Laser Skin Resurfacing

Non-Surgical
Laser Skin Resurfacing

Medically Reviewed April 2023, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

As we age our skin becomes less elastic and unwanted lines and folds start to appear on the surface of the skin.

Laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatment provides a highly effective, simple solution to restore that smooth, even and fresh surface appearance by using thermal energy to remove the very outer layers of skin, encouraging new skin to grow in its place.

The treatment is extremely straightforward and can take from as little as 20 minutes per session. There is no associated downtime.

The method restores a refreshed appearance on the face and neckline without the need for more invasive anti-ageing treatments.

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Why do people have it?

Improved skin tone and texture
Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
Tightened or lifted skin
Repaired sun damage
Quick, highly effective 20 minute procedure
Minimally invasive, no need for surgery

Who is suitable?

Laser skin resurfacing treatment is most suitable for patients who are skin type 1-3 on the Fitzpatrick scale. That is, those who are either light-to-medium in skin tones and have skin imperfections due to ageing and sun damage.

We typically recommend laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatment for those just beginning to experience the signs of ageing, such as pigmentation change, age spots, sun damage, and wrinkles, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions such as acne scars.

All patients will require a patch test ahead of their first treatment.

Words from our clients:

“I have used Dr Mayou for years as my children’s dermatologist and was very pleased to discover she could take care of me as well. She has been extremely helpful, checking for melanoma and other skin issues as well as more cosmetic concerns. I have found her to be sensible and practical with a lovely manner and trust she is looking after the whole picture of my skins health and looks.”

Jess K

"Everything was brilliant staff were incredibly friendly exact amount of info was given. Have already recommended this company to friends and family."

Clare Brooks

“Wonderful service, knowledgeable staff, friendly service and comfortable ambience - well run. I will use you again in the future.“

Sarah Tylor

"There is nothing that I feel could be improved at Cadogan Clinic. I was treated and looked after very well the place was very clean. Perfect. Thank you."

Emma Grant

"The treatment was for my daughter and the aesthetic practitioner couldn't have been more helpful and informative all through the course of treatment, it was a great treatment with a brilliant outcome. The whole experience was very professional and any worries we went in with were soon taken away after the team greeted us and treated us."

Jessica Yates

What does it involve?

Laser skin resurfacing is a thermal photorejuvenation technique, that removes old skin cells using heat produced by a laser.

The skin resurfacing treatment removes the outer layers of the skin and stimulates the body to create new skin cells in their place. This alters the surface appearance of the skin and reduces the appearance of cosmetic blemishes such as wrinkles, scars and pigmentation irregularities.

The laser simultaneously heats the underlying skin layers and causes the collagen fibres which bind skin together to tighten and leave the skin with a more toned, rejuvenated appearance.

Whilst the treatment is unable to prevent future ageing, it is highly effective at reversing existing signs of ageing on the skin.

Laser variants used as part of laser skin resurfacing treatment include:

Coloured lasers (such as Nd: YAG) to correct colour change, e.g. sun spots, broken blood vessels
Non- ablative fractioned lasers to deliver pulsed energy to tissues in order to tighten the skin, e.g. can correct rosacea, spider veins, and acne-related issues
Ablative fractioned C02 lasers to remove outer layers of skin and resurface, tighten and lift, e.g. can correct scars and reduce fine lines and wrinkles

What skin conditions can Laser Skin Resurfacing treat?

Laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat one or more of the following skin concerns:

acne scars
age spots
crow's feet
fine lines and wrinkles
sagging skin
scars
uneven skin tone
warts

Laser Skin Resurfacing Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.

Our History

Mr. Omar Tillo

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Safae Yemlahi

Senior Aesthetician

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who performs 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.

What is the fitzpatrick scale and why is it used?

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)

What are the various laser types utilised in laser skin resurfacing?

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.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED FOR LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

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.

IS LASER SKIN RESURFACING PAINFUL?

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.

WHEN WILL I START TO SEE RESULTS?

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.

IS LASER SKIN RESURFACING SAFE?

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

ARE THERE ANY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS FROM LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

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.

WHAT OTHER SKIN REJUVENATION TREATMENTS DO YOU OFFER?

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.

CAN LASER SKIN RESURFACING BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?

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

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IPL AND LASER SKIN RESURFACING?

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.

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

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At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

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Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

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0207 901 8500

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