Skin Rejuvenation

As we get older the effects of sun, smoking, diet and pollution all take their toll on our skin and less collagen is produced. ‘Collagen’, from the Greek ‘kolla’ meaning ‘glue’, is the tough fibrous protein present in our skin, which gives it its texture and elasticity. Fractional laser treatments stimulate you skin’s natural healing process, resulting in accelerated collagen production and renewal process that can take years off your skin. Fractional resurFACE laser treatment provides the most effective anti-ageing laser procedure with minimum downtime. This laser can treat lines and wrinkles, improve overall skin tone and elasticity and restore a more youthful complexion. Fractional laser resurfacing offers a solution for acne scarring, sun damaged skin and stretchmarks too. Skin rejuvenation uses Fractional and/or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which stimulates collagen and elastin production deep within the dermis, increasing skin elasticity and strength, making the skin look softer and smoother. For maximum Skin Rejuvenation results we recommend combining Fractional laser treatments and IPL treatment with Glycolic Peels. This will dislodge the debris of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin allowing the laser/IPL light to penetrate further.

What are the signs of ageing?

Most people recognise wrinkles as a sign of skin aging, but there are other issues as well to consider. Thread veins and pigmentation problems, skin laxity and general lack lustre appearance also contribute to a generally “aged” look.

In order to improve the overall look of the skin, it is necessary to have an effect on all of these areas.

How does Fractional laser work?

The laser light is absorbed by the water in the skin, which creates a lot of heat and removes tiny sections of the skin giving a ‘resurfacing peel like’ effect. This heat then penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate significant collagen renewal. By targeting tiny areas of the skin, it stimulates the skin’s renewal process and so works with the body’s natural recovery process.

The Lynton ResurFACE fractional laser targets:

• Lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, scars and sun damaged skin
• deeper layers of the skin with minimal down time.

How does laser/IPL Skin Rejuvenation work?

The Lynton Lumina® Laser and Intense Pulsed Light system is used to progressively improve the skin tone and texture in the following ways:

• Stimulates collagen and elastin production, deep within the dermis, increasing skin elasticity and strength.
• Reduces pigmentation problems, giving skin a more even colour.
• Reduces fine thread veins, thereby reducing general skin redness (known as Rosacea).

What are the clinical results?

Fractional laser provides the best possible skin rejuvenation results without the down time. Historically, effective skin rejuvenation could only be achieved with CO2 lasers which completely ablated (removed) the upper layers of the skin. Whilst some skin conditions still require CO2 treatment, Fractional laser now offers effective skin rejuvenation with minimal down time. Combined with IPL, Fractional skin rejuvenation can produce softer, smoother skin, more uniform in colour and with less visible pores. Fine lines and wrinkles can be softened and some may disappear.

How many treatments are required?

Four to six treatment sessions take place, two to three weeks apart, and the results are evident at the end of the course of treatments, and will continue to improve for some weeks following. Further maintenance sessions may be required after a twelve month period, depending on the amount of sun damage in the intervening period.

Is the treatment painful?

Fractional laser is remarkably comfortable whilst undergoing treatment, however the skin will experience a delayed heating effect post treatment which will feel like sunburn. It is important therefore that patients are prepared for post treatment cooling and full information and advice will be provided. IPL treatment is not painful but it is slightly uncomfortable. Patients will experience a stinging sensation as the IPL is fired. Cooling gel is used, and the Lynton Lumina® system we use also has an integrated cooling system to keep the treatment comfortable. We use a cryo cooling machine which blows cold air at minus 5 degrees. Post treatment cooling is also advised.

Who is suitable for Fractional and IPL Skin Rejuvenation?

Generally speaking, this treatment works best for clients who still have reasonable skin elasticity. This is not necessarily dictated by age, however, as some people in their fifties will have better skin quality than others in their forties. This treatment is not suitable for dark skin types. You will be advised of your suitability for this treatment at consultation.

Are there any side effects?

The most common after effect is redness of the skin that can last for a day or so. Slight blistering can occur but this is rare and will clear up within a few days. In darker skin types, changes in skin colour can occur and you will be advised of any adjunct treatment necessary to prevent this. Because each individual’s skin responds differently we always carry out a careful pre-treatment test patch procedure to assess individual response so that no unexpected reactions take place during a full treatment.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or any increased risk of skin cancer. Extensive clinical trials for laser and IPL skin rejuvenation have resulted in a very safe technique with a minimal risk of side effects.

Can anyone offer this kind of treatment?

At Laser Skin Solutions all staff are required to undertake the nationally recognised BTEC Award for the delivery of Laser and Light technologies and techniques or Level 4 qualification equivalent. This requires months of studying and training with both written and practical exams. We are the only clinic locally to hold Level 4 qualifications. We do not solely rely on the standard 1 day training provided by the laser manufacturer. Staff at Laser Skin Solutions are trained to a very high standard and regularly update their clinical knowledge and skills.

Should anyone avoid this treatment?

The treatment should be avoided by anyone who is:

• Hypersensitive to light.
• Suffering from live cold sores in the treatment area.
• Suffering from vitiligo (skin pigment loss).
• Pregnant.

People with very dark skin are at greater risk of pigment change and IPL treatment may not be suitable. A full medical history will be taken prior to any treatment being offered to exclude any problems.

How do I prepare myself for treatment?

If you have a tan you should wait at least 4 weeks (or 8 weeks for darker skin types) after your last UV exposure until there is no activity in the pigment producing cells. You should avoid perfumes, deodorants or any potential irritants in the treatment area before and after treatment. You should avoid alcohol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Nurofen for 48 hours before treatment – this will reduce the risk of a skin reaction.

How do I find out more?

You will need to book a consultation. This takes a full 45 minutes and is designed to allow us to assess your needs, advise you of our expectations and make our recommendations for treatment. We will then patch test to ensure that your Skin reacts to the Laser or IPL in the predicted way.

We also have a number of blog posts that talk in detail about skin rejuvenation

You can book your consultation by calling 01202 985 029.