Laser Treatment for Acne

A diagnosis for acne is typically made through a comprehensive skin assessment performed by a dermatologist or skin specialist. This process helps determine the type, severity, and underlying factors contributing to your acne so that the most effective treatment plan, including laser therapy, can be recommended.

If laser therapy is recommended, your consultant will explain what’s involved, including how to prepare, any associated risks, and how to care for your skin post-treatment to support a good outcome.

Laser treatment for acne is considered very safe and non-invasive. At Welbeck, the treatment is performed by a trained clinical nurse specialist using medical‑grade laser technology. The treatment is designed to be comfortable, precise, and effective, with minimal disruption to your daily routine, taking only around 30 minutes from start to finish.

Please note that all patients (referred and self-referring) must have a consultation with one of our dermatologists before treatment can take place.

This is what you can expect to happen during a treatment:

1. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove any oil, makeup, and impurities. If needed, a topical numbing cream can be applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

2. Both you and your nurse will put on protective eyewear, which must be worn throughout the session to shield your eyes from the laser energy.

3. The laser handpiece is slowly moved across the treatment area, while laser energy is delivered to the skin. During treatment, you may feel warmth, tingling, or a mild snapping sensation similar to a rubber band flicking your skin. Any sensations should not be painful, and most patients find any discomfort tolerable. 

4. Once the treatment is complete, a soothing gel or cooling device will be applied to calm your skin. Your provider will also give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave.

We advise that you avoid aloe vera products (topical, drinks, or tablets) for 7 days before treatment, and vitamin A products for at least 2 days before treatment. 

It’s helpful if you can come to your appointment wearing no makeup, as your skin needs to be clean and makeup-free for treatment. You can apply makeup straight after treatment if you would like. 

There’s no other particular preparation required before your appointment. The nurse delivering your treatment will prep your skin to ensure an optimal outcome.

To support your skin’s health and recovery after treatment, we advise that you:

• avoid smoking, wearing heavily perfumed creams, and swimming in public pools for 2 to 3 days

• don’t use products containing aloe vera (topical, drinks, or tablets) for 7 days after treatment 

• don’t use products containing vitamin A for 2 days after treatment

• wear SPF daily to protect your skin

Laser treatment for acne has a very low risk of side effects. However, there’s a small risk that the following may occur:

• purpura (purple spotting/bruising)

• pigment changes (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)

• redness, swelling, and inflammation

• blistering, crusting, or superficial burns (rare)

Pricing for laser treatment for acne is as follows:

• Test Patch - £110

• Per Session - £180

• Package of 3 sessions - £495

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

You can be referred by a healthcare professional or you can self-refer for treatment, but you must have a consultation with a Welbeck consultant before booking your first treatment. This is so that they can assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. 

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.