Laser skin resurfacing in London

What laser resurfacing does

Laser resurfacing treats rough texture, enlarged pores, fine lines and some types of scarring by creating controlled micro-injury in the skin, which triggers renewal and new collagen. Results build over the months after treatment. At our Islington clinic, resurfacing is carried out on the Lynton fractional laser, with settings chosen for your skin and your concern. For a broader overview, see our laser rejuvenation page.

The principle is simple, even if the planning is not. Skin repairs itself in response to injury. By delivering laser energy in a measured, controlled way, we prompt that repair process without the unpredictability of an accidental wound. The skin renews its surface, and over the following weeks and months the deeper layers lay down fresh collagen, which is what gives texture, lines and some scars a smoother, more even appearance.

How much we ask the skin to repair is a clinical decision. Lighter settings mean a gentler treatment and a shorter recovery; deeper work can achieve more for lines and scarring, but asks more of your skin and of your diary. We decide this with you at consultation, based on what you want to change, how your skin is likely to respond and how much downtime you can accommodate.

Who it suits

• Rough or uneven texture and enlarged pores
• Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
• Mild acne scarring and some surgical scars
• Sun-damaged skin that has outgrown gentler treatments

The people who tend to do best are those with a clear, specific concern, realistic expectations and the ability to protect their skin from the sun for several weeks afterwards. Resurfacing is often a step on from treatments such as facials, peels or microneedling, when those have helped but not gone far enough.

It is less suited to deep lines caused by movement, which respond better to other approaches, and to loss of volume or sagging, which laser resurfacing does not lift or fill. If your main concern is laxity, our laser lift and tighten treatment, or a discussion about a non-surgical face lift, may be more appropriate. Our comparison of HIFU vs radiofrequency vs microwave explains the tightening options.

Who should not have resurfacing

We do not treat during pregnancy or breastfeeding, on tanned skin, with active infection or cold sores, or within six months of isotretinoin. Darker skin types carry a higher risk of pigment change, so we choose settings with great care or recommend an alternative such as microneedling.

We also take care with anyone who has a history of poor healing or raised scarring, active eczema or psoriasis in the area, a recent course of other skin treatments, or a tendency to cold sores, which heat-based treatments can trigger. A history of cold sores does not always rule treatment out, but it does change how we plan it, and we may ask you to speak to your GP beforehand. If anything on the skin looks as though it needs a medical diagnosis first, we will refer you to your GP or a dermatologist before going ahead.

Your consultation

Every resurfacing plan begins with a skin consultation. We look closely at your skin, ask about your medical history, medicines and skincare, and talk through what you would like to change. We assess your skin type and how it tends to respond to heat and sun, because that shapes both the settings we choose and the risk of pigment change.

We will explain what laser resurfacing can and cannot do for your concern, how deep we would suggest treating, what recovery would look like for you, and whether one session or a short course is likely to be needed. Where another treatment would serve you better, we will say so. The skin consultation costs £65 and is redeemable in full against treatment.

Preparing your skin

• Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for several weeks beforehand
• Pause retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs for the period we advise before treatment
• Do not wax, use hair removal creams or have other skin treatments on the area in the weeks before
• Tell us about any medicines or supplements, including anything that increases light sensitivity
• Plan your diary around the recovery period we agree, particularly for deeper settings

What happens on the day

We cleanse the skin thoroughly and take photographs so that progress can be compared fairly later. You wear protective eyewear throughout. Depending on the depth of treatment, we may apply a numbing cream beforehand and allow it time to work. The laser is then passed methodically over the treatment area. Most people describe a sensation of heat and prickling; we adjust pace and cooling to keep you comfortable.

Afterwards the skin will feel hot, similar to sunburn, and look red. We apply soothing aftercare, go through your aftercare instructions in detail and make sure you know how to contact us. You go home with written guidance.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the depth of treatment. Expect redness and a sandpaper feel for a few days after lighter settings, and longer for deeper work. Strict sun protection is needed for several weeks. See our laser resurfacing aftercare guide.

As the treated skin renews, it can feel tight and dry and may flake or peel. This is part of the process and should be left to shed naturally. Many people return to work and social plans within days after lighter treatment; after deeper work it is sensible to allow more time before important events.

Results and how many sessions

Many people notice smoother, brighter skin once the surface has healed. The more meaningful change comes later, as new collagen forms over the following three to six months. Many people see a clear improvement after one session, while deeper lines or scarring may need a short course. Results vary with skin type, age, the concern being treated and how carefully the skin is protected afterwards.

Laser resurfacing does not stop the skin from ageing. Sun protection and a consistent skincare routine help you keep the benefit for longer, and we can advise on that at your review. If you are considering energy-based tightening instead, see our guide to Morpheus8 alternatives.

Risks, and how we reduce them

Any treatment that works by controlled injury carries risk. The most important are pigment change, either darkening or lightening, infection, cold sore flare-ups, prolonged redness and, rarely, scarring. Risk rises with deeper treatment, darker or tanned skin, and poor aftercare.

We reduce these risks by assessing skin type carefully, choosing conservative settings where there is doubt, declining to treat tanned or compromised skin, planning around any history of cold sores, and seeing you for review. We would rather achieve a good result over two gentler sessions than risk a complication in one.

How it compares with other skin treatments

• Microneedling: also stimulates collagen through controlled injury, but without heat. It often suits darker skin types well and is a sensible alternative where laser carries more risk of pigment change.
• Skin peels and medical-grade facials: gentler options for dullness and mild texture, with less downtime and more modest change.
• Skin boosters and Profhilo: improve hydration and skin quality from within rather than resurfacing. They can work well alongside laser. See our skin boosters page.

Cost

Laser resurfacing at our Islington clinic is from £195. Your exact price depends on the area and depth of treatment, and we confirm it at consultation before anything is booked. The £65 skin consultation is redeemable in full against treatment.

Why have it with us

Dr Vishal Patel is Lynton Lasers trained and oversees every laser plan. He has 10 years in facial aesthetics and an MSc in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry, and brings a detailed understanding of facial anatomy to every skin plan. You can read more on Dr Patel’s profile.

The clinic is at 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP, two minutes from Essex Road station and a short ride from Angel, Highbury, Canonbury, Hackney and Stoke Newington. Buses 38, 56, 73, 341 and 476 stop on Essex Road. Many patients cycle or use a Lime or Forest e-bike. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, by appointment.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Vishal Patel · BDS · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry · GDC 103127. Last reviewed 1 October 2026.