Fractional / IPL Laser (ICON)

The ICON Cynosure laser system is considered the next generation of light based FDA approved non-surgical treatments.  It uses advanced technology to deliver the safest, most effective and bespoke non-surgical treatments and is fully equipped to offer a full portfolio of solutions as it is essentially a multi-device unit.  It combines a fractional laser (similar in intensity to the Fraxel) and intense pulsed light (IPL) technology.

Uniquely, the ICON laser’s technology means that the machine has such a wide range of capabilities that it can provide different levels of treatments and meet various comfort and downtime requirements according to a patient’s individual needs.  For instance, its state of the art Skintel™ Melanin Reader detects a patient's melanin density to accurately diagnose skin tone, ensuring the appropriate level of laser is applied.  The machine also has built-in advanced features such as a cooling system for added skin protection and comfort.

There are a variety of handheld attachments to perform treatments to help a wide-range of aesthetic concerns including some of the following.  The ablative fractional laser technology that the device uses can treat scars very effectively as well as a whole host of conditions associated with ageing and loss of vitality and tone.  The ICON laser system also uses Optimised Light™ photo-rejuvenation technology, which delivers gentle pulses of intense, optimised light to areas where unwanted pigmentation and facial vessels lay. 

The  ICON system may of course not be an appropriate option for certain patients, for instance, those who are pregnant and those who have taken Roaccutane (strong antibiotic for acne prone skin) for the past 6 months. 

As well as the patient’s own pain threshold, the discomfort level of an ICON session depends on the level of treatment being administered.  Topical anaesthetic can be applied 10-30 minutes prior to the treatment taking place, but during treatment the built-in cooling system is highly effective at providing additional comfort.  Both practitioner and patient must wear protective eyewear.

Your practitioner will place handheld device with a smooth glass surface that pulses laser or light energy onto your skin. Each pulse causes a snapping or burning sensation that can be compared to the snapping of a rubber band or quick match burn. After each snap, the doctor will pick the laser up to place onto the area of skin adjacent to the area that was just zapped, being careful to not overlap zapped sections. When your treatment is finished a cold compress can be applied to ease any discomfort, followed by an application of moisturiser and sunscreen.

Immediately after your ICON laser treatment your skin will feel warm, red, and may be slightly swollen similar to that of bad sunburn, these effects usually resolve on their own within 1 to 3 days at most. Some mild bruising may also occur over particularly delicate areas, crusting, scabbing, darkened patches, and, in quite rare cases, mild blistering can also be experienced. These reactions gradually subside within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment.

The ICON laser system uses Optimised Light photo-rejuvenation technology, which delivers gentle pulses of intense, optimised light to regions of unwanted pigmentation and facial vessels.  The appearance of sun spots, age spots, spider veins, rosacea and capillaries can all be reduced significantly. Treatment time can be as short as 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Three to five treatments should deliver optimal results but some patients may achieve their desired results after just one or two sessions.

The fractional laser system achieves excellent skin resurfacing results by using laser energy micro-beams to create areas of affected tissue that extend through the epidermis deeper down into the dermis. The body’s natural healing process creates new, healthy cells to replace the areas of affected tissue, resulting in healthier, younger-looking skin. This treatment is suitable for most skin types.

Results of course, do depend on the type of treatment being carried out but generally, after 2 to 3 weeks of your first treatment you will notice an improvement in both texture and tone of the skin.  After 3 or more consecutive treatments, there will be further improvement as well as a visible decrease of redness, dark spots and fine lines. Freckles and age spots may appear darker for up to a week before they fade gradually.

For optimal results, a series of 3 to 5 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart is recommended; patients may also wish to incorporate a treatment touch-up treatment every 6 months to maintain results.

Immediately after your ICON laser treatment your skin will feel warm, red, and may be slightly swollen similar to that of bad sunburn, these effects usually resolve on their own within 1 to 3 days at most. Some mild bruising may also occur over particularly delicate areas, crusting, scabbing, darkened patches, and, in quite rare cases, mild blistering can also be experienced. These reactions gradually subside within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment.

ICON treatment costs depend on the concern and the size and number of areas to be treated but typically start from approximately £200.  Packages can be provided depending on your specific requirements and total fees will always be outlined following your comprehensive consultation with an experienced aesthetician.