Laser Surgery

Laser surgery by Dr Toby Nelson is available at the Devon Hair & Skin Institute

Dr Nelson and team are privileged to be in the unique and envious position to be able to offer their patients a selection of treatments for pigmentation, photo damage, acne, redness & more. Dr Nelson is able to offer a host of laser treatments using the most innovative aesthetic laser & light-based system the Sciton Joule.

As of summer 2024 Dr Nelson will be offering BBL® HEROic™—firmly rooted in science and supported by patient and provider reviews and impressive before and after transformations. This acclaimed treatment works wonders on aging skin, effectively addressing the appearance of tone and texture, acne, sun and age spots, and more with minimal to no downtime. Bid farewell to brown spots, unwanted redness and any other signs of aging instead reclaim your healthier, vibrant skin.

What lasers does Dr Nelson use?

BBL Heroic
Halo. The world’s first hybrid fractional laser
Erbium tunable resurfacing laser. The World’s Most Advanced Resurfacing Laser

What Laser is best for me?

It is essential to have a consultation first to establish your ideas concerns and above all expectations. During this consult Dr Nelson will carefully examin your skin and discuss what is achievable. He will discuss the length of downtime to expect and also potential complications (which are rare)

Conditions Dr Nelson treats with laser;

Redness – Often seen in rosacea and very hard to improve without laser to reduce and remove the unwanted blood vessels in the skin. Laser treatment for rosacea is not funded on the NHS despite it falling within national guidelines of effective treatments
Brown patches, solar lentigines- BBL Heroic is an ideal treatment for these stubborn sunspots. Some require two treatments to go away and they do reform with time so its essential to wear your SpF after laser!

Fine lines – Wrinkles can be removed with botox but this will do nothing for your collagen bank. Laser can induce collagen regeneration giving a lasting result while also removing damage collagen bundles. Dr Nelson tends to use Halo laser for patient in their mid 40s to mid 60s with fine lines and not too deep wrinkles.

Deep wrinkles lip lines smokers lines- Dr Nelson will use the more aggressive deeper erbium laser to help remove deep lines and wrinkles. The downtime though is reflected in this. Redness after a full field ablation can be several months but its well worth it!

Xanthelasma – These annoying yellow patches of skin are an accumulation of unwanted cholesterol. When formed in a wide band surgeical exicison can be risky therefore careful removal using ablation can be a very effective treatment in all skin types.
Scars including acne scars. Scars can be very hard to treat but with careful planning and an honest and open consultation Dr Nelson can advise you on the likelihood of successful. Scars often need several treatments including ablative laser, subcision, punch excision (of ice-pick scars).

Acne – Although laser can improve acne it is not Dr Nelsons preferred treatment of choice.

Large pores –  Laser can be a real help to reduce pore size.

How much does Laser cost?

Prices start from as little as £400 (excluding initial consultation fees) rising to in excessive of £4000. Dr Nelson will ensure you have a written quotation from the clinic prior to any treatment. The cost of a laser is reflected in the results. A single well planned and delivered full facial resurfacing laser using erbium or CO2 is a once in a ten year treatment. This makes the initial cost a remarkable investment compared to many other treatments available which often have no obvious benefits.

Is there downtime?

Yes there is always some downtime but this will be reflected in the depth and coverage of the laser treatment. The BBL heroic has little to no downtime while a full field ablation to remove deep wrinkles can takes several weeks to recover.

What are the complications of Laser?

Infection although uncommon needs to be considered. Antibiotics and/or antiviral tablets maybe be given to you on the day of laser if deemed important Pain/redness and swelling are all to be expected for a period of time. Bruising can also occur but settles on its own.

Can I have laser with dark skin?

Yes you can. One of the main reasons Dr Nelson and the team at the Devon Hair and Skin Institute use the Sciton system is its safe use in all skin types.

Is there any special laser care creams you advise using before and after laser treatment?

Surprisingly no, we do not recommend or sell any specific products. Patients are instructed to use bland emollients after their laser to ensure the skin doe not become too dry. Written instructions are provided to all patients as part of their laser package including a selection of creams to use in the first few days.

Can I go in the sun after my laser?

That is a no! Laser patients are instructed to avoid direct or strong sunshine for the first 2 months following treatment to avoid pigmentation forming in odd places.

Can I get my skin wet after laser?

Yes, we instruct patients to wash and cleans daily

Can I use ice packs after laser?

Only for the first 24 hours after this we want to allow the skin swelling to come out.

Can I take painkillers?

Yes, ibuprofen can help in the first 24 hours after this regular paracetamol if required.

Where can I find more information about Dr Nelson and lasers?

Hair Loss & Dermatology Specialists – Devon Hair & Skin Institute

Sciton | Leaders in Medical and Aesthetic Laser Technology