laser light skin treatment Harley street, London

AviClear uses the power of laser light to selectively target and suppress sebaceous glands, eliminating acne at the source and providing clear skin quickly and safely. AviClear is the first and original FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne and with Dr Anjali Mahto being a Key Opinion Leader for the Cutera (AviClear) brand.

Break free from the limitations of traditional acne treatments with AviClear, the fast, effective solution that can get you the clear skin you’ve been dreaming of. The first and original FDA-cleared energy device for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne. Complete your treatment in three quick 30-minute sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart and get ready to show off your radiant skin.

When people think of dermatologists and acne, they often think that the only solutions we can, or will, provide will be oral medication or powerful topical therapies. Dermatologists are driven by data and would not choose to recommend treatments to their patients without good evidence. However, after years of treating acne in the clinic, it is quite clear that for some patients, oral medication is not an option. This may be because they are trying to conceive, undergoing fertility treatment such as egg or embryo freezing, or awaiting embryo implantation. They may also be unsuitable for oral treatments due to other medical issues or have a personal preference for avoiding tablet treatment.

Having options such as BroadBand Light (BBL) alongside an armoury of prescription treatments is central to offering a comprehensive, well-led acne service and this is exactly what Self London does well. Our expert consultant dermatology team can recommend skincare, use BBL and offer peels, as well as prescribe topical therapies, hormonal medication (eg, spironolactone) and isotretinoin. Every option is available to us which ensures we are giving you comprehensive advice and not simply offering you the only treatment we have at our disposal. Treatment plans are made after thorough assessment as well as taking into account patient preference.

BroadBand Light in acne has a very useful role in acne-prone skin of all ages or women who are trying to conceive or undergo fertility treatments. We know this latter category must stop their oral medication and many also opt to discontinue their topical retinoid which is commonly used for acne maintenance. Options are limited and acne recurrence during this time can lead to distress, shame, anxiety, body image issues and even depression – not exactly an ideal mental health scenario when thinking about conception.

Acne development is multifactorial and driven by excess oil production, plugging or blockage of the hair follicles, inflammation and the presence of a bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Sciton’s Forever Clear BBL uses a unique three-step process using different wavelengths of light to target various parts of the acne development process:

1. Blue light at around 420nm is used on the skin to eliminate C. acnes. This step helps reduce and improve the appearance of active acne as well as prevent new breakouts.
2. Next, yellow/red light is used to reduce the inflammation and redness associated with acne. This helps resolve active inflammatory acne and reduce scarring.
3. Finally, the skin is treated using visible and infrared light to help complement the results of the first two steps.

The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and a minimum of six treatments carried out at two-weekly intervals will usually produce the best results; there is minimal to no downtime. Acne benefit continues for a few weeks following the last BBL treatment carried out to protocol and the effects will be maintained until the C. acnes bacterial population returns back to its initial concentration; this will eventually occur as a matter of course as it is part of the skin’s microbiome. Some people may find a maintenance treatment will be required within three to six months of the initial series of treatments.

When it comes to acne, the more options we have available to treat our patients, the better. Clinic-based treatments will always be more effective than home devices for safety reasons; powerful devices will not be approved for home use. Self London is able to treat acne in a comprehensive manner, being sensitive to the needs of its patients and recognising that sometimes offering a tablet is not the right solution and other options should be explored.

Refs
Bitter P. Acne treatment with 3-step broadband light protocol. JDD 2016; 15: 1382-1388.

Laser facials are a powerful and versatile option for skin rejuvenation, tackling various concerns such as fine lines, sun damage, acne scarring, and overall skin texture. The nano and micro laser peel offer precise and controlled exfoliation, stimulating collagen production and revealing a refreshed complexion. Unlike traditional chemical peels, these non-invasive laser peels boast minimal downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities with ease while enjoying the benefits of healthier and revitalized skin.

Our team will work closely with you to craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique skin needs and goals. We understand that each individual’s skin is different, and our laser facials are customizable to ensure the best possible results.

Broad Band Light (BBL) is a type of phototherapy or light-based clinic treatment which can target a number of skin issues including redness caused by broken capillaries and rosacea, sun damage, freckles, and age spots. Data additionally shows that it can potentially rejuvenate ageing skin by altering gene expression post-treatment. It therefore also has a role in preventative management of chronological skin ageing. It is a “next-generation” type of intense-pulsed light (IPL) device due to its ability to treat a wider range of skin conditions, as well as its documented benefit in slowing down the ageing process of the skin.

BBL works by using light which can be filtered by specific wavelengths. This light energy is absorbed by different targets in the skin to include pigment (melanin) or blood vessels. Light and heat energy destroy pigment and close-off superficial vessels as well as triggering a natural wound-healing response in the skin which will generate new cells and produce collagen.

BBL is an FDA-approved device suitable for most skin types with minimal recovery time and a low risk of complications. It can be used on any part of the body but the most commonly treated areas are the face, neck, chest and hands. Treatments are relatively quick and painless and multiple sessions are performed every two to four weeks until the desired result has been achieved. Regular treatments improve the overall effect and maintenance sessions may be required in the future.

In expert hands, BBL can also be safely combined with laser therapies for deeper rejuvenation, prominent pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, scarring and stubborn pigmentation. Before any treatments are carried out, the team at Self London will see you for consultation to assess your skin and obtain a medical history to advise if BBL is suitable for your needs.

The HALO is the world’s first hybrid laser on the market which delivers a non-ablative 1470nm wavelength and a 2940nm wavelength in the same channel at the same time. In real life terms, this means it has the ability to target both the upper and lower layers of the skin to effectively treat a number of skin concerns including acne scarring, wrinkles, discolouration or pigmentation, pore size and sun spots.

The HALO laser is rolled over the skin in a uniform fashion and works by making tiny microscopic holes or perforations in the skin. As the skin heals during the subsequent few days, dead skin tissue known as micro-epidermal necrotic debris (MENDs) will appear and extrude through these small channels. Over time, this controlled injury to the skin will result in new collagen production. Collagen is part of the scaffold of the skin and HALO treatment will produce an improvement in skin texture and tone. The overall appearance of the skin is visibly improved and a “glow” will be restored.

HALO is a customisable treatment and the team at Self London can discuss options of one or two more aggressive treatments versus the option of less aggressive treatments which achieve a similar goal over a longer period of time. The treatment itself is comfortable but topical anaesthetic is required beforehand. Most patients describe the treatment as a feeling of heat with occasional prickling sensations. After the treatment, it is quite common for the skin to feel warm for an additional 15-30 minutes, or a bit longer with deeper treatment levels.

For the first 24 hours you should keep your skin protected according to your clinician’s instructions, but after that you should be able to go about your normal activities. For a facial treatment, you will see very little change on the first day. After two to three days you will develop a light bronzing appearance. By day three or four your skin will peel, revealing your new skin beneath.

Make-up can be applied 24 hours later if needed. Most people see initial results between two and five days after treatment, but your skin will continue to improve over time. Most patients see the greatest pigmentary improvement in the first two to three weeks. This is followed by a dermal regeneration phase that continues to improve for months. HALO results will last for years to come, but it is important to keep skin protected at all times using high factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Each additional future HALO treatment will improve the results, giving you even better looking skin.

HALO treatment is customised for your skin and your lifestyle. The face, neck and chest are the most commonly-requested treatment sites, but HALO can safely be used on all parts of the body across all skin types. Depending on your needs, your clinician may recommend a single treatment, or a series of treatments. In order to find out which is the best option for you, a consultation is required first to assess your skin and suitability for treatment. In expert hands, HALO can also be combined with other light or laser treatments depending on individual concerns; this can also be discussed at your appointment.

The ProFractional is a fractional ablative erbium:YAG laser. It is an ideal treatment for scars, deep resurfacing to improve skin ageing, select cases of pigmentation and healthy skin maintenance. In particular, this laser type is considered to be a gold standard treatment for acne scars. Unlike full-field resurfacing which removes the entire surface area of a treatment site, the ProFractional laser treats columns of skin by ablating or vaporising narrow channels when fired. Only “fractions” of the skin are treated; these are enough to generate a wound-healing response in the skin for clinical improvement, but allow for a much more rapid recovery time as the normal columns of untreated skin speed up healing.

The treatment plan with the ProFractional laser is highly customisable and a number of variables can be controlled by the treating clinician such as ablation depth, coagulation, density of treated area and scan pattern. It can be used on all skin types with caution and expertise of the treating doctor. Those with skin of colour may need specific pre- and post-treatment which will be discussed prior to any treatments.

Topical anaesthetic is applied to the skin for 30 to 45 minutes prior to treatment and is otherwise tolerated well. Patients may experiences a few days of peeling and sun sensitivity. The healing process can take five to seven days, depending on treatment settings. The number of overall sessions required depends on the extent and severity of the issue being treated. Whilst initial results may be visible as early as one week after treatment, most patients see continual improvement for up to six months. Results can last for many years with maintenance of a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle. However, bear in mind the ageing process continues, and some patients may wish to have repeat treatments every 12-18 months from a skin rejuvenation perspective.

The ProFractional laser can be combined with other light and laser devices depending on the presenting concern. A laser consultation is required to assess your suitability for treatment and to give you an idea about realistic results. Overall prices with ProFractional vary depending according to a range of factors including the size of the area to be treated as well as the indication for treatment.

At Self London we use high-end skin resurfacing technology which utilises a fully ablative dual-mode erbium:YAG laser. Unlike other laser types, such as the carbon dioxide laser, this particular laser type has a higher absorption for its target (water in the skin) which means it is able to vaporise, or “ablate”, tissue without generating as much heat. Studies show that erbium lasers can produce fewer side-effects when compared to carbon dioxide lasers (in particular, less ongoing redness or pigmentation after treatment).

All skin types can be treated with this laser and average downtime is about ten days. Settings are highly customisable and it can be used for mild to deep wrinkles and scarring as well as targeted treatment for pigmented lesions, benign skin growths and sun damage. This is a highly-specialised and bespoke treatment depending on the patient and their concerns. A laser consultation is required to discuss risks, benefits and alternatives.