Acne Treatment
It is most likely, if you have not suffered from acne yourself, then you know someone who has. It is a fairly commonplace skin condition, often developing during adolescence, frequently occurring in teenagers. It is possible, sometimes, to control this with medication, however, for some individuals it is not always as straightforward as that.
People can develop this condition later on in life when they are adults while others will find that medication is just not effective to clear their skin of this troublesome issue. It can affect anyone – male or female and can cause emotional and physical grief to the person who suffers with it.
At the Harley Laser Clinic we offer a range of different treatments which are specifically targeted at reducing the acne itself, the scarring left from acne and also to provide an enhancement to the skin, helping to give it an overall, more healthy appearance.
The Science behind Acne
Acne forms and becomes present the sebaceous gland increases the production of something called sebum, and the skin cells which line the follicle do not shed away correctly. This is one of the main root causes of acne. The pus and sebum which is produced by the acne over a period of time will eventually block the follicle opening, which in turn will then result in inflammation the creation of larger pores.
Before And After Pictures
Before And After Pictures
IPL Treatment for ACNE
This is a truly effective way to treat active acne in a person. The treatment will eliminate the bacteria which is the cause of the infection that results in the acne. Additionally, it will also heat up the skin surrounding the acne that produces the stimulation of collagen, which will then enhance the process of healing and help the reparation of the skin.
How long does the Treatment take?
The time for this treatment can vary from person to person and each different area that is being treated. For example, if we look at someone who is being treated for a single are on the face, such as their cheeks, this could take under five minutes to treat. A full face, on the other hand, could take around twenty minutes to treat.
What to expect during the treatment?
A cool gel will be applied to the area which is being treated, after this, follows a gentle application of the sapphire crystal waveguide. This is where pulses of light will then be absorbed into the skin. Regarding the sensation that you will feel, it will be similar to that of a rubber band, snapping you lightly on the skin. In some cases, there will be a slightly red effect on the skin afterwards as the circulation of blood, to the face increases.
After using some of the aloe vera gel, this will soon reduce and disappear altogether. There is absolutely no downtime needed for IPL treatment; normal daily activities can be resumed immediately afterwards.
Acne Scarring
At The Harley Laser Clinic, we use an advanced system that produces a light which reduces blemishes and leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated without causing any harm to the tissue surrounding the area. The light of the laser, which is absorbed into the skin encourages the stimulation of collagen. The laser light is specifically targeted and delivered in frequent short pulses that come from the handpiece which is gentle moved across the surface of the skin. Most of our clients, when asked to describe the procedure have said it is virtually pain-free, feeling a slightly warming sensation when the laser light interacts with the skin.
Chemical peels can be used for both treating active acne, as well as an after treatment once the acne has somewhat settled down too. Any scars which may remain on the skin from the acne can gently be peeled away with the chemical peel treatment. This treatment is also exceptionally compelling in decreasing the visibility of large pores. This treatment is ideal for the regeneration of the skin because they enhance cell turnover, which significantly improves the skin’s surface, helping the dead cells to shed much quicker that they would normally. Resulting in an even skin complexion which is free of acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and any discoloration. It is also frequently used to treat superficial skin lines and uneven colourings of the skin, such as with pigmentation.
Image Skincare
This range is specifically tailored to work with targeted skin problems. The Image Skincare product suite has six different ranges, all of which means there is flexibility to cater for individual skin concerns, rather than the generic, one-size-fits-all approach.
Working together, we will create your own bespoke regime for your skincare from a base of three products. You can then add in extra products, from other ranges if needed to treat carefully your skin. We would always advise on a cleanser, an anti-aging cream, and a moisturiser. These can be chosen from any one of our ranges, or a mixture of all to suit your individual skin type. A great way to commence your journey o wonderful skin is y using a trial kit, this way, you can easily see which products are ideally suited to your skin.
Treatment Procedure What to expect
- Step 1: You will be seen by a specialist laser consultant for an initial consultation meeting. We will assess your medical history; and tailor your treatment according to both your skin and hair type, as well as carrying out a physical observation examination.
- Step 2: The test patch. To observe any adverse reactions.
- Step 3: Your initial laser treatment. A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area.
- Step 4: The crystal waveguide is applied to the skin and pulses of light are given.
- Step 5: Once the whole laser treatment area is covered with the pulse light; the gel is removed.
- Step 6: Aftercare advice is always provided to ensure the treatment is fully successful.
Laser Hair Removal – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Laser hair removal is a permanent hair removal treatment that is FDA approved. It has been medically proven to reduce hair growth. There are a wide range of places on the body where it is known to be effective and it has become increasingly popular over the past decade as a way in which people, both male and female can reduce their hair growth significantly. Hair growth is reduced significantly, and also grows back much slower and finer than before.
At the Harley Laser Clinic, we use a laser system which is FDA approved. We are also fully registered with the Healthcare Commission, who are a governing body that is responsible for the monitoring of independent clinics and hospitals across the UK.
The wavelengths of the light, which is produced by the laser, are specifically designed to disable the hair follicles only. Lasers have been used within the medical profession for many years and there have been no long-term side effects reported.
Once the laser treatment has taken place, the hair on the affected area will usually take 7-14 days to shed from the skin. You would normally expect the first re-growth to occur around one month after this. Because of these timescales, we normally advise leaving around 4-6 weeks between treatment sessions.
It is perfectly normal for people to require around 6-9 different sessions, if the area has not been previously treated, to achieve the optimum results. It can vary from person to person, and also the size of the area being treated.
Following each laser hair removal session, you are further along towards your goal of permanent hair removal. You will see a decrease in the hair growth following each treatment. As everyone is different, the results will differ from person to person, but rest assured; you will have visible results after just one session.
There are many different options when it comes to hair removal. Waxing, threading, shaving, sugaring amongst others – all of which are temporary. Laser hair removal is the only proven method to reduce hair growth permanently. The hair that does grow back comes back finer, lighter and slower than before, unlike some of the options mentioned above, which can cause hair to become thicker, and also return quicker. If your goal is permanent hair removal, then the answer is laser hair removal.
It is suitable for adults, both male and female. A patch test and a full consultation is always carried out before any treatment being offered as this will look thoroughly at your skin and hair type to ascertain the optimum laser settings.
It is suitable for a number of different areas on the body which include; back, face, neck, ears, chest, shoulders, underarms, legs, hands, feet, genital areas, arms and buttocks.
Laser hair removal is not effective on red, grey or white hair.
At The Harley Laser Clinic, we use the latest and greatest technology and devices. Our laser hair removal machine has an integrated cooling element, which makes the treatment much more comfortable. The pulsed light sensation has a hot and cold sting that is very quick. You will get to experience this beforehand at the patch test to ensure that you are fully aware of what it will feel like and that you know exactly what to expect.
Immediately after the treatment, it is perfectly normal to experience some redness or slight swelling to the skin, but don’t worry, this will subside within a couple of hours. If you have exceptionally sensitive skin, it may take a few days to subside; we always recommend Aloe Vera gel afterwards as it gives a wonderfully soothing effect while restoring the skin cells.
Using a pulsed light, hair is removed from the specified area of the body. This type of treatment has been practised since 1997. Treatments are always performed by a trained laser practitioner who will direct the sapphire crystal glass carefully onto the treatment area. It is the pulse from the laser machine which heats up the follicles and denatures them from producing hair. The special part of this treatment is contained within the energy that is produced from the crystal glass, this gets absorbed by the melanin within the hair and penetrates deeply, reaching the follicles that lie just underneath the skin. This energy safely heats the hair shaft, destroying it, causing no damage to the tissue whatsoever.
Some of the main causes of excessive hair growth are due to pregnancy, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, a side-effect of medication, ageing, steroids, excessive testosterone, or they can simply be hereditary.
Before commencing any laser treatment, patients with excessive hair growth in uncommon areas are encouraged to investigate any underlying medical conditions.
Harley Laser Clinic work with an organisation called www.pcostreatment.co.uk. If you are referred by your GP, with a referral letter from the linked website, we will give you a discounted rate; this is specifically for women who are diagnosed with PCOS.
Following on from your treatment, we always advise our clients to avoid direct heat, or heat simulation, such as hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, sunbeds and steam. It is also imperative that you do not undertake any cardiovascular exercise too, as this will heat up your skin.
Swimming pools are also to be avoided because of the chlorinated water. Perfumes, lotions, make-up, deodorant and aftershave should not be used on the treated area for at least 24 hours.
The wearing of tight clothing should also be avoided for 48 hours as this can aggravate the area as well. The one and only product we advise our client to use after a session is Aloe Vera gel.