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  • Laser Skin Resurfacing utilises modern technology and techniques to yield superior results
  • Ideal for skin issues such as wrinkles, age spots, sun damage and uneven skin tone

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Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.

Last Reviewed July 12th 2023

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Our facial skin is always exposed, meaning it is more likely to feel the effects of the sun, pollution and general signs of ageing. Brown spots or uneven skin tone on the face can leave even the most pampered complexions looking older, while sun damage or scarring can make it feel seemingly impossible to achieve a healthy glow.

Laser resurfacing is one of the most innovative ways to rejuvenate damaged skin, tackle signs of ageing and even out areas of discolouration in as little as 20 minutes per session. Addressing pigmentation, age spots, sun damage, acne scars and wrinkles, the method restores a refreshed appearance on the face and neckline without the need for excessive downtime.

Wrinkles and fine lines start to appear as early as the mid-twenties, but surgery and strong anti-ageing treatments aren’t suitable for many of those unhappy with their skin. Laser Resurfacing provides an ideal solution to restore the skin in a minimally-invasive way.

Pearl Laser for Skin Resurfacing

There are three types of Pearl Resurfacing Treatment available; Pearl, Pearl Fractional and Pearl Fusion.

  • Pearl: Pearl is often most suitable for finer wrinkles and sunspots. The practitioner guides the laser over the whole face, removing the top layer of the epidermis and heating a layer of tissue below it.
  • Pearl Fractional: Often used for deeper wrinkles or particular areas of more severe damage, Pearl Fractional penetrates deeper into the skin to rejuvenate fully.
  • Pearl Fusion: This is a combination of the two procedures. Pearl is used first to improve the whole texture of the face and then Pearl Fractional is used to target deeper wrinkles. Pearl Fusion is also a great treatment to help encourage scar healing and can be used on scars following surgical procedures as part of our scar care treatment package.

Laser Skin Resurfacing at a glance

Procedure Time
20 – 60 mins

Downtime
3 – 10 days

Final Results
3 months

No. of Treatments
3 – 6 Treatments

Results Last
6 months

We work with some of the most experienced practitioners in the Country in the use of lasers for skin resurfacing. We have been featured on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies on a number of occasions. All patients require a patch test before booking in for treatment.

If laser treatment isn’t an option for you, we can tailor a product package treatment suitable to your skin type and tone.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing Before & After Photos

Take a look at the Before and After photos to see how we have helped improve skin conditions such as pigmentation, wrinkles and age spots.



What to Expect

The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Pearl is the latest generation of skin resurfacing treatments, Pearl is a single-session laser method that targets lines, wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin tone without lengthy downtime or a delicate recovery period. The treatment is ablative meaning it targets the surface layer of the skin and the method is available in three different forms:

  • Pearl Laser Resurfacing
  • Pearl Fractional Laser Resurfacing
  • Pearl Fusion

The three different treatments allow practitioners to create the most tailored experience for your skin’s needs and achieve the best possible outcome. Each patient’s requirements are entirely individual, but Pearl Laser Resurfacing is normally most suitable for finer wrinkles and damage, while Pearl Fusion is a much deeper treatment for more active rejuvenation on damaged skin.

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment treats the entire top layers of skin as well as deeper layers in comparison to the Pearl Fractional laser which only treats small areas of the skin. Pearl laser treatment is a non-ablative device, which means it does not destroy cells within the epidermis which is why the downtime is much shorter than over similar laser resurfacing treatments.

Pearl treatment involves pulses of light being emitted to the skin in a pre-selected pattern. The heat of the laser also targets the deeper tissues under the skin surface which helps to generate new collagen productions which results in an overall smoother skin. The skin will immediately form a type of natural protective dressing which helps to minimise downtime and instantly start the skin restoration process. This protective layer will peel off over the course of 3-5 days revealing new and healthy skin.

Pearl Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Pearl Fractional treatment exposes only a small area of the skin to the laser beam in a pattern of tiny dots. When the Pearl Fractional laser pulse hits the skin it can destroy hyperpigmentation clusters whilst also creating tiny holes in the skin. These columns of damaged tissue are selectively removed whilst leaving the surrounding skin intact.  This encourages the skin to form a protective layer. Deeper in the skin, however, the laser pulses have encouraged the dermis to speed up the collagen formation which then also helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This is known as microdamage as it forces the body to react and it’s the body’s healing process that is responsible for the treatment’s incredible results.

Pearl Fusion Laser Skin Resurfacing

Pearl Fusion is a combination of the Pearl Resurfacing and Pearl Fractional treatments mentioned above.

The physician will first resurface the entire face with the Pearl laser; Pearl Fractional will then be applied in facial areas requiring more aggressive treatment.  Pearl Fusion’s approach results in immediate improvement in the patient’s complexion, reducing the signs of sun-induced damage and ageing. Over the long term, patients will notice continued structural changes in their skin, including increased volume and firmness.

Pearl Fusion Scar Care

Pearl Fusion provides an epidermal renewal procedure that addresses the scar and other superficial skin imperfections such as sun damage/age spots and wrinkles. It supplies the perfect complement to a surgical procedure requiring minimal to moderate downtime.  You will receive three Pearl Fusion laser treatments spaced 6 weeks apart as part of our Scar Repair Package.

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After Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

The skin’s surface appears not only healthier and more clear, but the structure of the skin actually improves for six months as the growth of new collagen occurs.  Results can start to be seen after one treatment and healing takes place over 5-7 days. The best results are seen after a course of treatment.

Skin appears completely rejuvenated and revitalised with a noticeable improvement in tone and texture and a dramatic reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Signs of sun damage are reversed, while discolouration is blended for an overall even complexion and fewer imperfections. The face and neck appear more youthful, and many of our patients comment that they no longer need excessive anti-ageing creams.

Patients who undergo Pearl Resurfacing will see the best results after completing a course of treatment.

Depending on the treatment, full recovery will take between 5 and 8 days. Your skin will go through a peeling process after 3-5 days.

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FAQs

What is Pearl Fusion laser treatment?

Pearl Fusion is a laser treatment concept that combines both the Pearl Fractional (fractional ablative technology) and Pearl (full-epidermal renewal) lasers.

What is Pearl Fractional laser treatment?

Pearl Fractional is a new volumizing laser technique that is perfect for treating photoaging.

Pearl Fractional laser treatment aims to improve the appearance of photo damage, uneven skin tone and texture and generally give you a smoother and brighter complexion.

Why is Pearl Fusion Unique?

Pearl Fusion is based on the 2790 nm wavelength using proprietaryYSGG technology. It is a new generation that reaches beyond CO² and erbium that were developed more than a decade ago.

How does Pearl Laser Skin Surfacing work?

Most patients benefit from a full-face Pearl treatment for an overall re-freshening of the skin, followed by treatment over the troubled spots with Pearl Fractional.

Pearl renews the skin’s entire surface and stimulates new collagen. This treatment reduces fine lines, smooths uneven texture, repairs sun damage, reduces discolouration and gives the skin an overall glow. Pearl Fractional treats deeper into the dermis and is effective around difficult-to-treat areas including around the lip and eyes.

Together, Pearl Fusion offers a unique solution for treating wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin texture, pore size, pigmentation and sun damage.

Combining these two modalities allow practitioners to tailor a treatment for the specific condition of the patient.

For example, if the patient has epidermal issues (brown spots, uneven color/texture), Pearl does very well. But for dermal issues, Pearl Fractional is effective because it is a deeper penetrating laser.

Compared to other treatment options, Pearl Fusion offers the ideal balance of ablation and thermal effect. This leads to collagen stimulation and a more refreshed, younger-looking appearance.

How does the Pearl Fractional Laser Skin Surfacing treatment work?

Pearl Fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment is a treatment that treats only a small percentage of the skin, a fraction.

The laser pulses create tiny holes deep in the skin and columns of damaged tissue are selectively removed, leaving the surrounding skin intact.

Pearl Fractional Laser treatment aims to shorten the healing time and stimulate the body’s natural ability to create new collagen, which then plumps the skin from below and reverses photoaging and any other imperfections.

The tiny holes create a safe treatment and rapid recovery and the deep treatment is able to provide results in a single session. The controlled energy used maximises the results without affecting the comfort of the patient.

What does Pearl Laser do?

Our Pearl laser treatment helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, uneven texture and sun damage with fewer treatments and a shorter recovery period when compared to other technologies.

During the procedure, the top layer of skin is treated with pulses of light in a pre-selected pattern to help provide a healthy, pearl-like glow.

How does Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments compare to other laser treatments?

Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments offer the most effective way to address fine lines, uneven texture and discolouration without the need for any complicated or prolonged wound care that is often required with other laser treatments such as CO2 and Erbium laser procedures.

To find out more about our Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments book a consultation with our laser experts.

Do the treatments hurt?

The treatments feel like a series of brief pinches, and have been delibately chosen for being less invasive. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 representing pain and 1 representing no pain) most people say it feels like a 2 or 3. An anaesthetic cream will also be applied before treatment to make you as comfortable as possible.

How long do the treatments take?

Pearl sessions take approximately 20-30 minutes for a full face.

Can Pearl Laser Resurfacing be combined with other treatments?

We recommend that all patients considering any type of skin treatment to come for a consultation first where we can discuss the best treatment plan to suit you and your desired results.

Many patients choose to have a Pearl Fusion treatment combined with additional treatments of IPL to help target pigmentation or a further Pearl Fractional treatment to target deeper lines or wrinkles.

Pearl Fusion can also be combined with our Laser Genesis treatment to promote scar healing following surgery.

Pearl treatment is often combined with Limelight/IPL to better target pigmentation or Pearl fractional laser to address deeper wrinkles.

If having injectable treatments such as dermal filler or botox we recommend that patients wait 1-2 weeks both before and after having laser skin resurfacing before having an injectable treatment.

You can discuss combination treatments with our skin experts at your consultation.

How soon will I see the results?

After 3-4 days the top layer of skin peels off revealing new, healthy, younger skin underneath. More extensive Pearl treatments may take longer.

How many sessions will I need?

The best results from our Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments are seen after completing a course of 3 treatments.

Further treatments are typically repeated every 6 months to 2 years.

How many Pearl resurfacing treatments will I need?

We recommend a course of 3 Pearl Fusion Laser Resurfacing treatments. This does require a period of downtime around 5 days.

Laser Skin Resurfacing prices start from £500 and we can treat targeted areas, as well as provide full coverage to the face, neck and decolletage.

The cost of treatment will vary depending on:

The type of treatment recommended.

The areas treated.

The number of treatments required.

The best way to find out the cost of laser skin resurfacing treatment is to book a consultation with one of our expert laser skin practitioners where they will come up with a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve the results you desire.

Consultations with our expert laser skin practitioners are £25 however this cost is redeemable against the price of any skin treatment that you wish to book following your consultation.

What is the downtime from Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments?

All of our Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments involve a short period of what we like to call ‘social downtime’.

This means that although you will be physically able to return to your everyday activities, you may wish to avoid more social events such as parties or dinners as your face is likely to appear swollen, pink/red and flaky for 3 – 4 days.

When can i wear make-up after Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments?

Your skin after Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments will be dry and gradually starting to become flaky.

You will need to keep your skin well moisturised for 3-4 days and we recommend that you can start wearing make-up again on day 3 but you may wish to wait a week once the peeling has settled.

Are there any side effects?

After treatment, your skin will look as though it has been sunburned. You will need to keep it well moisturised for 3-4 days and can start wearing make-up again on day 3. More extensive Pearl treatments will require considerably more time spent at home and out of the sun as your skin rejuvenates.

Both Pearl and Pearl Fractional have a high safety record. Your physician will recommend post-care treatment following the procedures to minimize the possibility of adverse effects. It is important to follow the instructions.

Can I have Laser Skin Resurfacing if my skin is tanned?

If you have got a tan or your skin has had a reaction to something then it is important that you let your medical expert know as it can increase your risks of adverse side effects such as pigmentation changes.

At The Private Clinic, we do not perform any laser treatments on tanned skin. Any sun exposure should be avoided when having laser treatments.

Our laser specialists will be able to discuss this is more detail and analyse your skin at your consultation.

What is Pearl Laser Resurfacing?

The Pearl Laser Resurfacing procedure combines the impact of resurfacing lasers with the gentleness and safety of non-invasive procedures. It is designed to treat ageing and sun-damaged skin.

Pearl can effectively help to reduce wrinkles, uneven texture and sun damage with a single treatment and less downtime than other skin resurfacing treatmetns.

A Pearl Laser Resurfancing treatment involves treating the top layer of skin with pulses of laser. This process removes a small portion of the skin surface (the epidermis) and a natrual protective barrier is created on the skin surface.

Recovery time can take 3-4 days and the skin will shed revealing new, healthy and vibrant skin underneath.

Not only does Pearl Laser Resurfacing replace the top layer of skin but it also works to stimulate new collagen growth beneath the skin which fills out and reduces the apperance of fine lines and wrinkles. This new collagen growth will continue for 4-6 weeks post-treatment.

In a short time, patients will notice overall skin clarity, smoothness and softness – all from a 15 to 30-minute treatment with only 3 – 4 days of ‘social’ downtime.

What does Laser Skin Resurfacing treat?

Laser skin resurfacing is an effective treatment for;

  • Smoothing any uneven texture and discolouration to the skin.
  • Repairing sun damage and reducing pore size.
  • Reducing fines lines and wrinkles.
  • Gives the skin an overall glow and soft feel.
  • Scar Care.

Find out more about how Laser Skin Resurfacing could benefit you in one of our skin consultations with our laser experts.

What are the different Pearl Laser Resurfacing treatments?

There are three types of Pearl Resurfacing Treatment available; Pearl, Pearl Fractional and Pearl Fusion.

Pearl: Pearl is often most suitable for finer wrinkles and sunspots. The practitioner guides the laser over the whole face, removing the top layer of the epidermis and heating a layer of tissue below it.

Pearl Fractional: Often used for deeper wrinkles or particular areas of more severe damage, Pearl Fractional penetrates deeper into the skin to rejuvenate fully.

Pearl Fusion: This is a combination of the two procedures. Pearl is used first to improve the whole texture of the face and then Pearl Fractional is used to target deeper wrinkles.

Am I suitable for Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment?

Pearl Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is only suitable for patients who are skin type 1-3 on the Fitzpatrick scale.

The best results are seen on patients with light-to-medium skin tones and skin imperfections due to aging and sun damage.

All patients will require a patch test ahead of their first treatment.

Is there a Laser Skin Resurfacing clinic near me?

Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment is currently only available in;

London – 98 Harley street, W1G7HZ

To find out more about booking a consultation contact us here.

Laser Skin Resurfacing is Available in these Clinics

Why Choose The Private Clinic

  • Expert medical practitioners with years of experience.
  • State of the art medical facilities, all registered by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
  • Our innovative treatment choice means you will be offered the most advanced minimally invasive treatment options.
  • When it comes to non-surgical treatments we always strive to give you little to no downtime, so you can get back to enjoying life.
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