Laser Treatment in London
Laser treatment in London is provided by GMC-registered dermatologists using fractional CO2 lasers for skin resurfacing and acne scar treatment achieving 50-70% scar improvement over 3-6 sessions, pulsed dye lasers for rosacea and vascular lesions reducing redness 60-80%, Q-switched lasers for pigmentation and tattoo removal lightening age spots and melasma, and Nd:YAG lasers for hair removal providing permanent reduction with treatment costs £200-£2,000 per session depending on laser type and treatment area.
London laser specialists treat acne scarring, surgical scars, pigmentation disorders including melasma and age spots, vascular conditions including rosacea and thread veins, unwanted hair on face and body, and skin rejuvenation for fine lines and sun damage with treatments performed in specialist clinics equipped with multiple laser systems enabling customised protocols for individual skin types and concerns.
Laser Types & Uses
Ablative Lasers (Resurfacing)
Fractional CO2 Laser:
Skin resurfacing, acne scars, wrinkles
Creates microscopic wounds stimulating collagen
50-70% scar improvement
3-6 sessions needed
5-10 days downtime per session
Cost: £800-£2,000 per session
Erbium YAG Laser:
Gentler resurfacing alternative to CO2
Less downtime (3-5 days)
Suitable for sensitive skin
Fine lines and superficial scars
Cost: £600-£1,500 per session
Vascular Lasers
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL):
Rosacea, thread veins, port wine stains
Targets blood vessels
60-80% redness reduction
3-5 sessions typical
Minimal downtime
Cost: £300-£600 per session
Nd:YAG Laser:
Deeper vascular lesions
Leg veins, facial vessels
Safe for all skin types
Cost: £400-£800 per session
Pigment Lasers
Q-Switched Lasers:
Age spots, sun damage, melasma, tattoos
Shatters pigment particles
4-6 sessions for pigmentation
6-12 sessions for tattoos
Gradual lightening
Cost: £200-£600 per session
Hair Removal Lasers
Alexandrite Laser:
Light skin types
Fast treatment
6-8 sessions for 80-90% reduction
Cost: £100-£400 per session depending on area
Nd:YAG Laser:
Dark skin types
Safer for pigmented skin
8-10 sessions needed
Cost: £150-£500 per session
Top Laser Specialists
Professor Firas Al-Niaimi - Harley Street
Professor of laser dermatology with all laser types available
Expertise: Acne scars, pigmentation, vascular, hair removal
Cost: £350 consultation, £400-£2,000 per session
Profile: View Professor Al-Niaimi
Dr. Anjali Mahto - Harley Street
Laser specialist for skin of colour conditions
Expertise: Pigmentation, melasma, safe laser for dark skin
Cost: £275 consultation, £300-£800 per session
Profile: View Dr. Anjali Mahto
Browse cosmetic dermatologists for laser specialists.
Treatment Costs
Laser Type | Indication | Cost/Session | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
Fractional CO2 | Acne scars | £800-£2,000 | 3-6 |
Pulsed Dye | Rosacea | £300-£600 | 3-5 |
Q-Switched | Pigmentation | £200-£600 | 4-6 |
Hair Removal | Unwanted hair | £100-£500 | 6-10 |
Insurance: Usually not covered (cosmetic), except medical laser for birthmarks/scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser treatment hurt?
Laser treatment discomfort varies by laser type and treatment area. Ablative lasers (CO2, erbium) cause moderate pain controlled with topical anaesthetic cream and cooling during procedure. Vascular lasers cause snapping sensation like rubber band tolerable without anaesthetic. Pigment lasers cause mild discomfort. Hair removal lasers cause brief stinging per pulse. Most patients tolerate laser treatment well. Facial treatments slightly more sensitive than body. Pain temporary lasting only during treatment.
How many laser sessions do I need?
Laser sessions required vary by condition treated. Acne scars need 3-6 fractional CO2 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks achieving 50-70% improvement. Rosacea requires 3-5 pulsed dye laser sessions monthly reducing redness 60-80%. Pigmentation needs 4-6 Q-switched sessions monthly achieving significant lightening. Hair removal requires 6-10 sessions 4-6 weeks apart achieving 80-90% permanent reduction. Deeper conditions require more sessions than superficial issues. Maintenance treatments yearly preserve results.
Are laser treatments safe for dark skin?
Laser treatments can be safe for dark skin when performed by experienced dermatologists using appropriate laser types and settings. Nd:YAG lasers are safest for dark skin avoiding epidermis damage. Q-switched lasers treat pigmentation safely with conservative settings. Ablative lasers risk hyperpigmentation in dark skin requiring test spots and gradual protocols. Avoid inexperienced practitioners who may cause burns or permanent pigmentation changes. Choose dermatologists experienced in skin of colour like Dr. Anjali Mahto.
What's the downtime after laser treatment?
Laser treatment downtime varies dramatically by laser type. Fractional CO2 laser requires 5-10 days with redness, swelling, peeling, and oozing limiting social activities. Pulsed dye laser causes 5-7 days bruising requiring makeup coverage. Q-switched laser causes minimal downtime with slight darkening of treated spots shedding over 7-14 days. Hair removal laser has no downtime enabling immediate return to activities. Schedule ablative treatments around social commitments. Non-ablative treatments cause minimal disruption.
Can laser treatment go wrong?
Laser treatment complications are rare when performed by qualified dermatologists but possible unwanted effects include burns from excessive settings causing blistering and scarring, hyperpigmentation (darkening) especially in dark skin lasting months, hypopigmentation (lightening) from excessive treatments permanent in some cases, infection from inadequate aftercare, and scarring from inexperienced practitioners. Choose GMC-registered cosmetic dermatologists minimising risks through medical expertise and conservative treatment approaches. Test spots reduce complication risk.
Next Steps
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