Dr Rishika Sinha, MA (Cantab), MB BChir, MRCP (Derm) UK, GMC Number: 6092256 at our London Harley Street skin clinic

To find out more about melasma treatment, please call 03339209135 or use our online contact form to request a call back.

Laser Skin Treatments

Which laser is best?

Which laser is best for wrinkles?

Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment for Wrinkles