Month: July 2018

Laser Hair Removal – Why You Need More Than One Treatment

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Laser hair removal is a very efficient process. It doesn’t work the same for everyone, though. Many people need multiple treatments. This is because we all have different hair growth rates, patterns, and density. Our hair pattern changes throughout our lives because our bodies are changing throughout our lives. A few treatments will be able to achieve the smoothness and sleekness you want, but the precise number will vary by person and hair pattern.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal works by focusing on the pigment in the hair in the skin. The pigment is targeted by the laser, heating and eliminating it. Used in laser hair removal, it eliminates the hair follicle below the surface of the skin. This is safe – there’s no burning or blistering involved.

Why This Means Multiple Treatments

This said, hair is constantly growing. This means you regularly have hair follicles that are dormant. They’ll become active anywhere from a month to two months later, which is why a course of treatment is necessary rather than a single one.

A single treatment will only address the follicles that are active at the moment, leaving the dormant ones alone. When those dormant ones activate, they’ll grow just like normal. Your active and dormant follicles are right next to each other, so to properly remove unwanted hair from an area, you’ll need to visit again when you can get those newly active follicles zapped!

Safe Treatment for Darker Skin

Be aware that different skin composition can present different challenges. Because lasers target by the colour they’re seeking, pigment levels in skin can change the type of laser we use, the efficiency of the process, and the most suitable course of laser hair removal treatment. We have to be careful with darker skin so that it isn’t scarred or lightened where the laser targets, whereas there’s more contrast between lighter skin and hair follicles. For this reason, we have different lasers in our clinic to treat different skin and hair types.

If you would like to book your free consultation and patch test, then call us today!

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Microneedling – the solution to stretchmarks

Can microneedling help remove stretch marks?

Across our 8 London clinics we are noticing more men and women are turning to microneedling to deal with their stretch marks. Stretch marks are most commonly caused by changes in weight and pregnancy and occur when your skin stretches quickly.

what are stretch marks?

Stretch marks rarely cause medical problems but can have a negative impact on your self-esteem and quality of life and are a a major aesthetic concern for some.

They can appear white in colour, lighter brown, or sometimes red depending on your skin tone and can cause some edema or swelling. Mature stretch marks are linear and a type of atrophic scar where the skin heals below the normal level.

stretch marks on stomach

The most common areas for stretch marks

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly:

  • stomach
  • inner thighs
  • buttocks
  • breasts
  • arms

If they are unsightly and you feel self conscious, there is a solution; a technique called microneedling.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy. It is a fractional treatment as only a small part of the skin is affected. It is a safe, simple, minimally invasive procedure and effective treatment for a range of conditions from acne to stretch marks and skin rejuvenation. There are now a number of devices available to perform microneedling, ranging from the derma roller to the Dermapen.

Collagen induction therapy

Collagen induction therapy refers to a treatment that stimulates your body to produce collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are vital for skin health and the production decreases as we age. They give your skin its elastic qualities, strength youthful appearance.

Microneedling and stretch marks

Microneedling is a way of stimulating your body’s healing processes. This heals skin naturally. It makes sense that you might be wary of the idea of subjecting yourself to hundreds of micro wounds, but microneedling is a safe way to use your own body’s natural response to get rid of stretch marks.

Each micro injury created results in your body starting a healing process. This process increases your body’s natural production of collagen and elastin.

These naturally fight the signs of ageing and improve the tone of your skin.

Microneedling has also been used to :

There are a few different approaches that are useful:

Different types of microneedling

We provide the three leading manufacturers of RF microneedling and microneedling technology. They are Ultracel, Infini and Dermapen and are available across our 8 London clinics.

This combines radio frequency microneedling with high intensity, focused ultrasound. The “RF” in Ultracel RF microneedling stands for the radio frequency microneedling device that delivers heat, tightening deeper layers of skin and not just the surface layer.

The high intensity ultrasound is precisely focused to stimulate the growth of collagen. It travels below the top layer of the skin and works at the deeper layers leaving the upper layers of skin for the microneedling. In effect it is a treatment that works on the outside and inside making it a powerful and effective choice.

This is a precise technology where you can customise treatments in a very exact way. Its uses 49 micro needles and can penetrate to 3.5mm. It also takes advantage of radio frequency microneedling to heat and tighten deeper layers of collagen. It’s very useful for eliminating wrinkles and scars for those with darker or more tanned skin tones.

Dermapen microneedling is ideal for a course of treatment designed to repair deep wrinkles, scars, and blotches. It’s the most prolific microneedling approach and is suited for a broad range of skin tightening and tone improvement. Unlike RF microneedling, Dermapen does not send a radio frequency down in to the deeper layers of the skin.

stretch mark removal on buttocks

microneedling for stretch marks costs

Depending on the treatment you opt for will determine how much you pay. Expect to pay for a series of treatments rather then one treatment as multiple treatments are often required for best results.

Dermapen microneedling prices start from £183 

RF microneedling prices start from £270

Ultracel prices start from £270

Is microneedling safe for stretch mark removal?

Microneedling is safe and is an FDA-approved electronic fractional device. It heals skin naturally and is an ideal way to take years off your look. It can help with imperfections as precise as very fine wrinkles, or as broad as stretch marks.

While adverse reactions are rare, possible side effects include scarring, infection, skin and tissue necrosis, herpes simplex outbreak, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Any skin colour changes normally fades within 6 months, but in rare instances could be permanent. This reaction is more common if you have a darker skin tones.

microneedling aftercare

Straight after the procedure your skin will feel tighter, maybe swollen, drier and sensitive to the touch. It’ll also look and feel sunburned.

Sensitivity and redness reduce within 24 hours. You may also experience itching, bleeding or bruising, scabbing, and the treated area may darken. Your skin may feel like rough like sandpaper but this should only last 2-7 days as your skin flakes off, being replaced by new tissue.

Avoid the sun following treatment as it can worsen the treated area. Avoiding direct sun exposure both before and after treatment.

Is microneedling for me?

Different types of microneedling and courses of treatment are ideal for different people who are looking for it to solve different problems. Your first step if you are thinking about do something about your stretch marks is to speak a skin specialist. That may be your doctor, dermatologist or skin expert at a clinic like ours

Microneedling stretch marks treatment near me

If you live in London or near on of our 9 clinics then why not speak to us about treating your stretch marks with microneedling.

We have been treating and advising Londoners since 2008 with their laser and skin issues. We can help you figure out the approach that will best help you heal scars, achieve a younger look, or get rid of stretch marks whether that be through microneedling or other treatments.

Treatments to Get You Wedding Ready

You want to look your best when you’re preparing for your wedding. There are a number of treatments that can help you achieve your best look. Each comes with particular strengths, depending on your goal. The best approach is to coordinate with a single clinic that can help you form a precise plan of action. This ensures that each treatment agrees with and enhances the last one, so you get just the right amount of what’s right for you.

HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is an incredibly effective way to rejuvenate your skin. It combines multiple processes: cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and protection. Its major benefits are that it’s a comfortable and even refreshing process. There’s also no downtime for the treatment to take effect, however you will feel a tightness in your skin within the week following the treatment whilst your skin renews.

The Hydrafacial is a great all rounder treatment which can tone out even the finest of lines, and is especially useful if you’re dealing with oily skin. The treatment will leave you skin looking plumper and firmer, and because it’s a soothing and non-invasive treatment, your skin maintains its elasticity.

Carbon Spectra

The carbon spectra is a treatment involves a gentle cleansing of your skin before carbon lotion is massaged over your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. A laser is then applied over the carbon. This warms the tissues beneath your skin gradually, enhancing your body’s natural collagen production.

The entire process takes about 20 minutes. Then your face is washed with a cleanser and sunblock is applied (to protect the refreshed skin). It’s a relaxing process focused on balancing the skin tone and minimising pores.

Ultracel

The Ultracel combines radio frequency and ultrasound together. This allows precise targeting of deep collagen layers. Ultracel’s unique combination heats up collagen in a safe and comfortable way. This stimulates the way collagen grows. The benefit of this approach rests in how it uses your body’s own natural collagen response to firm, tighten, and tone skin.

Dermapen

Dermapen involves microneedling. That may sound a little scary, but it’s perfectly safe and clinically proved. Dermapen accesses and promotes collagen growth and the body’s natural repair process. This can help to smooth out wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. A full course of treatment can rejuvenate your body. It’s not just for facial use, but can be utilised on almost any area.

Anti-Wrinkle Injectables & Fillers

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are one of the most proved technologies for smoothing wrinkles. They are an injectable that blocks nerve signals to particular muscles. Areas with wrinkles will relax and appear smoother. It’s used chiefly on wrinkles and smile lines.

Dermal Fillers on the other hand can help to fill wrinkles and smooth them out. They can also be used to replace lost volume, contour the face and plump the lips. These are two similar yet distinct solutions for eliminating wrinkles.

Contact us today to book your FREE consultation and discuss your treatment options.