It might not feel like it yet, but we’re nearly into summer, so now’s the time to start thinking about protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is especially important if you’re going somewhere hot for your hols, but even in this country the sun can cause skin damage.

The sun can create a whole load of problems for your skin, from premature ageing and wrinkles to discolouration and, most seriously of all, skin cancer. Skin cancer is caused by the sun’s UV rays and is one of the most common cancers in the UK. However protecting the skin can help prevent it.

Here are our top five tips for protecting your skin:
   1) First and foremost, make sure you don’t burn in the sun.
   2) Cover up – wear a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
   3) Use a high factor sunscreen on exposed skin.
   4) Keep your eye on the kids and make sure they cover up or use sunscreen too.
   5) Stay in the shade when the sun’s at it’s hottest around midday.

Of course you don’t have to be in bright sun for skin damage to happen – even when it is cool and cloudy the sun’s UV rays can get through, so don’t be fooled!  And don’t forget your lips – lip cancer is on the rise, so use lip balm with sun protection too.

Some sun is good for us of course, as it helps the skin produce vitamin D which is good for our bones, and after being cooped up all winter, who doesn’t want to get out in it? The main thing is to be sensible, protect your skin and don’t over do it in the sun.

We see lots of people with damaged skin at Laserase Bolton and, although we like to help all our clients look their best, we’d encourage everyone to take care of their skin in the sun to prevent long-lasting damage.

So, look after your skin and enjoy the summer – if we get one!

Laserase Bolton has been around for over 18 years and we pride ourselves on the quality of care that we give to our clients and the level of training and expertise of our staff.

As you can see from our website, we provide a full range of specialist skin treatments including laser tattoo removal, hair reduction, skin rejuvenation and acne treatment, and we aim to provide a totally professional and high quality service to all our clients.

All our laser operators are first and foremost qualified doctors and nurses. Each one has undertaken specific training in their particular area of treatment – training which emphasises safety in the use of medical lasers and medical products. In fact, all our doctors and nurses have over 10 years’ experience in the aesthetics field, so you can be assured that you are in safe hands.

We are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and we are a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. The Care Quality Commission regularly inspects our clinic to make sure we meet essential standards of quality and safety.

We offer a relaxed, welcoming and friendly atmosphere and always take into account our clients’ particular needs. Our policy is to be completely open and honest. We are not target driven and will advise against any treatment we do not think is suitable for any individual. We offer free, no obligation consultations for all our treatments.

Although we are an independent company, we also belong to the Laserase network, the largest association of laser clinics in the country. The network works together to identify and research new techniques and technologies and to implement common standards of safety and client care.

It’s very easy to find us, as we’re based in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital, and we serve clients across the whole of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the North West including Bolton, Wigan, Bury and Preston.

At Laserase Bolton we offer a confidential, friendly and reliable service, and you can be sure of the very best standards of treatment and care. We look forward to welcoming you!

If you’re dreaming of the smooth look this summer, then now is the perfect time to start laser hair reduction treatment.

If you start now, you will you see the effects of treatment in time for your summer hols, and besides, you can’t have laser hair reduction treatment once you have a tan, or for at least four weeks after sun exposure, so it makes sense to start before the sun comes out!

The number of hair reduction treatments needed varies from person to person, but it averages about six. It depends on a number of factors, such as where the hair is, what has been done to it in the past and your individual response.

Lasers have been used for hair reduction treatment for many years and we have been using them at Laserase Bolton since 1995, with great success. We use a state of the art Soprano XL Laser which provides the very best balance of results, speed and comfort.

The Soprano XL Laser is suitable for all skin types, hair types and most hair colours, although red hair does not always respond and white or grey hair cannot be treated. Because of the laser’s unique technology, treatment can be virtually pain free.

Laser hair reduction treatment works by focusing a laser beam on the hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface, to disable the follicle quickly and safely and stop the hair from growing. All parts of the body can be treated, including the chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, arms, underarms and back, as well as sensitive areas such as the chest and bikini line.

You may not know it, but all users of laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) systems need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission, so you should be sure to check this before undergoing treatment. Laserase Bolton is registered and inspected by the Commission and all treatments are carried out by our highly experienced, trained staff.

We offer free consultations for hair reduction treatment and a test patch will be carried out before treatment starts. And remember, laser hair reduction treatment carried out by trained professionals in a controlled clinic environment is almost always likely to be more effective than trying to do it yourself at home with a laser or light kit.

Stunning 50 year old Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies recently revealed that she indulges in a little bit of Botox every six months or so, to help keep the lines and wrinkles at bay.

However, Sharron told Mail Online that it’s important for the Botox to be subtle and that you find a practitioner you can trust. “I like to be able to raise my eyebrows,” she said!

At Laserase Bolton, we wholeheartedly agree with Sharron’s philosophy. Botox is a fantastic beauty product, if it is used sensibly and treatment is carried out responsibly.

Only doctors and nurses can inject Botox, and it has to be prescribed, but there are a large number of untrained and unqualified providers out there who put patients at risk.

Laserase Bolton is the region’s leading laser centre and skin health solutions specialist. Registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), we have been established for over 18 years and use only trained and qualified doctors and nurses to give Botox treatments.

We would urge everyone considering Botox to use reputable practitioners. Our three suggestions for peace of mind are:

• Check that the provider is registered with the Care Quality Commission
• Make sure they are using medically qualified nurses and doctors to apply treatments
• Check that they have an excellent reputation in their field.

If you want to know more about Botox and how it works visit our Botox page or feel free to give us a call to discuss your needs – we offer free no obligation consultations for all our treatments and we will only recommend what is appropriate for you.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to think about getting rid of an unwanted tattoo of an ex-partner!

For most of us, when we meet someone new it’s time to move on, and getting rid of that unwanted ink can be part of the process. Maybe it’s the name of an ex, or just a picture tattoo that reminds you of them, either way, at Laserase Bolton we can help. We’ve been using lasers for tattoo removal for almost 20 years, with some amazing customer results.

It’s not easy to estimate how many treatments it will take to get rid of a tattoo, as every one is different. For example, it depends on the colours used, whether it is outline only or filled in and and whether it is amateur or professional. An amateur tattoo typically takes anywhere between four and 10 treatments to remove and a professional tattoo eight to 20, although it may take more. The cost can vary too, from around £30 to £150.

However, the results we have seen are impressive – previous clients have described them as “life changing” and “very welcome”.

If your tattoo is getting in the way of your love life, it’s worth contacting us to see how we can help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so, if nothing else, you can find out more about what we can do for you.

Laserase Bolton is a professional organisation employing only trained and experienced medical professionals. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission, so you can be assured of the very best standards of treatment and care. Our policy is to be completely honest with all clients – we are not target driven and will advise against any treatment we do not think is suitable for you.

There’s nothing less romantic for your new partner than an inked reminder of your ex – so this Valentine’s Day, think about kissing goodbye to that unwanted tattoo!

Happy New Year from everyone at Laserase Bolton!

Well here we are in 2013 – Christmas is over, the partying has finished and the New Year’s resolutions have already gone out of the window! No wonder we all feel a bit low at this time of year. So why not think about a bit of pampering for yourself, to help get rid of the winter blues?

Our skin takes a lot of punishment at this time of year, not only from the stress and partying of the festive season, but from the cold weather too, and if we’re feeling a bit run down, it makes things worse. So now is a good time to consider laser skin rejuvenation.

At Laserase Bolton we offer a wide range of laser skin treatments to meet your needs. However, with so many treatment options, you might be unsure about what is safe, suitable or appropriate.

That’s why we offer free consultations to advise on which treatment would be most appropriate for you – we do not just offer you a treatment because it is available. Your skin is as unique as you are and you will be recommended an individual treatment programme, drawn from a wide range of options, to fulfil your own requirements.

The range of laser skin treatments at Laserase Bolton includes NLite Laser which helps reduce lines and wrinkles, Harmony Pixel Laser which stimulates collagen production to tone the skin and Harmony AFT570 Pulsed Light which evens out skin colour and helps repair damaged skin.

One of our most popular treatments, Laser 360™, combines three revolutionary technologies to provide comprehensive skin rejuvenation. It can improve skin colour, wrinkles and skin texture in just 60 days revealing brighter, younger looking, healthier skin.

Whichever treatment you choose, you can be assured that at Laserase Bolton you will receive expert advice and an individually tailored treatment plan to suit your personal needs, timetable and budget.

20% off laser treatments for new patients in January! Offer includes skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, hair reduction and acne treatments. Call us now on 01204 570900 or use the online form to arrange your free no obligation consultation.

The shops are full of Christmas stuff, we’re organising parties and some of us are already planning the big day itself but, in the busy run up to Christmas, don’t forget to spare a thought for yourself and how to look your best this year.

Laserase Bolton offers a huge selection of skin rejuvenation treatments from AFT intense pulsed light, which evens out skin colour and reduces tiny broken blood vessels, to Pixel Laser treatment which stimulates collagen production to tone the skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It’s amazing how even a small amount of treatment can have a quick, but natural looking, impact.

This is in addition to Botox and other injectables for facial lines and wrinkles. From crow’s feet, to wrinkles round the eyes and horizontal forehead lines, a Botox treatment at Laserase can help you wow your friends this Christmas – and if you look good, you feel good too!

Restylane injections work well on deeper lines and skin folds, and can be used for lip enhancements. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural effect, gentle and safe to your skin. You could even look at combining Restylane and Botox treatments, as the treatments are complementary. (You would need to have the Botox treatment first, followed by Restylane one month later.)

All our treatments are carried out by fully trained, qualified medical practitioners and a free no-obligation consultation takes place before treatment starts. At Laserase Bolton you will receive expert advice and an individually tailored treatment plan to suit your personal needs, timetable and budget. So if you want to look your best this Christmas, why not get in touch with us – we would love to help.

Now where’s that mistletoe…!

We also offer gift vouchers for all our treatments, so if you’re stuck for present ideas or you know someone who would love to be pampered, why not treat them to a Laserase Bolton gift voucher? Just give us a call on 01204 570900 to find out more, email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call in and see us in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is close to our hearts at Laserase as we remember our brave colleague and campaigner Alyson who died of breast cancer four years ago.

Since Alyson lost her battle against the disease, we have raised money for both Breast Cancer Care and the Royal Bolton Hospital’s Breast Unit.

A couple of years ago we organised a huge fundraising appeal for local women to bring in their bras, which were then sent on to the developing world, and to donate a pound for these two really important causes. It was something we had discussed with Alyson and she thought it was a great idea and made her laugh.

Alyson thought she had beaten her breast cancer after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. She then battled with health chiefs to be given the “wonderdrug” Herceptin but died, surrounded by her family, after her cancer returned.

We often think of Alyson, not only because she was a much-loved colleague, but because she was such a courageous campaigner for breast cancer awareness. And that’s why we keep going on about it!

We want to keep reminding women that the most important thing is that they check themselves regularly – it really does make sense – and if you spot anything unusual, go to your GP without delay. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. So please don’t bury your head in the sand!!

To find out more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for information on breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Care website: http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

Our skin has to put up with a lot during the summer months so, as autumn approaches, now is the perfect time to give your skin some much-needed TLC.

With all the changeable weather we’ve had this year – from hot sunny days to cold, wet and windy spells – this summer has taken its toll on our skins like never before. One minute we were sunburnt, the next minute the heating was on!

So, whether you need a little light rejuvenation for damaged skin or something more intensive, Laserase Bolton has a wide range of solutions tailored for your needs:

• Pixel Laser laser peel and skin resurfacing can help to restore a youthful appearance to wrinkled, prematurely aged, scarred or sun damaged skin. It can be used on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands – in fact any area of the skin that has surface irregularities, including wrinkles and scars
• NLite Laser is a very low power laser which has been effectively used by Laserase to treat lines and wrinkles for over twelve years. Although one treatment will usually produce a noticeable effect, we would recommend three treatments over a period of about three months
• Skin rejuvenation with the AFT570 Pulse Light can help to reduce lines and wrinkles in around five or six short lunch break sessions
• Laser 360™ combines three revolutionary technologies to provide comprehensive skin rejuvenation. It can improve skin colour, wrinkles and skin texture in just 60 days revealing brighter, younger looking, healthier skin.

As professional health practitioners, Laserase Bolton can advise on which treatment is best for you. We provide expert advice and an individually tailored treatment plan to suit your personal needs and budget. So why not book your free consultation today?

As you know here at Laserase Bolton we are all about safety.  That’s why we only employ qualified doctors and nurses to provide our treatment, however, as we all know there are many people operating without the relevant experience and it seems the latest group to be targeted to train as aesthetic practitioners are podiatrists.

For those people who don’t know, podiatrists study, diagnose and treat disorders of the foot. Apparently many podiatrists are now being targeted to do a quick training course in the use of injectables such as Botox - and it’s causing quite a debate within medical circles. The manufacturers of Botox and the like say they don’t support use of their products by podiatrists and so we asked Lindsay a podiatrist who runs a clinic from Laserase Bolton what she thinks.

“Yes, I've been sent promotional material offering training in Botox myself but would never even consider it,” she said.

“It is not within the remit of a podiatrist, even an extended scope one which I am and I think that our professional indemnity insurance wouldn’t cover us for Botox.

“I am currently qualified at MSc level and have nearly completed my PhD but I think if you prioritise patient safety and quality of outcomes then podiatrists shouldn't even consider injecting a patient’s face.

“I strongly support extending scope appropriately and as a musculoskeletal podiatrist I have trained to inject corticosteroid into the foot.

I think some professionals from other disciplines have over the years started treating patients with treatments traditionally seen as the role of a podiatrist, for example physiotherapists prescribing orthoses so maybe some podiatrists are thinking in business terms and see Botox as an income generator.

“If think all health professions should work within their own remit and speciality, and then patients could be assured they are consulting the right person with their problem.” 

We totally agree with Lindsay.  Just as we world not dream of advising a patient with a foot problem she would not dream of injecting fillers into our patients. 

Always use the right expert for the job.

Another celebrity has admitted to regretting the decision to get permanent tattoos - all 11 of them!

38-year-old Spice Girl Mel C, better known as Sporty Spice, recently had her tattoos airbrushed out for a magazine photoshoot and admitted she preferred the way she looked without them.

Mel is also a mum to daughter Scarlet, who is three years old and she wants to be a good role model for her.

Mel said: "I'd definitely discourage Scarlet from having tattoos. I'm looking into getting some of them removed.

"I think it was a great idea to get rid of them for the magazine photos - I wish you could do it permanently." You can, Mel!

The singer's tattoos include a tribal design on her right arm, a cross on her left arm and a tribal design around the top of her right arm, and dragon on her right shin, amongst others.

We think Mel should pay a visit to Laserase Bolton!

June is acne awareness month and it’s something very close to our heart as every year we see dozens of people looking for our help to tackle acne and acne scarring.

A large proportion of the population suffer from acne at some point in their lives. The acne will generally resolve itself within five years but for some it will continue into adulthood - and if the acne is severe it may lead to acne scarring if not treated appropriately.

And acne is by no means just an adolescent problem. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point- some people in their forties and fifties still get acne.

Most of our clients who come for acne treatment are adults, some wanting advice on the scarring that has been caused by past acne, and some who have been dealing with persistent acne for most of their life.

So what are the treatment options for you if you suffer from acne or acne scarring?

The NLite laser has been described as the gold standard of acne treatments by many.  It is suitable for all skin types and some clients notice an immediate difference even after just one treatment.

Of course, other laser treatments are available and here a Laserase Bolton we believe in using a variety of well targeted and properly formulated treatments and products that are based entirely around YOU.

Your treatment begins with a consultation where we’ll look at your current skin management regime, including all the products you are using. While some products may be good for continued use, it is not unusual to discover that some products are not appropriate, or could be replaced with something milder and more "skin-friendly".

We will then take your full medical history and carry out an examination of the skin to assess your current situation. We will inform you about the products and treatments that we think would be of most benefit to you, such as a mixture of a home care regime and in-clinic procedures like laser.

The treatment used is always different for each client, as what is suitable for one person with acne might be unsuitable for another.

So don’t delay any longer in combating that acne. Call on 01204 570900 to book your consultation.

It’s something we say a lot - and will continue to say a lot in order to drive home the message about safety – before committing to any laser treatment; clients should always check their selected clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Recently the CQC successfully prosecuted a private clinic for performing cosmetic surgery without being registered.  It is the first such prosecution by the CQC under the new Health and Social Care Act and we expect many more to follow.

Essentially clients were receiving treatment which did not comply with the standards required by law and if surgery or a laser is used – that could result in dangerous procedures which could have a long lasting negative impact on the physical or mental health of a client.

Here at Laserase Bolton we are very aware that a laser, in the wrong hands, is extremely dangerous. 

That’s why we are not only registered with the CQC but ensure that all our laser operators are fully NHS qualified doctors and nurses.  In addition, before we carry out any procedure we carry out a full consultation as a matter of course.

Check your private clinic is CQC registered by asking to see their registration documents or if in doubt contact he CQC directly (Telephone: 03000 616161); ask about the qualifications of staff carrying out the procedure and check they give you the right pre-treatment assessment and information.  If they fail to comply with any of these stages – walk away!

This news comes on the back of another report which says that the NHS is having to pick up the cost for poor treatments carried out at private clinics.  Whether it’s a boob job that’s gone wrong or a botched Botox injection, it seems that in their desire for the perfect body some people are bypassing safety and opting for a cheap procedure that may not be carried out correctly or by a qualified person.

Laserase welcome this first prosecution which we hope will send out a clear message to unscrupulous operators. 

However, it’s still up to the general public to remain vigilant and report any clinic or procedure that they think may not be operating as it should.

Go to our peace of mind checklist for further information.

We recently exhibited at the Health Mela in Preston which was a first for Laserase but something I am sure we will repeat next year, as we had such a fabulous time.

The event is a celebration of health and healthcare in Preston and was aimed at the whole community - young and old.  There were lots of exhibitors there promoting health, healthy eating, nutrition, screening, diagnostic testing, advice, information and a whole load of experts to talk to.

As well as all the advice on offer there was also lots of fun activities from smoothie making to Bollywood dancing displays and I think it’s fair to say that everyone, visitor and exhibitors alike, had a great time.

As the leading laser clinic in the region, we felt it was important we had a presence at such a prestigious health event to talk to people about the benefits of laser treatments for a whole host of health programmes.  We also wanted to get the message across that if you have a NHS consultant referral for laser treatment for certain conditions, such as acne or acessive hirsuitism for example, you can have laser treatments with us on the NHS.   

Throughout the event there were hundreds of people through the doors and Laserase staff were kept busy talking to visitors about their skincare concerns from excessive hair growth, its causes and treatments, to dealing with skin pigmentation and everything in-between!

As well as providing our own advice and mini consultations we also gave out goody bags and information packs to visitors to our stand and it was really lovely to have an opportunity to meet so many people on an informal basis like this.  In addition, it was really useful to network with other healthcare providers in the region and share good practice.

We would also like to say congratulations to xxxx who is the successful winner of a dermaroller treatment worth £400 which they won after entering a competition at the Health Mela.

See you in Preston next year!

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow admitted to getting laser skin treatments as an alternative to plastic surgery in a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar.

Despite not ‘liking the Botox thing’, Gwyn who is 39, admits to having ‘little things like lasers and regular facials’ to keep her skin looking red-carpet fabulous.

Here at Laserase Bolton, our laser treatments are always a popular alternative to going under the knife. Our clients always see effective results, particularly after using one of our most popular treatments, Laser 360™.

This laser combines three revolutionary technologies to provide comprehensive skin rejuvenation. It can improve skin colour, wrinkles and skin texture in just 60 days, revealing brighter, younger looking and healthier skin. AFT intense pulsed light evens out skin colour and reduces tiny broken blood vessels.

The reason we get lines and wrinkles is to do with the amount of collagen we produce. Collagen is produced naturally by cells known as fibroblasts and is very important in maintaining the elasticity of skin, but as we age the skin’s ability to replace damaged collagen fibres diminishes. Gaps and irregularities appear in the skin’s collagen mesh and this eventually leads to the appearance of lines and wrinkles which deepen and widen with time.

Other laser treatments are available at Laserase Bolton such as the Harmony Pixel laser, which can be used on the face and neck. We are also currently using this laser for other skin problems such as acne scarring and studies have also been made into the effects of laser treatment on burn recovery and trauma scars.

So if you want to have fresh and fabulous wrinkle-free skin like a Hollywood starlet, then give us a call on 01204 570900 for expert advice and to book a free consultation. 

Spring is just around the corner and that means we can come out of winter hibernation and get out and about!  So if bad skin or acne is getting you down why not consider a laser treatment to complement your existing regime or replace it entirely?

A large proportion of the population suffer from acne at some point in their lives. The acne will generally resolve itself within five years but for some it will continue into adulthood - and if the acne is severe it may lead to acne scarring if not treated appropriately.

And acne is by no means just an adolescent problem. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30 have acne outbreaks at some point- some people in their forties and fifties still get acne.

Most of our clients who come for acne treatment are adults, some wanting advice on the scarring that has been caused by past acne, and some who have been dealing with persistent acne for most of their life.

So what are the treatment options for you if you suffer from acne or acne scarring?

The NLite laser has been described as the gold standard of acne treatments by many.  It is suitable for all skin types and some clients notice an immediate difference even after just one treatment.

Of course, other laser treatments are available and here a Laserase Bolton we believe in using a variety of well targeted and properly formulated treatments and products that are based entirely around YOU.

Your treatment begins with a consultation where we’ll look at your current skin management regime, including all the products you are using. While some products may be good for continued use, it is not unusual to discover that some products are not appropriate, or could be replaced with something milder and more "skin-friendly".

We will then take your full medical history and carry out an examination of the skin to assess your current situation. We will inform you about the products and treatments that we think would be of most benefit to you, such as a mixture of a home care regime and in-clinic procedures like laser.

The treatment regime is always different for each client, as what is suitable for one person with acne might be unsuitable for another.

So don’t delay any longer in combating that acne. Put a spring in your step with the confidence that comes from having a clear skin.  Call on 01204 570900 to book your consultation.

Happy New Year from all of us here at Laserase Bolton!

Many people say that without women, Christmas would just not happen.  The ladies buy all the gifts, send out the cards, stock up on food and drink, put up the decorations and generally make sure everyone is having a good time.  It’s no wonder we get so fed up in January!

A post-Christmas pampering session is just the thing to wind down after a busy couple of weeks, and all that partying is bound to have taken its toll.

Skin rejuvenation treatments at Laserase Bolton are idea to revitalise tired skin that’s in need of some TLC. One of our most popular treatments, Laser 360™, combines three revolutionary technologies to provide comprehensive skin rejuvenation.

It can improve skin colour, wrinkles and skin texture in just 60 days revealing brighter, younger looking, healthier skin. AFT intense pulsed light evens out skin colour and reduces tiny broken blood vessels.

This quick fix will see a significant improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, lines and stretch marks after undergoing the procedure.

As professional health practioners Laserase Bolton can offer advice on which treatment is best for you, so book a free consultation now – and if you book and pay for your treatment before the end of January you can take advantage of some fabulous savings!  Go to our home page for full details of our current offers

The importance of having laser treatment from a fully qualified practitioner was further reiterated this week after journalist Charlotte Cripps reported she may have been permanently scarred following an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment which went wrong.

She was left with ‘bright red burn marks’ after undergoing a treatment at a London spa.

Laserase Bolton is a Laser clinic that is licensed with the Care Quality Commission and we only use fully NHS trained and qualified doctors and nurses.  Indeed we have voiced our concerns several times about the deregulation of laser treatment.

We want to remind anyone considering laser treatment as a pre Christmas or new year treat to fully research who is carrying out their treatment – lasers can be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.

For further information about IPL or any other laser treatment call us on 01204 570900 and go to our peace of mind checklist.

See the full article and image here.

Getting a tattoo is a decision that many people regret later in life, particularly when it’s in a very visible place on the body such as the face.

We’ve had a few clients in the past at Laserase Bolton who have had facial tattoos removed, but nothing quite as extensive as Bryon Widner, an American man who hit the headlines this week.

Mr. Widner had a past he wanted to forget, and his heavily tattooed face was preventing him from moving on with his life. Since becoming a father, he felt it was important that he was a good role model for his children, and so made the decision to go ahead with laser tattoo removal.

The picture on the Daily Mail website speaks for itself in showing how effective the treatment was, looking at Bryon now you can barely tell that 16 months ago his face was full of dark and menacing looking tattoos. He’s now able to get on with his life as a happy family man and respected member of society, tattoo-free.  Read the full article here:

Laserase Bolton has been using lasers for tattoo removal since 1994, and since then we’ve carried out over 25,000 procedures. We currently operate a Q-switched Ruby laser which is suitable for most skin types and tattoo colours, and effective on even the most drastic of tattoos.

So how does it work? The laser we use at Laserase Bolton produces extremely short pulses of high-energy light. This light is absorbed strongly by the tiny particles of tattoo pigment but not very well by the surrounding skin. The tattoo pigment particles then heat up and break down into smaller particles which are then targeted by the body's own immune system and removed.

Because the energy is selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment, surrounding tissues are not heated up to such a high temperature and there is no lasting damage to the skin.  It is the safest and most effective tattoo-removal method available, with minimum side effects.

Costs of treatment, and the amount of sessions needed will depend entirely on the nature of the tattoo. If laser tattoo removal is something you’d be interested in, we recommend that you book a consultation, in which we can perform a test patch to see how effective the laser will be, and we can then advise you on costs and the number of treatments.

To book a consultation call us on (01204) 570900 or visit the homepage for more information: http://www.laserase-bolton.co.uk/       

In many action films the ‘bad guys’ often use laser technology in their quest to take over the world.  And while cosmetic laser safety is not quite on the same scale – we do know that there are some laser practitioners who are not operating as safely as they should.  This won’t cause the downfall of civilisation as we know it – but it could cause burning or scarring to a client.

In order to ensure that you are in safe hands – we recommend you tick off the following peace of mind checklist.

Is your provider registered and licensed with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

This body is the independent regulator of health and social care.  We have been registered for the use of lasers since 1994 but not all facilities are.  The Commission governs and inspects registered facilities and so you know to expect a high standard.

Does your Practice use medically qualified nurses and doctors to apply treatment?

Would you prefer a procedure to be carried out by somebody who’s just been on a short course or a fully qualified nurse or doctor?  We employ expert medical practitioners and nurse practitioners so you can be assured of the very best standards of treatment and care. The Laserase clinic is a provider to the NHS and is the Preferred Provider for local Primary Care Trusts for certain specialist treatments.

Does the practice or clinic have a good reputation?

This is important.  Use internet search engines to find reviews, check with the local authority to ask if the trading standards team has received any complaints and ask to see customer testimonials.  Laserase North West is the only purpose built laser clinic in the UK and we have been in business for over ten years. As part of the Laserase national network we have a name you can trust.

When considering laser treatment and looking to find the right clinic for you – make sure you choose the good guys and use our peace of mind laser check list.

In the USA actress Heather Locklear and the singer Smokey Robinson are just two celebrities sparking debate around whether they look perfect or just plastic - due to their obvious surgeries.

Going under the surgeon’s knife can be daunting and may not always result in the look you want, but the latest in laser technology means anyone looking for fresher, younger looking skin doesn’t have to endure surgery any more.

The Harmony Pixel laser at Laserase North West has been described as the world’s most sophisticated, aesthetic laser, providing effective anti-aging beauty treatments.  The results are extraordinary and represent a major leap in laser technology.

Prior to the introduction of the Harmony Pixel, clients who wanted skin resurfacing would suffer sometimes painful, often unsightly skin as the old skin ‘peeled off’ and the new fresher skin underneath came through.  This ‘down time’ could last for weeks and could cause permanent loss of pigment of the skin.

The Harmony Pixel works by creating thousands of tiny perforations in the skin, (micro injuries) similar to pore sizes.  The skin around each of these perforations remains intact and the epidermis rapidly heals from these tiny holes.  The client may suffer some redness for a couple of days but avoids the skin falling off the face.  As make-up can be applied quickly after treatment, there is no painful downtime.

As well as skin resurfacing, the laser can also treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, hyper pigmentation and can even be used for acne scarring and other skin conditions such as broken capillaries and rosacia.

I think this is a real breakthrough in laser technology and offers safe but effective results after just a few sessions.

Book your skin consultation for the Harmony Pixel today and reveal a younger looking you – without the dangers associated with surgery.

If you want to check how skin damaged your skin is just compare the skin on your bottom to your skin elsewhere on your body!  No, I’m not mad – our bums are very rarely exposed to the sun and as a result the skin is thicker, smoother and less wrinkled than anywhere else.

Summer is upon us and whether you are jetting off abroad on holiday or hoping the sun will rear its head again in the UK make sure you protect your skin – the risks are really not worth it.

Despite warnings every summer to wear sunscreen, many people are still unaware of, or simply ignore, the risks the sun can pose – and men in particular don’t think they need to wear protection.

A tan may look healthy but sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing and it can also cause skin cancer.

Here at Laserase we regularly treat fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage using state of the art lasers. We always impress upon our clients the danger of the sun and the importance of wearing skin block at all times – even on cloudy days here in the UK.

To avoid burning in the sun, keep in the shade at the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 3pm, wear protective clothing such as t-shirts and sun hats and wear sunscreen at all times.

If you want to find out more give the clinic a call and make an appointment for your FREE assessment

The presenter and broadcaster Fern Britton recently explained that she is enjoying a disgraceful old age by getting her first tattoo aged 53.

Fern is part of a growing army of older ladies who decide at a certain ‘milestone’ age to follow the trend for getting a ‘tatt’.  However, at the same time here at Laserase, it’s our experience that ladies over the age of 40 are usually first in the queue when it comes to having their tattoos removed!

The thing with tattoos is that what looks good at 20 may not look quite so good at 50.  Even though tattoos are very fashionable and more popular than ever – older women can feel uncomfortable with them.

I recently asked a client why she had decided to have her tattoo removed.

“Well one day it hit me that my favourite ‘short’ skirt was no longer appropriate,” she said.  “Around the same time I felt that my tattoo had also lost its appeal.  I’m not a celebrity, I’m a Manageress in a clothes store – it just looked silly.

“My 19 year old has a tattoo and I think it looks great on her – but I wanted to redefine my look when I hit fifty and the tattoo was one of the first things to change.”

Regardless of your age -tattoos can be decision that are made in haste and repented at leisure.  Here at Laserase Bolton, we have seen around 25,000 of those decisions!  If you have a tattoo that you think no longer suits you or your look, book your free consultation and we’ll talk you through having the tattoo removed.

Tattoos are now an accepted part of our culture and over the last ten years there has been unprecedented tattoo mania.

As with any big business, new trends emerge and one of the latest is the introduction of UV or black light tattoos.  As the name suggests, these tattoos are made from a special ink that is only visible under an ultraviolet or black light.  This is quite a new phenomenon in the UK where practitioners have only recently started advertising UV tattoos – but they have been popular in the US for some time.

As with any new product that is applied onto, into or under the skin - consumers must be aware of safety issues and we recommend that only highly experienced tattooists apply UV tattoos.  The tattoos should be done with the practitioner working with a black light and you can expect them to take some time to apply. 

In the States there have been many cases of poorly applied UV tattoos which look like a burn or scar because they have not been applied professionally.

While tattoos remain popular, so does tattoo removal and these tattoos in particular could be problematic to eliminate.   UV tattoo customers like to have bright vibrant colours which mean the tattooist has to use the highest possible pigment content in their ink. 

Unfortunately this makes our job much harder as the brighter the colour the longer the treatment needed to remove the tattoo. 

As UV tattoos are fairly new to the UK market we have not yet been asked to remove one, but we’ll let you know if we do.

In the meantime, as always check and double check your tattooist is experienced and has all the necessary qualifications and health and safety checks in place.

It’s said that Cleopatra loved her luscious lips so much she had her slaves crush carmine beetles so she could use the beetle blood to stain her lips.  Elizabeth I made bright red lips fashionable but Queen Victoria banished lipstick as she believed it was just for prostitutes!

Today women still see associate their lips with beauty and youth.  Most women want lovely luscious lips with usually means lips that are well defined, plump and moisturised.

But like elsewhere on the body - lips do fall foul of the natural aging process which means they can lose their elasticity and appear thinner.  And of course not all women are blessed with lips like Angelina Jolie and have to look at techniques to make the most of naturally thin lips.

Thankfully advances in science means that we can now give nature a helping hand with injectables like Restylane.  Many people don’t realise that products like these have been used safely in medical procedures for many years and it’s only in recent times that their benefits have been recognised for use in the beauty industry.

Before embarking on any procedure at Laserase we carry out a full consultation and assuming you are accepted for treatment, a lip enhancement can usually be carried out in under an hour.  The lips are anesthetized and then the lip filler introduced.  It’s uncomfortable but not painful.

Lip enhancement is a popular treatment for women of all ages and is ideal if you want to redefine cupids bow, plump up your lips and make them more kissable.  Just the thing for Valentine’s Day!

The festive season is fast approaching which means we have had a steady influx of people who want to look their best for special occasions by having a Botox treatment.

Injectables like this can give a real boost to self esteem and you may not realise that before they were used as a beauty treatment, they were used for many years to treat muscular problems including eye deviation, eyelid spasm and facial spasm - and so they have a tried and tested history.

The treatment involves a small number of painless injections into the muscle groups that cause the wrinkling and immediately after the injections there may be some mild swelling that usually subsides within 24-48 hours.  The injections work by causing a temporary relaxation of the target muscle. This produces a reduction in wrinkling of the skin surface above the target muscle.

Results can take up to 5 – 14 days to work so if you want to dazzle this Christmas and New Year book your consultation NOW.  The good news is that after the party’s over you will still be looking fab as results obtained after a single injection can last for four to six months or even longer.

If you are thinking about using Botox for the first time, here at Laserase we only treat you after we’ve given a consultation so that we can ensure it is suitable for your needs.

Give us a call now to book your FREE consultation.

I was interested to read a recent report that said as a result of having stretch marks or scars, one in two women suffer from psychological problems.  Half of the100 women interviewed said it knocked their self confidence and images of seemingly perfect celebrities and models in the media made them feel worse.

This report certainly backs up our own experiences here at Laserase North West where we use the latest in state of the art laser technology to address these problems.

Stretch marks look like thin, stretched tissue. They appear when the lower layer of the skin containing the collagen and elastin become thinner and broken. At first, the marks look reddish-purple. This is because the stretched skin is more transparent and the small blood vessels that lie deep in the skin show through. Later, the blood vessels contract. The colour then fades to white, which is simply fat under the skin showing through.

The laser we use pulses to create tiny ablative zones, removing the epidermis and upper dermis. The treatment then triggers the body’s natural healing process, stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin tissue.  If your stretch marks are relatively new – in other words still red – the laser treatment works best.  Similarly new scars get the best results from laser treatment.

If you want to find out more give the clinic a call and make an appointment for your FREE assessment.