Laser

What is it?

I use a Fotona laser, at the Bath clinic only. Every new laser patient starts with a laser consultation, which includes a patch test. The patch test must be done at least two weeks before treatment, and it is valid for six months.

Fotona treatments work in two ways:

• Erbium laser resurfacing. The Erbium (Er:YAG) wavelength is absorbed by the water in your skin, so it removes microscopically thin layers of the surface with very little heat spreading into the skin around it. That precision is the point: fresh, smoother skin forms, with less heat-related risk than CO2 resurfacing. That makes it more suitable for darker skin types, and for anyone who wants less downtime.
• Collagen stimulation uses controlled heat beneath the surface to encourage the skin to produce new collagen, supporting firmness and texture over time.

The Fotona treatments I offer:

• Erbium laser resurfacing for texture, fine lines and skin quality
• Fotona 3D SmoothLifting to tighten and lift, including treatment from inside the mouth
• Nd:YAG thread vein removal
• Hair stimulation
• NightLase, to reduce snoring
• LipLase, for fuller, smoother-looking lips without filler

Why I might recommend it

I may recommend laser treatment for uneven texture, enlarged pores, fine lines, some types of scarring, sun damage and early loss of firmness. Because the settings can be adjusted so precisely, I can tailor treatment to your skin and to how much downtime you can realistically take.

For some patients, laser is the main treatment. For others, it supports injectable or skincare work.

Who it suits

• People who want to improve skin texture, tone or firmness without injectables
• Patients with sun damage or uneven skin surface
• Those with early laxity who are not looking for surgery
• People willing to commit to a course and to careful sun protection

Laser is not suitable during pregnancy, if you have a recent tan, active infection or certain skin conditions in the area, or if you have recently taken some acne or light-sensitising medicines.

Please note: if you arrive for treatment with an active tan, I cannot treat you, and your treatment deposit will be lost.

What I consider when deciding

Your skin type and colour. This is one of the most important factors in laser treatment. Deeper skin tones are more prone to changes in pigmentation after heat or injury. This affects the settings I choose, whether I start with a test patch, and whether I prepare your skin first.

What is causing the concern. Texture, pigmentation, redness and laxity all have different causes. Laser is well suited to some of these and less suitable for others. Melasma, for example, needs particular caution, as heat can make it worse.

How much downtime you can take. A more intensive treatment may deliver more in fewer sessions, but it needs more recovery time. A gentler approach builds results gradually with little disruption. Neither is better: the right choice is the one that fits your life.

The time of year and your plans. Freshly treated skin is more sensitive to sunlight. I may suggest timing a course around holidays, and many patients prefer to start in autumn or winter.

Your history. Previous laser treatment, cold sores, skin sensitivity, slow healing or a tendency to scar all shape the plan. If you are prone to cold sores, I need to know in advance.

Whether laser is the right tool. If your main concern is volume loss or significant laxity, laser will not fully address it. I will explain what it can help with and where something else would be more effective.

Preparing and protecting your skin. Good skincare and daily sunscreen before and after laser make a real difference to results and reduce risk.

What can realistically be achieved

Laser can improve skin texture, smoothness, tone and, over time, firmness. Fine lines and pores can look softer, and the skin can look healthier overall. Laser will not lift significantly loose skin, replace lost volume or remove deep folds. Most results are gradual and build over a course of treatment.

Downtime

Downtime depends on the treatment. Gentle collagen-stimulating treatments may cause only a few hours of redness. Lighter resurfacing can bring redness, a feeling like mild sunburn and some flaking for a few days. More intensive resurfacing can involve up to two weeks of visible recovery. Strict sun protection is essential afterwards.

Results

Some people notice brighter, smoother skin within a week or two. Collagen remodelling takes longer, and improvements in firmness and texture usually develop over three to six months. The number of sessions and the spacing depend on the treatment, and I will give you a clear plan at your laser consultation.

Risks and important considerations

Common effects include redness, swelling, warmth and a sunburn-like sensation. Less common risks include blistering, crusting, infection, cold sore reactivation, acne flare-ups and changes in pigmentation, either darker or lighter, which can occasionally be long-lasting. Scarring is rare. Eye protection is used throughout treatment. Careful assessment, appropriate settings and good aftercare reduce most risks.

Common questions

Does laser hurt?

Most patients describe a warm, prickling or snapping sensation. Gentler treatments are usually very comfortable. For more intensive treatment I can use numbing cream.

Is laser safe for my skin tone?

Many skin types can be treated with carefully chosen settings, but deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of pigment change and need extra caution. I will assess your skin carefully and may suggest a test patch first.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your skin and goals. Most people benefit from a course, and I will give you a clear plan before you start.

Can I combine this with other treatments?

Yes. Almost every treatment I offer works alongside the others. Choosing can feel overwhelming, so I’ll help you decide, based on your preferences, your comfort, the result you want and what you’d like to invest. Then I’ll plan the order and timing so each one can do its job.

Price

See the pricing page. Every plan is confirmed at consultation.