We’ve worked with lasers for quite a while now (over 10 years!), treating all kinds of skin concerns and offering permanent hair removal. And believe us when we tell you that not all laser treatments are the same. Clients often come in thinking a laser is a laser, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Lasers send out light at specific wavelengths. That wavelength is key, because it decides how deep the light goes and what exactly it targets in your skin. The Alexandrite laser, for example, is absorbed strongly by melanin and penetrates moderately into the skin, making it highly effective for lighter skin types. The Nd:YAG laser, on the other hand, has a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper and is less absorbed by melanin, so it’s safer for darker skin tones because it doesn’t target pigment as aggressively.
Now, the pulse duration - that’s how long each laser burst lasts - also matters. If the pulse is too long, there’s a risk of burning the skin around the target. But if it’s just right, the heat stays focused, like picking out a weed without disturbing the flowers next to it.
Then there’s fluence, which is the energy delivered over an area. Too little energy and the treatment won’t do much. Too much, and you might end up with irritation or worse. Spot size makes a difference too. Bigger spots go deeper, but they need more energy to do the job right.
Lasers fall into different categories. Ablative lasers actually vaporise layers of skin. That sounds intense because it is, and you’ll need some downtime as your skin heals. But the results? Worth it! Non-ablative lasers, like ClearLift, don’t remove skin but encourage collagen to rebuild under the surface. So you get smoother, firmer skin with zero downtime.
Q-switched lasers fire super short pulses that shatter pigment granules. That’s why they’re great for tattoos or dark spots. And then there’s IPL. It’s not technically a laser but a broad-spectrum light source that’s effective for redness and pigmentation.
At The Hampton Clinic, we use the Harmony XL Pro, which basically bundles several of these technologies into one. It lets us really tailor treatments to what your skin needs. We can smooth skin texture, tackle pigmentation, wrinkles, reduce redness, remove tattoos and even treat nail fungus by picking the right wavelength and settings for you.
For hair removal, the Soprano ICE Titanium is our go-to. It combines three wavelengths in one device so it works safely across different skin tones and hair types. It also uses cooling tech to keep things comfortable, and its “in-motion” technique makes sessions quicker.
But here’s the thing: the best machine in the world won’t help if it’s in the wrong hands. We’ve seen cases where poorly trained aestheticians caused burns. That’s why your practitioner’s experience is as important as the device itself. Here at The Hampton Clinic in Bristol, we take the time to assess your skin, explain what you can realistically expect, and guide you through pre and aftercare.
Before you book your treatment, don’t be shy - ask questions. What laser will they use? Why is it right for you? How many sessions will it take? What are the risks? What aftercare should you follow?
We’ve met too many people who felt disappointed after jumping into cheap laser deals without clear info. Laser treatments are an investment in your skin’s future.
We focus on safe, personalised treatments using advanced technology paired with genuine care and expertise. We don’t rush consultations or treatments because your skin deserves that attention. Our goal is to help your skin look and feel better in a way that’s natural and sustainable.
Not all lasers are the same, and not every treatment suits every skin. When you understand the science and the process, you can make confident choices that deliver the results you want.
If you want to learn more or have a chat about which laser might be best for you, we’re here.
