Laser Skin Resurfacing in London & UK

Find Cosmetic/Beauty Treatments in London & UK »

As lasers become more widespread in the beauty and cosmetic industry you are more likely to see treatments that previously wouldn't have used a laser that can now be achieved through these machines.  One such example is skin resurfacing that has previously been conducted using chemical peels or micro-dermabrasion.  A laser skin resurfacing treatment will normally use a diode laser to gently remove dead skin or the surface layer of skin on your specified area.  This makes your skin look refreshed and more even in tone, helping to make it appear youthful and healthy.  The procedure is usually performed on the face, however it can be used all over the body if required.

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

The process works by removing your surface layer of your skin, to expose the newer skin below.  Once this skin has been removed, the next layer of skin can regenerate in a very smooth fashion, with less visible sign of the previous blemishes that existed.  Wrinkles can be lessened, your skin tone can appear smoother and any variations in your skin pigment can be reduced. 

The length of the procedure will depend on the area that you wish to target but it is generally complete within twenty minutes or half an hour.  During the laser skin resurfacing you are likely to have a local anaesthetic, and possibly some form of sedation, to lessen the discomfort.  The pain is generally described as tolerable, like a snapping against the skin.

Lasers can be very easily manipulated to target very specified areas of skin, including facial skin, for treatment.  The problems that this treatment can deal with are extensive including acne, wrinkles, small scars and pigment variations to name but a few.   The laser beam can be made stronger or weaker depending on your problem and depending on your skin tone and sensitivity.  This makes the treatment very adaptable, and less likely to cause any unwanted side effects or discomfort afterwards. 

Laser skin resurfacing is a form of surgery, despite not being an invasive treatment, and as such only those who are fully registered and qualified can conduct this treatment.  The procedure can be quite harsh, with skin cells being removed throughout the process.  The clinic ought to be registered with the Care Quality Commission and it is important that you ensure that your practitioner is experienced and is a qualified surgeon or doctor.  If you are unsure it is best that you ask about their previous experience or, if you are unsure, you seek a different treatment centre.  Having a consultation session before your treatment is necessary, and will allow you to put any questions that you might have to your practitioner.  They will also be able to make sure that the laser skin resurfacing treatment is the right procedure for you.   

What to expect after laser skin resurfacing

Following your laser skin resurfacing procedure you will be given some aftercare instructions to follow to allow your skin the best possible chance to heal well.  Your practitioner will inform you of these measures during your consultation.  You will be given a cream to apply every two to four hours for up to a week after your laser treatment.  It is very important that you stay out of the sunlight so that you skin doesn't get damaged.  The time it will take for your skin to fully recover following a laser skin rejuvenation procedure will depend on the strength of the laser being used, the condition it was being used to rectify and your skin type.  Your healing process will be discussed with you during your consultation session, and after your procedure you will be required to visit your practitioner for a check up to ensure that your skin is healing properly.   

There are very few serious risks associated with laser skin resurfacing.  Swelling, pigment variations and redness can occur, as can some discomfort however these tend to fade and completely clear after about a week.  There are very few instances of these being long-term problems, but if you have any concerns you ought to talk to your practitioner about the risks involved with laser skin resurfacing.

Laser skin resurfacing can produce some very dramatic results, but how successful it is depends on a number of factors.  Your skin type, the reason you are undergoing the procedure and the size of the area being treated can all change the result that is produced.  Your practitioner will be able to show you some before and after photographs of previous laser skin rejuvenation procedures to give you some idea of what to expect.  However, it is important to remember that everyone is different, and it might not quite have the same results as for a different individual. 

There are alternative treatments to laser skin resurfacing.  These include chemical peels and microdermabrasion.  It is possible that a different treatment might suit your skin and your condition better, and produce better visible results.  Your practitioner will be able to discuss these options with you, as it is likely that they will also provide these treatments. 

---

Reasons for having Laser Skin Resurfacing »