Lasers & Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Cutera Excel V+

Lumenis M22

World leading laser & IPL devices for the treating a wide variety of common skin conditions

Treating skin with the lasers

Lasers have been used for the treatment of skin conditions and in dermatology since the 1960s. In recent years, laser technology has advanced considerably, becoming more powerful and the treatments more targeted. At Berkshire Aesthetics we use the Lumenis M22, a modular multi-application platform for the treatment of over 30 skin conditions and hair removal. In addition, we use the Cutera Excel V+ which is the world’s leading laser for vascular concerns including facial veins and associated conditions. 

Prior to treatment with lasers, our patients undergo a skin assessment using the VISIA skin analysis system.

What do our patients love?

Lasers and IPL are established treatment modalities which are trusted by patients across the world for their consistent and effective outcomes. The worldwide market for laser treatments is c. £1.5 billion which reflects the wide appeal and application. 

While laser treatments are numerous, as with any skin treatment, safety is paramount. To ensure safety your practitioner should have completed their laser safety certification, first-aid and device specific training with the laser manufacturer. 

Our patients love the fact that we only work with the world’s leading laser manufacturers – Lumenis and Cutera – and that our staff have completed the necessary training and follow all necessary safety protocols. Our team are focused on delivering the best possible outcomes and have developed their own treatment protocols, led by Baabara Fontana who has over 20 years of laser experience. All of our practitioners work closely to ensure they share best practice and that no matter who delivers the treatment, everyone is assured of a consistent experience. 

Who are laser treatments for?

Our laser and IPL platforms are highly versatile devices that can treat not only wide range of skin conditions (including stretch marks, scars, veins, pigmentation) but also skin types. 

To ensure patient safety a patch test must be performed prior to a course of treatment with either the Excel V+ or Lumenis M22. This will not only ensure patient safety but allow the practitioner to define the correct protocol for the best possible treatment outcomes. 

Treating skin with the Cutera Excel V+

The Excel V+ from Cutera is a pioneering dual-wavelength Nd:YAG laser which provides huge versatility and flexibility to treat nearly 20 different cosmetic and dermatologic conditions. The Excel V+ is our go-to laser for both vascular and benign pigmented lesions, and in our research was by far the most powerful laser on the market today.

Not only is the Excel V+ highly effective it is extremely comfortable with the standard CoolView handpiece. Not only does the Excel V+ effectively target vascular concerns the laser also enables our practitioners to offer yet another skin rejuvenation treatment – the Laser Genesis™ – a premium skin procedure for overall improvement of skin condition for patients of all skin types.

Conditions treatable with lasers

Many common skin conditions can be treated with lasers including:
 

See the Lumenis M22 in action

M22 Laser
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See Cutera Excel V+ in action

Frequently Asked Questions

The M22 and Excel V+ can treat numerous skin conditions including:
– Thread veins
– Cherry angiomas
– Rosacea
– Melasma
– Sun damage (age spots and freckles)
– Scars and stretch marks
– Unwanted hair
– Acne
– Dull complexion and uneven skin tone
– Fine lines and wrinkles

The Excel V+ and the M22 can treat numerous skin conditions including:

  • Rosacea
  • Telangiectasia
  • Leg Veins
  • Facial Veins (red and blue)
  • Venous lake (purple lesions on lips)
  • Diffuse redness of the face and neck 
  • Scars and keloids
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia (dilated oil glands)
  • Port Wine Stain
  • Hemangiomas
  • Cherry Angioma
  • Freckles
  • Sun damage
  • Pigmentation
    Warts
  • Unwanted hair
  • Acne
  • Dull complexion and uneven skin tone
  • Fine lines and wrinkles

Excel V+ is the latest generation laser technology for vascular and pigmentation treatments. With design input from leading dermatologists, excel V+ delivers the power, precision, and performance to safely and effectively treat indications from challenging vascular and pigmentary conditions to today’s most common skin concerns. Featuring two clinically proven wavelengths, large spot sizes up to 16 mm, and higher energy, excel V+ puts you ahead of the rest and expands your treatment capabilities. excel V+ features wavelengths that are preferentially absorbed by the chromophores of browns and reds, and fine lines/wrinkles — melanin, oxyhemoglobin, and water.

The M22 is a multi-platform system utilising a number of different attachments to deliver a variety of laser energy to the skin. The three systems used at Berkshire Aesthetics are: 

1. Universal IPL: uses different wavelengths to pulse through the skins surface, targeting a specific area. In the treatment of pigmentation, vessels and hair removal; IPL uses light energy to target a particular chromophore. This light is then absorbed by the target which causes it to break down into smaller particles, it then rises up to the skin surface to flake away or breaks down damaged tissue as part of the body’s natural healing process.

2. ResurFX: works by stimulating the development of collagen by channelling heat to deeper layers of the skin without harming surrounding tissue. This collagen growth reduces the appearance of scars, stretch marks, open pores and fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Q-switched ND:YAG: effective at treating dermal pigmentation due to it longer wavelength. Works by targeting the melanin chromophore in the treatment area. The laser will target the damaged cells and pigment and break it up into smaller particles through short, powerful bursts of energy. These shattered particles are absorbed into the blood steam and eventually expelled from the body through the lymphatic system.

Before commencing with a course of laser treatments it is important to consider that throughout treatment, and after completing a full course, patients should avoid excessive and direct sun exposure and sun protection should be worn at all times.

IPL and laser are suitable for anyone seeking a non-invasive treatment for improvement in the texture and complexion of their skin, treatment of specific skin lesions as well as hair removal. During your consultation your practitioner will thoroughly asses your skin and preform a patch test  to determine which IPL or Laser treatment is suitable for you based on your skin type and the condition to be treated.

The treatment duration depends on the size of the area treated and also on the skin condition. Treatment can take between 20 minutes and 90 minutes.

The M22 device provides a pain free and comfortable treatment. Patients will usually feel minimal heat on their skin and a ‘pin prick’ sensation. To improve the comfort of the treatment a Zimmer cooling device is used at the same time to blow cold air onto the skin.

The number of sessions needed is determined during consultation; this is dependent on the severity and type of skin condition treated. Usually a course of 3-6 treatments is recommended with sessions being regularly spaced out every 4-6 weeks. Additional sessions may be required for maintenance in the future.

Prior to treatment, patients are advised the following:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure at least 4 weeks prior to course of treatment and also to clear any tan present on their skin.
  • Avoid deep depth chemical peels and laser resurfacing 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. Superficial/medium depth peels should be completed 2 weeks prior to M22 treatments.
  • Avoid the use of Retinols and any active creams at least 48hrs prior to treatment.
  • If possible stop any photosensitive medication.

Yes, the M22 is a very safe device. It’s minimised treatment times means that the skin is exposed to the laser for a shorter amount of time which lowers the risk of over-heating the skin. Additionally, the hand-piece comes with a patented cooling tip which protects the skin from sensitivity and post treatment pain.

Minimal downtime is involved post IPL and laser but usually patients can resume to normal activities straight away.

  • Redness and mild swelling which may last up to 24 hours
  • Where pigmentation has been treated; lesions may initially turn darker and scab over within a couple of days after treatment. This usually last up to a week.
  • Occasionally patients may experience minimal bruising in areas where larger vessels have been treated. This is very rare but may occur in patients who are prone to bruising.
  • A ‘sun burn’ sensation and warmth on the skin may be present on the skin for up to 24hrours post IPL and Resurfx skin treatments. A cold compress and cooling will be applied on to the skin to minimise this.

The risk of side effects is very low. During consultation your practitioner will preform a patch test on the treatment area few days prior to treatment. This is to check for any skin reactions and suitability to treatment, you will also be given appropriate after care to minimise the risk of complications.

Some of these rare side effects include:

  • Bruising
  • Burning
  • Blistering
  • Severe redness

Generally results can be seen a couple of weeks after the first session. However, laser and IPL are progressive treatments therefore full results are visible after completing the full course of treatment and up to 3 months after.

Patients are advised to avoid application of make-up for at least 24 hours after the treatment. It is also advisable not to use retinol or any creams which are too active for a week. A gentle cleanser, soothing cream and SPF will be recommended by you practitioner to use regularly post treatment.

Other after care includes:

  • Avoiding direct sun exposure.
  • A broad spectrum sunscreen should be worn on a daily basis.
  • Hot treatment such as saunas/steam rooms should be avoided for 48 hours.

Treatment Results

Great combination treatments with the M22 & Excel V+

Dermalux LED Light Therapy
The most advanced LED light therapy available, the Dermalux MD can treat a variety of different skin conditions and can boost post-laser recovery or accelerate the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, redness, inflammation and wrinkles.
Learn More
HydraFacial
for the treatment of congested skin, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, vascular lesions and rosacea. Best performed 2 to 4 weeks prior to the M22 or 2 weeks after.
Learn More
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