Laser & IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Lasers

Laser treatments for facial redness use specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels causing the redness. When the laser energy is absorbed by the blood vessels, it heats them up, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body over time. This leads to a reduction in redness and visible blood vessels.

Different types of lasers are used for this purpose, such as pulsed dye lasers and Nd:YAG lasers. Pulsed dye lasers emit a specific wavelength of light that targets the blood vessels without damaging the surrounding skin. Nd:YAG lasers, on the other hand, can penetrate deeper into the skin and are effective for treating larger or deeper blood vessels.

IPL

IPL treatments are similar in principle to lasers, but they use a broad spectrum of light wavelengths instead of a single focused wavelength. This allows them to target a wider range of skin issues, including redness. The light energy emitted by the IPL device is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to heat up and coagulate. Over time, the body reabsorbs the treated blood vessels, leading to a reduction in redness.

Lasers

Laser use specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the melanin in the pigmented areas of the skin. The laser energy heats up and breaks down the melanin into smaller particles, which are then naturally cleared away by the body's immune system. The surrounding skin is not significantly affected, as the laser targets only the areas with excess pigmentation.

Different types of lasers are used depending on the specific type of pigmentation being treated. For example, Q-switched lasers are often used for treating darker pigmented spots, while fractional lasers can be effective for treating larger areas of pigmentation and improving overall skin texture.

IPL

IPL is similarly to lasers but uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths instead of a single focused wavelength. The broad spectrum of light can target a range of pigments and can be adjusted with filters to address specific pigmentation concerns. The IPL energy is absorbed by the melanin in the pigmented areas, causing the pigment to fragment and be gradually absorbed by the body.

IPL devices allow for customization of the treatment parameters to target different types of pigmentation and various skin tones. They can also stimulate collagen production, which can further improve the overall appearance and texture of the skin.

Facial redness, red patches, red blotches or broken capillaries (spider veins or a single thread vein) are small unsightly superficial red veins that occur around the nose and across the cheeks and chin.  These broken veins occur when the vein dilates and become larger so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. 

Although facial veins are quite common they can cause some distress and embarrassment for those who have them. Individual broken capillaries can be removed and general redness reduced, however rosacea sufferers can find flare-ups create new red patches and veins which require annual maintenance.

Treatment is suitable for you if you want to:

• Reduce overall facial redness or red patches
• Reduce the symptoms of rosacea
• Remove a specific thread vein cluster
• Achieve a clearer, fresher looking skin tone

Typically it takes 3-6 treatments to achieve the desired outcome for general facial redness and patches and up to 3 treatments for a specific thread vein cluster.

Pigmentation in the skin is primarily caused by an uneven distribution of melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of pigmentation irregularities:

• Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the primary factors that triggers the production of melanin. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin production increases as a natural defence mechanism to protect the skin from UV damage. Over time, excessive sun exposure can lead to the formation of sunspots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
• Age: As we age, the production and distribution of melanin can become less uniform, leading to the development of age spots or liver spots.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy (melasma or "pregnancy mask"), menopause, and the use of birth control pills, can lead to changes in melanin production and distribution. This can result in the development of dark patches on the skin.
• Inflammatory Processes: Skin inflammation and injuries, such as acne, cuts, burns, or other trauma, can trigger an overproduction of melanin in the affected area. This often leads to dark spots or patches known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Skin Disorders: Certain skin conditions, such as vitiligo (loss of pigment) or hyperpigmentation disorders, can result in uneven pigmentation.
• Medications and Chemicals: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause skin pigmentation changes as a side effect. Exposure to certain chemicals, like those found in cosmetics or industrial products, can also lead to pigmentation irregularities.

It's important to note that pigmentation changes can be influenced by a combination of these factors. To effectively manage pigmentation concerns, it's advisable to take steps to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and use appropriate skincare to reduce the underlying cause deep in the skin.

Using our Observ520X your aesthetician can take pictures to show you the hidden damage below your skin which may present as pigmentation as you age.

Laser and IPL treatments can significantly reduce the visible presentation of pigmentation on the surface of your skin, but for the best results your treatment plan will also include a skincare regime to address issues in the deeper layers of your skin.

Your journey will starts with you booking a consultation with one of advanced laser aestheticians. (These treatments are not suitable for people with a skin type Fitz Patrick 6 (very dark) due to the risks of hypopigmentation.)

We recommend clients who fall into the following categories delay booking:

• Currently using Roaccutane or strong vitamin A skincare.
• Currently pregnant or breast feeding.
• Currently have a suntan in the area to be treated.
• About to depart on a holiday where the area will be exposed to direct strong sunshine.

During your consultation your aesthetician will:

• Recommend a costed treatment plan which is fully explained - this may also include skincare. 
• Conduct a patch test for both laser and IPL devices.

If you decide to continue with your treatment plan - all your treatments will be booked with 4-6 week intervals to achieve the desired outcome in the safest time frame. 

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At appointments your aesthetician will use either the laser or IPL, or both devices, depending on the treatment plan. The term "blemish" refers to vascular or pigmented lesions.

UK regulations require new patients, or patients who have not had a laser / IPL treatment for 6 months, to have a consultation and safety patch test, which typically takes 25 mins for both devices and costs £35. Treatments can start 7 days after a successful test patch.