Laser Skin Resurfacing

At the Cadogan Clinic laser skin resurfacing can be performed by one of our highly trained cosmetic dermatologists, or one of our skilled aesthetic practitioners.

The Fitzpatrick scale is an objective skin type classification scale used to determine whether laser skin resurfacing is a suitable treatment for you.

Only skin types 1 to 3 on the scale are suitable for laser skin resurfacing treatment

• Type 1: always burns, never tans (pale, freckles).
• Type 2: usually burns, minimal tanning.
• Type 3: sometimes burns mildly, tans uniformly.
• Type 4: burns minimally, always tans well (moderate brown).
• Type 5: very rarely burns, tans very easily (dark brown).
• Type 6: Never burns (deeply pigmented dark brown to darkest brown)

• The wavelength of Nd: YAG targets pigment to heat it and denature the molecule. This cause the body's immune system to absorb the pigment naturally. This delivers unblemished skin that appears and feels rejuvenated.
• On different settings, Nd: YAG can also target broken veins. It heats up the blood in the veins destroying and clotting at the same time which are then reabsorbed naturally by the body, often with immediate results.
• Non-ablative laser usually results in effective dermal regeneration over a number of repeat sessions. It does not destroy tissues (non-ablative) so the downtime is remarkably low.
• On the other hand, ablative fractional laser (Co2) results in marked dermal regeneration over a far shorter timespan because more energy is imparted to skin there is also a higher downtime which is usually capped at 5-7 days. Energy imparted to the skin excites a controlled inflammatory response. Cells that make-up the dermis and maintain it are recruited to the area. Such cells include fibroblasts which lay down new collagen and eventually reorient it according to the grain of the skin. When collagen and other ground substances (e.g. elastin) are deposited this results in plumped, rejuvenated more elastic and youthful skin.
• On yet another setting Co2 laser can be used to resurface the skin and this can include sun-damaged areas leaving behind in-tact dermis from which new skin grows. Considering that this skin is perfectly matched to surrounding areas, the aim of rejuvenation is achieved.

We typically recommend 3 to 4 treatments for the very best outcomes, but this is determined by the pre-existing status of your skin condition. Your aesthetician can discuss this with you at your free consultation.

Laser skin resurfacing treatment should be virtually painless. We liken the pain to a pinch or an elastic band snapping against the skin. Topical anaesthetic can be applied if required.

You should expect healing to take place in the first 5 – 7 days. That said, the skin's surface should immediately appear healthier, and first results should start to be seen after the very first treatment.

The underlying structure of the skin should improve for six months as new collagen is generated.

The very best results should be seen after a course of treatment, by which time your skin should appear completely rejuvenated and revitalised with a noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture, and a dramatic reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Yes laser skin resurfacing is safe if performed by a qualified practitioner in a medical environment.

Side effects are rare, but like any cosmetic procedure are possible. This can include:

• burning
• bumps
• rash
• swelling
• infection
• hyperpigmentation
• scars
• redness

These can be mitigated by qualified practitioners practicing in a safe medical environment and according to proper protocols.

Skin rejuvenation treatments can be classified as follows:

• Thermal (i.e. laser skin resurfacing)
• Chemical (a 'chemical peel') 
• Mechanical (e.g. dermabrasion)
• Injection (e.g. anti-ageing injectables)
• Light treatments (e.g. IPL treatments) 

We offer all of these at the Cadogan Clinic and would be delighted to explain the various pros and cons at your initial consultation.

Very much so. It is commonly combined with facial surgery such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Skin Resurfacing are very different treatments.

An IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatment consists of a series of high-intensity pulses of broad-spectrum light that pass through several layers of skin at once, targeting only the unwanted cells. IPL can thus improve the texture, quality, colour and health of your skin and treat multiple conditions simultaneously, such as the appearance of veins, capillaries, redness, age spots, blotchiness and freckles.

By contrast, Laser Skin Resurfacing delivers a direct beam of thermal energy to one specific target. Laser Skin Resurfacing uses a laser beam focused on one specific wavelength and targets the very outer layers of the skin, which are removed, encouraging new skin to replace them. This process restores the smooth, even and fresh appearance that the skin tends to lose with age.

We offer two main Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments: ClearLift & Pixel Perfect, each having its own specific benefits and advantages.