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Dermatologist-led laser · UK

Skin laser and IPL - the right device, at the right setting.

Consultant-supervised laser and IPL for pigmentation, redness, thread veins, hair removal and photorejuvenation.

See indicative pricing
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Indicative pricing

What laser and IPL cost in the UK.

Indicative ranges across UK private providers.

In short

A course of three IPL sessions for facial pigmentation and redness: £750–£1,350, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.

Procedure Indicative range
IPL single session (small area) £150–£280
Course of 3 IPL sessions (face + neck) £750–£1,350
Vascular laser for rosacea/telangiectasia (per session) £280–£550
Q-switched / picosecond pigment laser (per session) £350–£850
Fractional non-ablative laser (per session) £450–£950
Laser hair removal (course of 6, face or bikini) £450–£950
Consultation and test patch £220–£380

Prices vary by device, area, session count, and whether treatment is dermatologist-led or delivered by a laser nurse under supervision. Q-switched and picosecond devices sit at the top of the range.

The problem

One device does not fit every skin - or every problem.

Laser and IPL is where cosmetic clinics under-deliver - the wrong wavelength for the target, no skin-type assessment, and burns or paradoxical pigmentation as a result.

  • Skin type first

    Fitzpatrick I–VI behave differently under laser. A device safe for skin II can burn skin V. Assessment first, machine second.

  • Test patch for darker skin

    Skin types IV–VI have real risk of paradoxical hyperpigmentation. A small test patch at 2 weeks avoids a bigger problem.

  • Medical dermatology, not cosmetics only

    Rosacea, port-wine stains and pigmentation are medical dermatology. They should be treated as such - not as a lunch-hour package.

When it helps

When laser or IPL is the right choice.

The concerns lasers treat well - and the ones where the answer is topical, injectable or surgical instead.

  • Sunspots and solar lentigines

    Discrete brown patches on face and hands - respond well to IPL or Q-switched laser.

  • Rosacea and facial redness

    Vascular laser (KTP, PDL, long-pulsed Nd:YAG) reduces persistent redness and telangiectasia.

  • Thread veins on face and legs

    KTP or Nd:YAG for face, long-pulsed Nd:YAG for legs - with sclerotherapy as an alternative on legs.

  • Port-wine stains

    Pulsed dye laser is the gold standard - often multiple sessions.

  • Unwanted facial and body hair

    Alexandrite for lighter skin, Nd:YAG for darker - 6–8 sessions typical.

  • Mild acne scarring

    Non-ablative fractional laser for shallow scars; ablative fractional for deeper.

  • Photorejuvenation

    IPL and non-ablative fractional for overall texture, tone and mild pigmentation.

  • Red flag: pigmented lesion of uncertain nature

    Never laser a mole or pigmented lesion without a dermatologist review first - melanoma can be missed.

Options

Devices - matched to target and skin type.

What each wavelength and pulse-duration does, and where it belongs.

  • IPL (intense pulsed light)

    Broad-spectrum polychromatic light with cut-off filters - versatile for pigmentation, mild redness and photorejuvenation.

  • KTP 532 nm

    Vascular and superficial pigment target - excellent for facial thread veins and sunspots.

  • Pulsed dye laser 585–595 nm

    Gold standard for port-wine stains, rosacea and haemangiomas.

  • Long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm

    Deeper vascular target and leg thread veins; safer for darker skin.

  • Q-switched Nd:YAG 532/1064 nm

    For discrete pigmentation and tattoo removal - fast pulses shatter pigment.

  • Picosecond lasers

    Shorter pulses, better tolerated for melasma and multi-colour tattoos.

  • Non-ablative fractional

    Erbium glass and similar - for texture, tone, mild scarring with minimal downtime.

  • Ablative fractional CO₂ / Er:YAG

    For deeper acne scarring, resurfacing and photodamage - longer downtime, best results.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Laser is safe when the device is chosen for your skin. Burns, blistering and paradoxical pigmentation are almost always avoidable with proper test-patching and dermatology oversight.

  • Choose the device for the skin

    Alexandrite on skin type V burns. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG is safer. Selection is the biggest safety lever.

  • Test patch matters

    A small test patch reviewed at 2 weeks avoids most burns and pigmentation problems, especially in darker skin.

  • Paradoxical pigmentation

    Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the commonest complication in skin types IV–VI. Usually settles with sunblock and hydroquinone.

  • Blistering and scarring

    Under 1% with proper technique; higher in inexperienced hands. Signs to call about: unexpected blistering or crusting.

  • Herpes flare

    Facial laser can trigger cold sores in carriers - antiviral prophylaxis where relevant.

  • Eye safety

    Correct wavelength-specific eyewear for you and the operator, every time. Non-negotiable.

  • Melasma is different

    Melasma responds poorly to aggressive laser. First-line is topical and photoprotection; laser is adjunct only, at low fluence.

  • No lasering of moles

    Pigmented lesions with any atypia should be assessed by a dermatologist first. Never lasered blind.

  • Red flags after treatment

    Unexpected pain, blistering, spreading redness, or a lesion that does not settle in a week needs same-week dermatology review.

Reading your notes

Your notes in four parts. Read the last one first.

The letter you receive from the consultant keeps to the same shape.

  1. 01 Assessment

    Skin type and target

    Fitzpatrick skin type, target problem, prior treatments and any relevant history.

  2. 02 Device

    Device, settings, test patch

    Which device, wavelength, fluence and pulse duration were used, and how the test patch behaved.

  3. 03 Response

    Session-by-session outcome

    Photographs and outcomes across the course.

  4. 04 Impression

    Maintenance and photoprotection

    Read this first: maintenance interval, sunblock, product plan, and any escalation.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Laser and IPL are generally cosmetic and not covered by insurance. Medical vascular laser (port-wine stain, rosacea telangiectasia) is sometimes covered under medical benefit.

Frequently asked

Common questions about laser and IPL.

Quick answers on skin type, downtime, session count, pain, cost and safety.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    Pigmentation with IPL: 3–5 sessions 4–6 weeks apart. Vascular laser for rosacea: 3–4. Laser hair removal: 6–8. Fractional laser for scarring: 3–5, monthly. Maintenance every 6–12 months for most treatments.

  • Does it hurt?

    Most feel a series of stinging "elastic-band" snaps. Numbing cream applied 20–30 minutes beforehand makes it very tolerable. Cooling is used throughout. Laser hair removal and pigment lasers are the sharper sensations; IPL is gentler.

  • How much downtime is there?

    IPL: mild pinkness for a few hours. Vascular laser: 24–48 h redness, occasional bruising. Q-switched: mild crusting for 5–7 days on treated spots. Non-ablative fractional: 2–5 days redness/roughness. Ablative fractional: 5–10 days downtime with real crusting.

  • Is laser safe for darker skin?

    Yes, with the right device. Long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm and low-fluence protocols are the safest options for Fitzpatrick IV–VI. A test patch is standard. Alexandrite and IPL on darker skin need caution or should be avoided.

  • Will pigmentation come back?

    Sun-induced pigmentation comes back if the sun continues. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 is the biggest lever. Melasma is stubborn and often flares in summer - laser is an adjunct to topical treatment, not a cure.

  • How much does laser and IPL cost in the UK privately?

    IPL single session £150–£280; a course of three £750–£1,350. Vascular laser £280–£550 per session. Q-switched or picosecond pigment laser £350–£850. Fractional non-ablative £450–£950. Laser hair removal course of six £450–£950. Consultation and test patch £220–£380.

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