We offer 2 laser facial treatment protocols:
Coolpeel:
Reduces signs of sun damage and hyperpigmentation
Refreshes your complexion
Reduces visible pores
Improves skin texture
Our gentle Coolpeel protocol offers you many of the benefits of Erbium laser resurfacing whilst minimising downtime and giving fast recovery. This protocol normally consists of a course of 3 treatments each 3 to 5 weeks apart.
Intensive Laser Facial:
This protocol offers all of the benefits of Coolpeel listed above and also:
Reduces signs of scarring
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Gives thicker, plumper skin
The main indication for this is acne scarring or other focal damage. This protocol normally consists of a course of 6 treatments 3 to 5 weeks apart and combines several modalities including fractional Q-Switch laser to strengthen skin and give deep neocollagenesis as well as intensive Erbium fractional laser to target the surface layers.
Our Laser Facial treatments are a genuine panacea for skin. Using Erbium fractional laser we trigger your skin’s natural defence and repair mechanisms by inducing very limited and specific damage. This heals quickly and completely but the process provokes a full spectrum response which remodels the surface of your skin and stimulates collagenesis deep within your tissues.
The fractionated laser delivers many thousands of tiny Microthermal Treatment Zones deep into your skin. Surface lesions, pigment and texture is effectively removed.
Erbium abalative laser gives great results while minimising the downtime associated with CO2 lasers
The full results of collagenesis are not seen for up to 6 months following each treatment, so ongoing background improvements are normal.
How many clinic visits do I need and how much will it cost?
After an initial consultation and patch test we recommend a course of 3 to 6 treatments. Please see Prices for costs.
Does it hurt?
The face is quite a sensitive part of the body, but surprisingly there is only minimal discomfort during the procedure and most people tolerate the procedure well. We recommend you take a couple of paracetamol and hour before treatment, but please do not take ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Following treatment there is a definite heating sensation on the skin. We apply intensive cooling directly after treatment to reduce this, and careful use of cold packs at home can afford additional relief. Your face will feel a bit sensitive with a sunburn sensation for a few days afterwards.
How will I look after treatment?
A network of microthermal treatment channels will be visible across your face giving a slightly textured appearance. Following treatment erythema will develop making you look slightly sun burned
How long does it take to heal after treatment?
It will be obvious that you have had the procedure for about a week, and full recovery takes around 2 weeks.
We recommend a gentle daily cleansing regime and avoidance of makeup if possible. The treated area should be protected from the sun by wearing a hat if required. It is very important that you do not receive direct exposure to direct sunlight during the healing process
When can I wear make-up?
We recommend that you avoid wearing make-up for a week after treatment. It’s VERY important not to have ANY product of ANY kind on your skin on the day of treatment. You need to be properly cleansed of all makeup, preferably in the shower so all traces are removed. We will refuse treatment for safety reasons if we see product on your face. This also applies to self tanning products.
Aciclovir
Persons with a history of cold sores or herpes are advise to take a course of prophylactic antiviral medication to prevent viral reactivation on the treated facial area
Highland Laser Clinic is unable to prescribe medication but we recommend the following:
Aciclovir 400mg Twice a Day for 2 days before procedure & 5 days after procedure
Online prescription services are available from e.g. https://pharmica.uk/
Pre Treatment Advice
For 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Do not expose the skin to strong sunshine, sun-beds, or fake tan for at least 4 weeks before, and between laser treatments. We can not treat you if you are tanned.
In the week prior to treatment
• No waxing, plucking or threading for at least one week before each treatment
• Avoid intense exfoliation, microdermabrasion or peels
In the 24 hours prior to treatment
• Do not use perfumed products on the area to be treated
• If necessary, make sure area being treated is cleanly shaved 24hours prior to treatment
On the day of treatment
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated water immediately before treatment
• Don’t be hungry, or thirsty, don't be hung-over or just worked a nightshift
• You may choose to take paracetamol an hour before treatment to help mitigate treatment associated pain if that’s a safe drug for you to use, but please do not consume aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID’s)
• Please do not have any kind of product on the area to be treated on the day of treatment, including fake tan
Post Treatment Advice
In the 2 days post treatment
• We will provide intensive cooling following treatment
• We will apply Aloe Vera directly after treatment
• Shortly after treatment, you will experience an intense heating sensation for 1 to 2 hours, this effect is part of the clinical action of the treatment. Please have cold packs available in your freezer to use at home if needed
• Please use Cicaplast B5 Balm (Available from us, Boots, or Amazon)
• Some slight crusting and scabbing is unavoidable. Do not pick scratch or otherwise irritate the treated area
• Some swelling will occur and will peak about 24 hours after treatment
• If any unusual side effect occurs, contact Highland Laser Clinic immediately to arrange aftercare
• Use a gentle cleanser such as Cicaplast Lavant B5 (Available from us, Boots or Amazon)
• Avoid makeup
For 1 week post treatment
• Moisturise intensively using Cicaplast. Later this can be substituted to a more conventional moisturiser e.g. E45
• Avoid all heat treatments including hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and hot showers directly onto your face
• No shaving, waxing, plucking or threading for at least 1 week after treatment
• No swimming in chlorinated water
• Avoid Makeup
In the 2 Weeks post treatment
• Avoid intense exfoliation, microdermabrasion or peels
• Do not use Retinoids, AHA’s, BHA’s or other intensive skin treatments
• Do not use fake tan
In the 8 Weeks post treatment
• Use sun protection SPF30+
• Limit sun exposure and do not use tanning beds until all pinkness has subsided. We will be unable to give you further treatments if you are tanned