Rare but possible if product migrated into smile muscles. Usually subtle and resolves within 6–12 weeks as the body metabolises the product. If you notice subtle asymmetry, book a brief review at 2 weeks. We don't typically intervene because the issue self-corrects; we monitor.
Honest referral to specialist providers with appropriate equipment. We don't push through cases our equipment can't safely accommodate.
We reassess. Possible causes: laser energy too conservative for your skin/hair combination, hair too light to respond well, hormonal factors driving continued growth, or laser simply not the right treatment for your specific case. We discuss honestly and adjust or stop.
Reassess at session 4-6. Possible reasons: hair too light, hormonal factors, settings issue. Discuss honestly.
Mild swelling that resolves within 24–48 hours is normal. Swelling that increases over the first 48 hours, is asymmetric, or is accompanied by pain or warmth should be reviewed — call reception and we'll book you in. True adverse reactions are rare with proper placement, but we'd always rather see you for an unnecessary review than miss something important.
We work around moles, not over them. Moles need separate monitoring by your GP/dermatologist — laser hair removal practitioners don't replace skin cancer surveillance. Raise at consultation; if you have concerning moles we may recommend GP/dermatology review first.
Defer treatment for 4-6 weeks after substantial sun exposure. Tan increases pigmentation risk.
Spray tan must be fully off 2 weeks before your session. Wash thoroughly and exfoliate. For gradual self-tanner that has built up over weeks, multiple washings may be needed. If unsure, skip the spray tan for the duration of your laser course.
One missed day of SPF isn't catastrophic, but try not to repeat it. Apply SPF50 the next day and stay covered or in shade. Tell us at your next session if you had significant exposure — we may want to wait an extra week for skin to recover.
Normal in the first 1–2 weeks. The masseter is doing less than usual so surrounding muscles work harder briefly until they adapt. Cut harder foods into smaller pieces, chew deliberately. By week 2 most patients feel normal again. If fatigue persists past 4 weeks, raise at review — could indicate over-treatment that we'd assess.
We stop, reassess settings, and discuss alternatives. About 1 in 30 patients discover their tolerance is too low even with numbing — that's a clinical signal that a different modality (different laser wavelength, or non-light treatment) may better suit your case. We don't push patients through significant discomfort.
Discuss honestly — adjustments or switch to fixed braces may be appropriate.
Peer-reviewed clinical evidence supports both platforms for their indicated uses. Neither has demonstrably better outcomes data for the indications we treat. Sciton has invested heavily in BBL-branded research, which is good for the BBL brand but doesn't make BBL technically superior to other IPL platforms used in trained hands.
Mild sun-damage pigmentation, dull skin texture, fine lines, uneven skin tone, early ageing changes. Best for maintenance-tier rejuvenation in patients in their 30s-50s with Fitzpatrick I-III skin. Doesn't treat deep wrinkles, melasma, or significant volume loss.
Similar to facial Profhilo — mild discomfort, not painful. The neck skin is thinner than the cheek so some patients find the injection sensation slightly sharper; numbing cream is available if preferred. The 10 injection points feel like small pricks each lasting a second. Mild bumps at injection sites for a few hours resolve naturally.
An IPL photofacial is £180 per session. Courses and combined plans with other skin treatments are quoted in writing at consultation. A patch test is required before your first session and is free. 0% APR finance is available over 12 months.
HydraFacial is from £160, or a course of six for £800. Optional boosters can be added to a session, and the booster options and any additional cost are confirmed at your appointment before treatment. Some patients prefer a plain HydraFacial.
Optional boosters can be added to an Illumi facial to suit your skin concerns. The options, and any additional cost, are confirmed in writing at your skin consultation before treatment. Some patients prefer the facial on its own.
Significant changes are normal — telogen effluvium (temporary shedding), changes in body hair distribution, gradual return toward pre-pregnancy patterns over 12–18 months. We typically wait for postpartum patterns to settle before resuming laser to ensure we're treating actual hair patterns rather than transient changes.
If you have a sunny holiday booked, schedule your last session 4 weeks before departure and your next 4 weeks after return. If you've already returned with a tan, we'll defer your next session until skin is back to baseline — typically 4 weeks for lighter skin, 6 weeks for darker skin.
We accommodate. Longer numbing cream application, more frequent pauses, talking through what's happening, allowing the patient to set the pace. For severe anxiety patients we can work in shorter sessions across more visits. We don't push through anxiety.
If you're committed to cryolipolysis specifically and a clinic you trust offers it, yes — Coolsculpting is a legitimate treatment used by many reputable clinics. We'll direct you to one if that's your preference. We chose differently for our practice; it doesn't make their choice wrong.
Yes — book 1–2 weeks before any event for the best result. Full effect by 7 days plus a few days of settling time produces the photo-ready outcome. Booking the day before an event will not work.
Yes — coordinate with GP/endocrinologist for PCOS management. Combined with laser produces better outcomes.
Yes, almost always. Sequencing is Invisalign first, retention for 6 months, then re-assess lip flip needs against the new smile architecture. This produces better outcomes than reverse-order treatment.