Laserase Bolton, a leading medical laser and skin care specialist in the North West, has launched a competition which will see a lucky customer win a skin treatment for their Mum and themselves in celebration of Mother’s Day.

The competition, which is to run for one week only, asks people to send in a short message about why their Mum deserves a pamper treatment - with the most worthy being chosen on Friday 16 March.

Julie Kershaw from Laserase Bolton said: “Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let your Mum know how much you appreciate her.  Everyone loves to be pampered and so will your Mum – but better still you get to join in too!”

After a skin consultation, the winners will be treated to a laser treatment most suited to their skin type– this could be to refresh the skin or treat a specific problem such as fine lines and wrinkles.  

The competition is online now and closes on Thursday 15 March at 5pm. For more information and to enter the competition, visit the website at http://laserase-bolton.co.uk/

From October 2010 cosmetic laser and intense light treatments were deregulated in England which effectively means there is  no regulator or  monitoring system in place. We have seen an increase in so called 'laser experts' setting up a business and  a laser in the wrong hands can be very dangerous.

For your peace of mind - check that your laser provider is:

• registered and licensed with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• using medically qualified nurses and doctors to apply treatment
• has an excellent reputation in its field.

Laserase - the name you can trust.

With the world cup fast approaching a laser specialist has warned against football fans getting carried away ‘in the heat of the moment’.

“It’s not uncommon for football fans to have their alegiance to a particular football club or even a player tattooed on their body,” said Dr Kiran Patel, a specialist with Laserase Bolton, part of the largest network of laser medical centres in the UK.  

“However, what may seem like a great idea when your club is doing well or when a player is something of a hero – can very quickly turn to embarrassment when the club fails or the player leaves,” he said.

Recently a Manchester City fan was left red-faced after having a tattoo on his arm proclaiming the club as European champions.  But Kirk Bradley is not alone in having a tattoo nightmare.

“We regularly see clients who come asking to have their football tattoo removed,” said Dr Patel.  “It can be quite a quick change of mind, when the club fail to win a title as in Kirk’s case – or it could take some time before they fall out of love with the club or the player that was a hero in their youth. A certain Mr Cantona was high in the removal stakes a few years ago!”

Tattoo removal is one of most popular treatments at Laserase which has the only purpose built laser clinic in the country.  Whilst tattoos can be inked in a relatively short space of time, removing one can take months. The number of sessions depends on the number of colours used and the size of the tattoo, but having a tattoo removed by laser is one of the most effective ways to permanently remove it.  

“There is always a story around the removal of any tattoo,” said Dr Patel.  “With the football ones, we can usually guess right away what it is!”

If you are one of the many people who fail to stick to their New Years resolution and are tiring of diet gimmicks and failed attempts at weight loss, don’t get frustrated - there is hope in sight. A Bolton clinic is taking a new approach to weight loss and best of all – there is not a diet sheet in view. In a few months you really could be ready to wear that bikini.

Dr Sheena Bedi is a GP and one of the team involved in the ABL Weight Management Programme which takes a fresh new approach to not only losing weight but maintaining it.

“Specialists working in this field now recognise that in order for weight loss to be sustained it’s important that people get to the root of why they put on weight in the first place,” she said.  “This could be due to boredom or a whole range of psychological issues that people may not recognise as playing a part in their weight problem.”

ABL Weight Management uses a team of experts to help people in their quest to get healthy.  Initially the client will have a one to one session with a nurse or weight loss coach who will talk to them in detail about their lifestyle and eating habits.  Next they will chat to a psychologist to learn about any underlying issues that may be responsible for weight gain and that could deter the client from losing weight or keeping it off.

Research shows that people do better when they are part of a group programme and whilst people can work individually if that’s what they prefer, Dr Bedi says being part of a group with the same goals has a much better success rate.

“Our clients work in groups and are encouraged to keep in touch with each other so that if they feel the urge to do something that they know is unhealthy, their peers can talk them out of it.  In addition, part of the programme involves exercise but not necessarily in gyms, and the group is encouraged to meet and enjoy gentle exercise together.
“This could be a long walk, joining a dance class or going for a swim.  The trick is doing something they enjoy and can do in their own time and at their own pace.”

Clients meet their specialist team on a regular basis and work with a nutritionist who develops a change of diet that reflects their personal taste and lifestyle.

The programme runs for 6 months and during that time clients may meet with GPs, nurses, psychologists, a weight loss coach and exercise specialists. 

But is this just another fad?

“Not at all,” says Dr Bedi.  “This approach to weight loss is approved by NICE and is becoming the accepted way for sustained weight loss and a healthy new lifestyle.  We know it works because ABL is already working with a local PCT to treat almost 230 morbidly obese patients with this multidisciplinary approach.

“Now we are expanding our client base to help both private and NHS clients.”

Being over-weight has serious health implications which is why the Government is looking at different ways to tackle the problem.  It can cause diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure, osteoarthritis, gall bladder disease, cancer and impaired fertility.

“Essentially ABL supports anyone looking to lose weight by providing a multidisciplinary approach with a whole host of qualified health practitioners and experts,” said Dr Bedi.  “It’s not about going on a diet – it’s about reviewing your current eating habits and lifestyle to achieve sustainable weight loss and life long change”

For more information about the ABL Weight Management Programme contact Dr Bedi on 01204 570900.

Mum and daughter Hayley and Denise Knowles from Radcliffe are both busy career women and so were delighted to be able to spend some quality time together recently.

The two women enjoyed rejuvenation and pamper treatments from Laserase, the North West’s premier laser and skincare clinic, after winning the prize in a recent competition.

37 year old Hayley is the co-owner of a childcare recruitment company and also has three young children aged 4, 6 and 8.  She said that she is so busy it is rare for her to be able to spend any time at all with her mum Denise.

 “Working full time and having three children means I don’t have any ‘me’ time – never mind Mum and me time!

She adds: “I don’t know where I would be without her because even though Mum works full time too she is always able to spare some time for my sister and I.  She doesn’t mind looking after her grandchildren or giving us a hand at home.

“I know I don’t say thank you often enough and so when I saw the Laserase competition offering us both a treat I thought it was a good way to say thank you, especially as I know Mum has been thinking about trying a laser treatment for some time.”

Denise, who is quite a young Nana at only 55, works full time running a busy stroke unit at Fairfield Hospital as a Ward Manager.  She has worked there for almost 30 years in a unit which has won awards for its work with stroke patients.

Denise said: “I’ve thought about retiring, but I really do enjoy my job.  However, I work long hours including weekends and so it is lovely to have won this special treat.”

Saria from Laserase gave both women a comprehensive assessment before administering NLite laser treatment for Hayley who also received a free sample of Heliocare Gel. Denise was advised to wait until after her holiday next month but expects to receive treatment on the pigmentation she has on her skin on her return.
Saria said:  “Both ladies find a few minutes each day to look after their skin and Denise has had numerous treatments over the years such as dermabrasion and crystal therapy.  Laser treatment was the next logical step for her and friends have recommended it especially for thread veins.”

Hayley said: “I feel very revitalized and relaxed after my treatment and feel like a completely different woman! It is definitely something I’d have done again and it was great to have my Mum there-we had a lovely time.”

Denise said: “I was very impressed with the consultation with Saria-she was very thorough and explained all the treatments to us. I’m looking forward to returning from my holiday to be pampered!”

As Christmas is fast approaching, many people will be putting together their lists for Santa, and that could include a home laser hair removal kit.

These appliances are causing concern to professionals who believe that DIY appliances are neither as effective nor as safe as professional clinic treatments.

Laserase Bolton, a leading skin care and medical laser specialist in the North West, is urging consumers to consider buying clinic treatments as a gift rather than a DIY appliance that could cause them permanent damage if not used correctly.

 Dr. Kiran Patel, Medical Director at Laserase Bolton, has been a qualified laser practitioner since 1994. He said:  

“Home appliances may be a cheaper option for most, but if used incorrectly then the damage caused can be irreparable and cost you a lot more in the long run.”

Using appliances to remove eyebrow hair, for example, can cause serious damage to your eyes and despite the lasers not being as powerful as ones used in clinics, there’s a higher risk of users burning their skin. Not only this, but the lasers used in home devices are a lot less effective than professional ones, and therefore hair removal is less permanent. 

Dr Patel added: “If you attend a clinic, you will get a consultation from a fully qualified and licensed practitioner who will be able to answer any questions you may have about the treatment.

 “There is also a much reduced risk of any damage from the treatment, and after the recommended amount of sessions, hair removal is more efficient.”

 Laserase Bolton is currently offering deals on many treatments over November and December in the lead up to Christmas, with laser hair removal at just £20 a session for the first three sessions.

If you would like to book a free consultation, contact Laserase Bolton on 01204 570900 or email your query to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Expert Group on the Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery - click here to read the report

Having a permanent reminder of your lover's name emblazoned on a significant body part may be the ultimate declaration of love for Valentines Day, but with many affairs ending before the ink is dry, once a relationship crashes and burns many people are left with the humiliating decision of what to do with the permanent reminder of not-so-endless love. ‘Tattoo Rue' is particularly common in Tinseltown: Pamela Anderson famously choose to have the tattoo of Tommy Lee's name on her finger in favour of a wedding ring, Angelina Jolie commissioned numerous pieces of body art proclaiming her love for Billy Bob Thornton and at the height of their romance Roseanne and Tom Arnold proudly sported cheek to cheek versions of each other's names. But all were left with unwanted reminders of their failed love affairs.

At Laserase , the country's largest tattoo removal specialists, the run up to February 14th sees a huge increase in enquiries from people seeking to have names of ex-lovers removed in order to rid themselves of reminders of failed relationships. Bookings in February are double those of the rest of the year. Laserase spokesman Jonathan Sherill explains: ‘Whilst many people in the UK are continuing the trend of having their current beau's name inscribed in ink forever, it seems that many more use Valentine's Day as the inspiration to seek advice on removal. Our clinics see a huge increase in patient bookings during early to mid February and this year Valentine's Day itself is booked out across the country with over 50% per cent of treatments booked being for the removal of names.'

According to the British Journal of Dermatology, 75% of people who have gone under the needle eventually regret their decision and seek advice on removal after an average of 14 years. Unsurprisingly, names are at the top of the ‘unwanted' list. Recently engaged to Sienna Miller, Jude Law is surely regretting his ‘Sexy Sadie' tattoo, whilst Johnny Depp famously had his ‘Winona Forever' tattoo altered to ‘Wino Forever'. Most recently, the demise of Brian and Kerry McFadden's marriage has left both with painful reminders etched onto their bodies.

But according to Dr Helen Fernandez, a clinical specialist for Laserase , names are one of the easiest tattoos to remove. As she explains, ‘ Tattoos of this type are often small to medium sized and are often one colour, making their removal relatively straightforward. Many people think of laser tattoo removal as costly and ineffective, but a simple pair of initials or a discreet name could cost under £100 to remove.”

Laserase are the country's largest tattoo removal specialists and offer the only clinically proven method of removal: Q-switched laser treatment. Since 1991, Laserase have carried out over one million treatments in the UK . To commiserate with ex lovers on St Valentine's Day and to celebrate 14 years of tattoo removal, Laserase are offering five lucky winners the opportunity to have an unwanted name removed free of charge. To win, send us a picture of your tattoo and explain why you want it removed. All entrants will be offered a free consultation and the winners will have their ex-partners disposed of without a trace!

Work on Laserase Skincare Clinic’s brand new building structure is almost finished! Work will soon start on the inside of the building.

The brand new, specially designed building has now taken shape and the date that the Laserase team can move in is quickly approaching.

Says Denise Leslie, director of Laserase Skincare Clinic, It’s exciting to watch the progress being made and see the building taking shape.

“The roof trusses are up now so it’s beginning to look like the finished article. We’re getting more excited, as moving into the building finally seems like a reality. We hope to be in by the first of August.”

Building work on Laserase’s new clinic began in March and has been designed to provide Laserase with the country’s first purpose-built skincare clinic. The building is situated in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Says Denise, “Its exciting for us because we will be able to provide a better service in the new building, we’ll have lots more space and will be able to provide even more treatments and products, to give the best quality service to our clients. We’re looking forward to welcoming our patients to our new spacious, modern and comfortable surroundings.”

The brand new, specially designed building has now taken shape and the date that the Laserase team can move in is quickly approaching.

Denise Leslie, Director of Laserase Skincare Clinic, says "It’s exciting to watch the progress being made and see the building taking shape. The shell of the building is now complete and the internal work is well underway. We’re getting more excited, as moving into the building finally seems like a reality. We hope to be in the new building in August.”

Work on Laserase’s new clinic began in March and has been designed to provide Laserase with the country’s first purpose-built skincare clinic. The building is situated in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital opposite the ambulance station.

September 2006 saw us move into our new premises. We continue our 12 year relationship with the Royal Bolton Hospital as we are still based in the hospital grounds, in our new state of the art building close to the traffic lights at the Plodder Lane entrance to the hospital.

We have two consulting rooms, four clinical areas and a training/seminar room which can seat up to 12 people. Some of these facilities are now available for hire for private practice at very competitive rates.

We look forward to seeing you!

Did you know that many mothers spend more money on their skincare than their daughters?

And why not - many middle aged women (and men) look better than they did in their twenties with the correct skincare advice and regime. As you age, over the counter retail products simply don't do the job.

This Mother's Day why not purchase a full price anti-aging skin care package for your mum and you will get a daughters skin care package at half price? Or, book a skin health assessment as a mothers day present for £20 (normal cost £40).

For both the Mothers Day offers you must book your appointment before 31st March 07.

Have you recently given up smoking? Smoking causes considerable damage to the skin and we can help you repair that. Throughout the month of March we are offering a FREE one to one skincare consultation with a fully qualified nurse. (Usual cost £40.00).

Book your consultation now.

We are pleased to have added three fabulous new machines to compliment the range of treatments we offer.

The Accent RF can be used for body sculpting, skin tightening and treatment of cellulite without the need for invasive surgery.

The Harmony laser has many uses including facial resurfacing and rejuvenation, treatment of acne and scars, pigmented lesions, rosacea, vascular lesions and thread veins.

We have also updated hair reduction treatments by purchasing a Soprano laser - a state of the art machine that offers fast, efficient treatment that is virtually pain-free thanks to a unique cooling system.

Nurse Joanne Smithers starting our Christmas shoebox appealLaserase are collecting filled shoeboxes on behalf of the registered charity Link Romania

Charity No: 1069722

We would appreciate donations of Filled Christmas Shoeboxes which need to be dropped off at the clinic by the 20th November 2007 for collection from Laserase at the end of November.

For information on how and what to pack in the shoeboxes please see the charity’s website or download the forms listed below:-

• Shoebox leaflet (pdf)
• Shoebox delivery note (pdf)
• Shoebox journey (pdf)

Thank you for your support

With summer just around the corner, have you got something on your body that you are deeply ashamed of?  Are you keen to cover up in the sun? Are you afraid to display your bits on the beach?

No, it’s not wobbly bellies or cellulite that we’re talking about – but your tattoo!  According to local experts Laserase Bolton, summer is the time of year when they are inundated with people asking to have their old tattoos removed as the thought of showing off their multi-coloured flesh on the beach becomes a worry.

Denise Leslie from Laserase Bolton said:  “People have tattoos removed for many reasons.  The name of a loved one – who is no longer loved - is the most popular reason for removal.

“Many people have tattoos when they are young and don’t consider that what looks quite fashionable and sexy when you are 18 years old can look plain embarrassing when you are 45!”

Laserase Bolton says the celeb tattoo culture is largely responsible for the rise in tattoos.  Wayne Rooney and Colleen plan to have their wedding rings tattooed on and recently hitched Billie Piper and Lawrence Fox had their wedding date inked on themselves during their honeymoon. Although it may sound rock ‘n’ roll, Denise warns that what works for the celebrity set does not necessarily work for us mere mortals.

“I would advise anyone having a celebrity copy-cat tattoo to think twice,” said Denise.  “What works for the Beckhams does not work quite as well for the Booths of Bolton.  Whilst little Brooklyn and his brothers may be happy to have their mum and dad showing off their art work on the beach, we find that children are often a key factor in parents having their tattoos removed.  It’s the embarrassment factor again.”

Having a tattoo removed by laser is one of the most effective ways to permanently remove it.  It often takes several sessions and how many will depend on the number of colours used and the size of the tattoo.

“Here at Laserase Bolton we’ve seen everything,” said Denise, “from a man with a spider’s web covering his face to a concentration camp survivor having her identification number removed.   Every tattoo removal has a story behind it and that’s part of what makes the task so fascinating.”

Have you got a tattoo that you’re desperate to get rid of? Laserase Bolton is looking for members of the public that would like their tattoo removed at a discounted price, in return for allowing Laserase Bolton to use your story for publicity purposes. They may even do it for free if you’ve a particularly good story!

Denise Leslie, owner of Laserase NorthWest, the country’s only purpose built laser clinic, has welcomed the recent conviction of an unregistered London based provider for the continued provision of laser services.

Mohammed Sadiq was sentenced for offences under the Care Standards Act 2000, which requires providers who use a class 3B or 4 laser to register with the Healthcare Commission.   The magistrates imposed a custodial sentence of 5 months, suspended for two years.

“In the hands of unqualified staff, the laser can be an extremely dangerous tool,” said Denise.  “I’m delighted that the Healthcare Commission brought this case and that the magistrates considered the matter sufficiently serious to justify a custodial sentence.

“There are far too many ‘cowboys’ operating in the cosmetic industry but because the industry remains unregulated, operators like Mr Sadiq will continue to do business and put client’s wellbeing at risk and far too few of these cowboys ever get to court.”

This conviction comes hot on the heels of a recent Which report that also criticised standards in cosmetic treatments and particularly the quality of information provided to patients.

Denise said:  "Anyone considering cosmetic or aesthetic procedures should ensure that they are getting accurate information including what the procedure entails, what the risks could be and after care.  People should also be allowed to take as long as they like to make their decision and not be pressured by ‘sales’ staff masquerading as clinical staff.”

“The most important thing for everyone is to ensure that their provider is registered with the Healthcare Commission and its staff are suitably qualified."

COLLEAGUES of courageous cancer campaigner, Alyson Porter, who lost her battle against the disease in July, have launched a fundraising mission in her honour.

Mrs Porter, aged 47, battled with health chiefs to be given the “wonderdrug” Herceptin but died, surrounded by her family after her cancer returned earlier this year.

Her former colleagues at laser treatment clinic Laserase Bolton, which is based in the grounds of the Royal Bolton Hospital, are now organising a huge fundraising event to raise cash for her favourite charities. They are encouraging women to donate their old bras, which will then be sent on to the developing world, and donate £1.

All proceeds will be divided between Breast Cancer Care and the Breast Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital, where it will be used to help pay for two new “quiet rooms”.

Managing director of Laserase Bolton, Denise Leslie, said: “This was something both myself and Alyson had planned to do so I’m sure she would approve of us carrying it out.

“It really made the both of us laugh and I thought it would be a great way to have some fun and raise awareness and money for these really important causes.”

Anyone who donates will also be entered into a prize draw to win a host of prizes, including £100 and a DVD player. People must include their contact details with every donation. A silent auction will also be held. Mrs Porter thought she had beaten her breast cancer after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, followed by a course of Herceptin.

Last November, she was told the cancer had returned in her hip but she had surgery and was given the all-clear. Motorbike fanatic Mrs Porter began suffering from stomach pains in February and was given the devastating news in June that her cancer had returned.

She passed away in Longridge Community Hospital.

Bras and the £1 donation can be dropped off at the Laserase Clinic in Redgate Way, Royal Bolton Hospital, throughout October, the Breast Unit at the hospital or Silk lingerie shop at 538 Chorley Old Road.

FORMER Coronation Street star Jenny Platt is asking people to back a breast cancer charity campaign with donations of cash — and old bras.

The actress played Corrie barmaid Violet Wilson and is currently appearing in The Merchant of Venice at the Octagon Theatre.  She gave her support to the appeal in memory of cancer campaigner Alyson Porter, who died earlier this year.

Mrs Porter’s former colleagues at the Laserase clinic, which is based near the Royal Bolton Hospital, have organised the appeal to help the hospital’s breast unit and the Breast Cancer Care charity. They are appealing for people to send in old bras, along with a £1 donation, to Laserase before October 23.

Actress Jenny said: “Good luck to everyone at Laserase with this fabulous appeal. I hope they achieve their goal and receive a mile of bras!”

Proceeds will be split between the two campaigns and donated bras will be sent overseas to developing countries.

GEORGE Jackson rolled up his sleeves and got on the dance floor at his son’s wedding — a scene he could never have imagined a year ago.

The problem was that the 51-year-old grandad was embarrassed by his tattooed arms and hands. But he was almost tattoo-free for his son’s big day after having the etchings on his arms lasered — he even. posed for official wedding photographs with a renewed confidence.

He entered a competition in The Bolton News for free tattoo removal at Laserase Bolton and was delighted to be the winner. In the 16 months since, he has seen his numerous tattoos reduced to almost nothing — a few more sessions and he will be without a single tattoo.

George, a shift supervisor for a plastics firm, thoroughly enjoyed 25-year-old son Jamie’s wedding to 22-year-old Kirsty at St Paul’s Church, Astley Bridge. “I was embarrassed about my tattoos but not now, I feel so much more confident,” said George, who lives with his wife, 47-year-old Ann, in Halliwell. Some of the tattoos were professionally inked and others were home-made versions created by George when he was a schoolboy.

His first tattoo was completed when he was just 12-years-old. His handiwork includes a “ring” around one of his fingers — the most painful to remove — names of former girlfriends and Bolton Wanderers’ club initials, BWFC, across his fingers. He has undergone a treatment each month and admits it is painful. “It is like someone flicking you with an elastic band. But it is worth the pain,” he said.

George’s treatment wash carried out at the private laser clinic close to The Royal Bolton Hospital.

More:

Bolton News Article - 25th April 2008

Bolton News Article - 3rd April 2008