Website of the Department of Health

The treatment:

This treatment should be carried out by a trained operator in an establishment registered by the Healthcare Commission.

Light rejuvenation treatments are carried out using lasers, intense pulsed light or light heat energy systems. These treatments are 'non-ablative'. This means that they affect the middle or dermal layer of the skin without causing too much damage to the top layer of the skin. The treatment works by stimulating the dermal layer of the skin to produce more collagen, which 'plumps out' fine lines or wrinkles.

Your eyes must be protected with specially designed goggles during the treatment. Different light-based systems will work differently on different skin types. An initial course of treatments may be needed to achieve the desired effect, and a further treatment every six months may be necessary to maintain this effect.

The results:

Light rejuvenation therapy can help to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and uneven pigmentation.

The risks:

Light rejuvenation therapy can leave skin blisters or burns which can lead to mild scarring and changes in skin colour or pigment. If used around the eyes, it can also lead to eyelid swelling - though this is temporary. Some people can experience permanent scarring.

Before you start:

Make sure that your chosen clinic is registered with the Healthcare Commission, and ensure that your nurse or practitioner holds BTEC qualifications or equivalent in light-based treatments. You should also check that your nurse or practitioner has experience in treating different pigmentation types. You should also make sure that your chosen clinic has a light-based system which can achieve the result you want for your skin and pigmentation type.

You will need to wear a sunblock after this treatment.

Also see:

• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peel