If you struggle with facial redness, flushing, thread veins or patches of pigmentation, you’ll know how stubborn they can be. Good skincare helps, but it can only do so much once broken capillaries or sun damage have set in, and that’s where medical-grade Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments come in.
These light treatments target redness and pigmentation at their source, helping to visibly reduce broken capillaries, red patches, sun spots and uneven tone for a clearer, calmer, brighter complexion.
Every treatment at our Edinburgh clinic begins with a consultation and patch test, and is planned and delivered by trained practitioners in a clinic regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, so your treatment is tailored to your skin.
What Are Laser & IPL Skin Treatments?
Precisely controlled pulses of light are absorbed by the target in your skin, haemoglobin in visible blood vessels, or melanin in pigmented spots, and converted to heat. The vessel collapses and is reabsorbed by the body, or the pigment breaks up and flakes away naturally over the following days. The surrounding skin is left untouched.
Benefits of Laser & IPL Treatment
- Visibly reduces diffuse redness and flushing, including redness associated with rosacea.
- Thread veins, spider veins and broken capillaries can be treated individually.
- Sun spots and age spots darken, lift and flake away naturally.
- Light energy also stimulates collagen for gradual skin rejuvenation.
Our Medical-Grade Systems
Our dedicated laser and IPL skin rejuvenation room is equipped with two medical-grade systems:
- Candela GentleMax Pro: Dual-wavelength laser combining a 755 nm Alexandrite and a 1064 nm Nd:YAG, ideal for precisely targeting individual thread veins and concentrated pigmentation.
- Lynton Excelight: IPL using 585 nm and 650 nm wavelengths, suited to diffuse redness, flushing and widespread pigmentation.
Because we have both technologies in one room, your practitioner can select, or combine, the most suitable device during your appointment rather than making your skin fit a single machine.
Before and After
What Can Laser & IPL Treat?
Facial Redness & Flushing
Diffuse redness across the cheeks, nose and chin, including the persistent redness and flushing associated with rosacea, responds well to IPL. The light is absorbed by the network of tiny dilated vessels that cause the red appearance, gradually reducing overall redness over a course of treatments.
If you have diagnosed rosacea, we treat the visible redness; your GP or dermatologist remains the right person to manage the condition itself.
Thread Veins & Broken Capillaries
Individual thread veins or clusters of broken capillaries, often around the nose and cheeks, are precisely targeted with the laser. Many smaller vessels improve significantly after 1 to 3 sessions, with the treated vessel reabsorbed by the body over the following weeks.
Pigmentation, Sun Spots & Age Spots
Flat brown spots caused by sun exposure and skin ageing absorb the light energy, darken temporarily, then flake away over 7–14 days to reveal more even-toned skin underneath.
At your consultation any pigmented lesions that looks suspicious is referred to The Mole Clinic, who are co-located with us, for assessment before any treatment - that’s a non-negotiable part of being a regulated clinic.
Do Laser or IPL treatments hurt?
Most people describe each pulse as a quick warm snap, like a rubber band flicking the skin, brief but tolerable. Settings are adjusted to your comfort throughout, and no anaesthetic is needed.
How many Laser / IPL sessions will I need?
A single thread vein or age spot may improve significantly after 1 or 2 sessions.
Diffuse redness and widespread pigmentation typically need a minimum course of 3 treatments spaced around 4 to 6 weeks apart, which is why our packages include 3 sessions.
Your practitioner will give you an honest estimate at your consultation - results vary from person to person.
When will I see Laser / IPL results?
Treated pigmentation usually darkens then flakes away within 1 to 2 weeks. Redness and thread veins improve gradually over 2 to 6 weeks as the body reabsorbs the treated vessels, with progressive results building across your course.
Is Laser / IPL suitable for my skin tone?
Light-based treatments work by targeting pigment, so suitability depends on your skin type and tan. This is exactly what your consultation and patch test establish. Our dual-wavelength laser includes a 1064 nm Nd:YAG, which extends safe treatment options across a wider range of skin tones - your practitioner will advise what’s right for you.
How Often Should I Have Laser or IPL?
For a single blemish, 1 or 2 sessions are often enough. For diffuse redness or widespread pigmentation, we recommend a course of 3 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, then a maintenance session every 6 to 12 months if needed. Consistent daily SPF50+ is the single best way to protect your results.
Who Should Avoid This Treatment?
You may not be suitable for laser or IPL if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a recent tan or used self-tan on the area in the last 2–4 weeks.
- Take photosensitising medication (including some antibiotics and roaccutane within the last 6 months).
- Have an active infection, cold sores or open skin in the treatment area.
- Have a history of epilepsy triggered by light, or certain pigmentation disorders.
Your practitioner reviews all contraindications at your consultation - if treatment isn’t right for you, we’ll say so and suggest alternatives.
Related articles
Hyperpigmentation: Why Your Skin Changes Colour (and How to Brighten It Again)
Is that dark patch on your face hyperpigmentation or an age spot? Or is it hormonal melasma? If you’re unsure of the difference, we’re here to help.
Observe How IPL and Laser Reduce Facial Redness
Why a combination treatment of IPL and laser to reduce red patches, blotches, splotches and broken capillaries is more effective.
Laser and IPL Prices
Ready to take the first step toward calmer, clearer skin? Book a Consultation & Patch Test and we’ll build your personal plan.
| Treatment | Single | Package 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Consultation & Patch Test ~ 45 mins - Book Online |
£50 | |
|
Face Diffuse facial redness or pigmentation. ~ 40 mins - Book Online |
£200 | £540 |
|
Blemish Cluster Cluster of red or pigmented blemishes. ~ 30 mins - Book Online |
£160 | £432 |
|
Single Blemish Single thread vein or age spot. ~ 20 mins - Book Online |
£120 | £324 |
Redeemable Patch Test
Your Patch Test fee is redeemable against a Laser or IPL package within 90 days.
Terms and Conditions
- 6 Month Rule: If you haven’t had a Laser / IPL treatment in the last 6 months - regulations require a new patch test to be performed.
- Terms: Packages include 3 treatments which are valid for 12 months and non-transferable.
Treatment practitioners
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Microneedling facials with exosome & polynucleotide serums for firmer plumper skin or melasma & redness inhibiting serums to achieve glowing skin.
Hydrafacial® in Edinburgh
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Obagi® Radiance Peel in Edinburgh
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