Laser & IPL

Hair Removal 

In many countries and cultures around the world, excessive or visible hair on certain areas of the body is considered unattractive, particularly for women. Over centuries many Hair Removal techniques, including waxing, sugaring, threading, plucking, shaving etc, have been developed to deal with this problem. All of these solutions are short term solutions and many bring with them a range of other problems such as in growing threading, hairs, spots and rashes to name but a few.

Latest developments in the field include IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser technology which give a more long term solution to the problem, without the more unpleasant side effects of the treatments listed above. Hair can be successfully removed for periods of up to several years.

IPL and Laser Hair Removal works by a process of rapid heating of the hair follicle which destroys the hair shaft and the stem cells therein.

Normal hair grows in three distinct phases:

• Anagen—the active growth phase
• Catagen—where growth is finished but the hair continues to be nourished
• Telogen—when the hair detaches from the papilla and falls out

IPL and Laser Hair Removal can only be effective during the anagen phase of hair growth. Because of this, repeated treatments are necessary to clear all hair growth.

Because light energy is absorbed by the melanin (colour pigment) in the hair, blonde and grey/white Hair Removal is rarely successful.

Asian and darker skin types can now often be successfully treated, although very dark skin types may still not be suitable for treatment.

During treatment, cryo-gel and a continuous cold air system are used to cool the skin and prevent discomfort.  A stinging sensation may be felt as the light pulse reaches the hair follicles, although the level of discomfort experienced depends very much on the area being treated.

After treatment the hairs which have been successfully treated will fall out over the course of the next few weeks. Treatment sessions continue at intervals of between three and five weeks, dependent upon the area being treated.  On average, the number of sessions required to clear an area is between six and eight.

Prices are available on request

N-Lite Laser Treatment for Acne 

Without a doubt, the biggest breakthrough for many years in the treatment of live acne is the N-Lite laser. This laser was introduced as a collagen-building laser, designed for reducing lines and wrinkles, and treating general signs of skin aging.

Dr Malcolm Torz BDS Clinic Director at London Day Surgery Centre was the first to realise that the revolutionary N-Lite laser could be used to dramatically improve acne, acne scarring and blemishes. His observations led to a pilot study at London’s Hammersmith Hospital in collaboration with Consultant Dermatologist Dr Tony Chu FRCP which resulted in the most important breakthrough in the treatment of acne for 30 years.  
 
The published results revealed that 81% of the patients treated showed a significant improvement in the condition of their skin and a major reduction in their acne. The N-Lite laser treatment changes the environment of the skin to stimulate the formation of large amounts of new collagen below and around the affected areas assisting the healing process and preventing the development of scars. No anaesthetic is needed and a treatment session typically lasts around 15 minutes to an hour depending on the size of area being treated.

The cost of N-Lite Acne Treatment is £170 * per treatment.

We recommend that you have 3 Treatments, 1 month apart.

We also offer Microdermabrasion for £45 per treatment as part of the Acne treatment programme.

* (Price as from February 2008)

Pigmentation Removal

Advances in the use of Intense Pulsed Light systems (IPL) have brought about the development of successful treatments to eliminate pigmented lesions due to prolonged sun exposure.  These are commonly known as age spots, liver spots, sun spots, freckles or lentigines.

The light emitted by the Lumina IPL system, is absorbed by the melanin (pigment cells) in the area being treated, causing them damage whilst leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed.

After treatment a darkening or greying of the lesion may be observed with very slight swelling of the area treated.  Over the following 1 – 2 weeks, a ‘crust’ or ‘scab’ will form which will gradually flake off or wash away, leaving the area free of excess pigmentation.  More than one treatment may be required to completely resolve the problem.

Prices start at £80 and vary according to the size of the area to be treated, consultations are free and quotations are given at that time by the specialist carrying out the treatment. 

Tattoo Removal 

More and more people are having unwanted tattoos removed by laser.  At the London Day Surgery Centre we use a Q-switched NdYAG laser. This means that the laser light is delivered to the skin in a very short sharp burst.  Q-switch lasers achieve excellent long-term results when used to remove black, blue or red and some green pigments.  Brown, yellow and orange pigments also respond surprisingly well to a Q-Switch laser.  Removing white pigments remains a technical challenge for all lasers but this colour is less uncommon.

Tattoo Removal FAQ's

Are there any side effects?

In rare cases pigmentation changes or scarring can occur. That¹s why we insist on performing a skin test prior to treatment to minimise these risks.

Can all tattoos be treated?

The great majority of tattoos, whether professional or amateur, respond to our laser treatments. Some Pigments, especially green, orange and yellow are more difficult than other colours to eradicate, but even they usually respond following a prolonged course of treatment.

Does it hurt?

It can sting a little and feels like having an elastic band flicked against your skin. For sensitive areas, we can apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.

How does it work?

By matching the colour of the laser to the colour of the unwanted tattoo ink, multi-coloured professional tattoos as well as single colour amateur tattoos can be removed safely and effectively.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on your tattoo - it¹s size, colour and the depth of penetration of the ink amongst other factors. A small, one colour design may need only two treatments. A larger, multi-coloured professional design might need ten or more treatments.

Why choose Laser Therapy over other forms of Tattoo Removal?

Early methods of tattoo removal were less than successful. Surgery, acid injection, dermabrasion and skin grafts could all be painful and often leave scars.

Please note that prices are quoted by session and are an approximate guide. They relate to solid blocks of tattoo and not tattoo size. An accurate quote can be obtained with no obligation at consultation.

Thread Vein & Rosacea Removal

Recent advances in IPL systems have meant that thread veins and spider veins can be removed quickly and efficiently using intense pulsed light.  Rosacea also shows great improvement when treated in this way.

The Lumina system used at LDSC has proved highly successful in this field, with patients experiencing good results with only minor discomfort during treatments.

During treatment the light emitted by the IPL is absorbed by blood in the vessels of the epidermis and dermis, causing heating and coagulation, the vessel then collapses and later dissolves and is absorbed by the body leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed.

Cost of treatment varies according to the extent of the problem. 

Prices start at £80 and a precise costing will be given at consultation. Consultation is free of charge.