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Laser Acne Treatment

Non-surgical laser treatment for active acne and acne scars using Fotona’s TwinLight Nd:YAG and Er:YAG protocol. From £150 per session. CQC-regulated, GMC-registered practitioners.

Laser Acne Treatment at Centre for Surgery, London

Laser acne treatment in summary: A non-surgical treatment using Fotona’s TwinLight protocol — combining Nd:YAG 1064nm laser to target overactive sebaceous glands and reduce bacterial load, with Er:YAG 2940nm laser to resurface the skin and improve acne scars in the same session. Treats mild to severe acne including cystic acne. Most patients need 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. From £150 per single area, £350 for half face, £500 for full face. CQC-regulated clinic, GMC-registered practitioners, 0% APR finance available subject to status.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK — affecting around 80% of people aged 11–30, and continuing into adulthood for many. It develops when sebaceous glands overproduce sebum, follicles become blocked, and Cutibacterium acnes bacteria multiply, triggering inflammation. The clinical result ranges from blackheads and whiteheads to inflamed papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

For many patients, topical creams, oral antibiotics, and over-the-counter treatments produce only partial improvement. Hormonal acne, adult-onset acne, and treatment-resistant cystic acne often need a different approach. Laser acne treatment offers a non-systemic alternative — it works directly on the skin without requiring oral medication, and addresses both active acne and the scarring it can leave behind.

Why patients choose laser over (or alongside) oral medication:

Related treatments at Centre for Surgery:

The Fotona TwinLight Laser Acne Protocol

The Fotona TwinLight protocol is a sequential dual-wavelength approach that addresses acne on multiple levels in a single session.

The Nd:YAG laser delivers long-pulse energy that penetrates deep into the dermis, where the sebaceous glands sit. The selective heating effect:

This is the active-acne component of the protocol. It treats current breakouts and reduces the rate of new breakouts forming.

The Er:YAG laser is highly selective for water in skin cells, which makes it ideal for controlled, gentle resurfacing. Following the Nd:YAG portion, the Er:YAG:

Most laser acne treatments use a single wavelength — typically only addressing either active acne or scarring, but not both. The TwinLight combination:

Laser treatment alone doesn’t address underlying hormonal drivers of acne (e.g. PCOS-related acne, severe hormonal adult acne). For patients where hormonal causes are dominant, combining laser with appropriate medical management of the hormonal cause typically gives the best result. We’ll discuss this honestly at consultation.

Laser Acne Treatment Before & After Photos

The cases below show real treatment results from Centre for Surgery patients. We only publish photographs where the patient has provided written consent. A wider range of cases is available to view in person at consultation.

This patient had a 3-year history of facial acne and had previously tried multiple oral and topical treatments — including retinoids and benzoyl peroxide — with minimal improvement. Four Nd:YAG sessions were performed, spaced 2 weeks apart. The “after” image was taken following the final session, with no recurrence at 12-month follow-up.

22-year-old male patient with active facial acne for 6 months. He had tried multiple topical treatments and didn’t want to take oral acne medication. Three Nd:YAG sessions were performed, spaced 28 days apart.

Acute, painful cystic acne lesion on the nose — treated with combined Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser.

Setting realistic expectations. Acne responds gradually. Most patients see calming of inflamed lesions within 1–2 weeks of the first session, with significant clearance typically by session 3. Acne scar improvement develops more gradually as collagen remodelling progresses — full benefit becomes visible 3–6 months after the final session. New breakouts can still occur, but they tend to be smaller, less inflamed, and resolve faster than they did before treatment.

Benefits of Fotona Laser Acne Treatment

The TwinLight protocol’s combination of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG addresses both current breakouts and the scarring they leave behind. This means fewer separate treatment courses, lower total cost, and a single integrated plan rather than juggling multiple treatments.

For patients who can’t tolerate oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane), don’t want the systemic side effects, are planning pregnancy, or have already tried oral medication without lasting results — laser treatment offers a non-systemic alternative. Treatment effect is delivered locally to the skin.

The Nd:YAG 1064nm wavelength has lower melanin absorption than shorter-wavelength lasers, making it one of the safer laser options for darker skin types where post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk is highest. Patients with Fitzpatrick 4–6 skin can be safely treated with appropriate parameters.

The Nd:YAG wavelength has a directly demonstrable antibacterial effect against the bacteria implicated in inflammatory acne. This is particularly useful for patients whose acne hasn’t responded to oral antibiotics or where antibiotic resistance is a concern.

Beyond treating active acne, the deep heating effect stimulates dermal collagen production. This gradually improves the appearance of atrophic acne scars and supports overall skin quality. Improvement is cumulative across the treatment course and continues for months after the final session.

Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild redness and slight warmth in the treated area for several hours is typical. Visible inflammation reduces over the days following treatment rather than worsening — unlike some peel-based treatments.

Laser parameters are clinical decisions made by the GMC-registered practitioner based on your skin type, acne severity, and treatment history. Each session is calibrated to your specific case, with conservative starting parameters and progressive adjustment as your skin’s response is established.

Who is Suitable for Laser Acne Treatment? Comparison vs Other Options

Laser acne treatment is suitable for adults aged 18 and over with active acne, active acne plus scarring, or treatment-resistant acne. Most patients are candidates, with some specific exceptions covered below.

A face-to-face consultation is required before any treatment is booked. The practitioner will examine your skin, classify your acne (including grade, distribution, scarring extent), identify likely drivers, and tell you directly which treatment (or combination) suits your case.

The Laser Acne Treatment Procedure

A laser acne session takes 30 to 75 minutes for laser delivery, depending on the area treated. With check-in, photographs, optional topical numbing, and aftercare advice, allow 60–90 minutes total per visit.

The Nd:YAG portion feels like deep warming sensation, occasionally with a brief sharper sensation when treating deeper inflamed lesions. The Er:YAG portion feels like a brief snapping or stinging sensation, similar to a rubber band against the skin. Cold-air cooling is used continuously. Most patients rate the discomfort 3–4 out of 10. Topical numbing for 20 minutes before treatment can be requested if you prefer additional comfort.

Single small-area treatments take 15–30 minutes for laser delivery. Half-face treatments take 30–45 minutes. Full-face TwinLight treatments take 45–60 minutes. Back or chest treatments take 45–75 minutes depending on extent. Allow 60–90 minutes total per visit.

Most patients need 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for active acne. Patients with concurrent scarring may benefit from 4–6 sessions. Severe cystic acne may need a longer course of 6 sessions. Maintenance sessions every 3–6 months afterwards help sustain the result for patients with chronic relapsing acne.

Laser Acne Treatment Aftercare and Recovery

Recovery in summary: Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Mild redness and slight warmth in the treated area for several hours up to 24 hours is typical. Treated inflamed lesions calm down faster than they would naturally over the following 1–2 weeks. Daily SPF 50+ during the course is essential.

Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area for at least 2 weeks, and use SPF 50+ daily throughout the course. Sun exposure during healing raises the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the treated zones. This is particularly important for darker skin types and for any patient with active inflammation.

For best results, your practitioner may recommend specific products to use between sessions:

Avoid: harsh scrubs, strong AHAs, undiluted essential oils, and any product with significant fragrance during the active treatment course.

If you develop persistent redness or swelling beyond 48 hours, signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever), unusual blistering, or any other concerns, contact the clinic on . Side effects beyond expected redness, warmth, and the calming of treated lesions are uncommon but should always be reviewed.

Expected Results from Laser Acne Treatment

Acne responds gradually to laser treatment. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 1–2 weeks of the first session, with cumulative clearance over a 3–4 session course. Scar improvement develops more slowly as collagen remodelling continues for months after treatment.

For many patients, the benefit of a complete course is sustained for 1–2 years or longer with appropriate skincare. Patients with chronic relapsing acne (e.g. hormonal cycling acne, ongoing pubertal acne) often benefit from maintenance sessions every 3–6 months. The cumulative effect over time tends to be reduced acne severity, smaller breakouts when they do occur, and gradual scar improvement.

Laser Acne Treatment Cost in London

Laser acne treatment at Centre for Surgery starts from £150 per session for a single small area, with course-of-3 packages from £400. Half-face treatment is from £350 per session, with course-of-3 packages from £900. Full-face TwinLight treatment is from £500 per session, with course-of-3 packages from £1,250.

All prices are all-inclusive — covering the practitioner’s fee, treatment room, eye protection, cold-air cooling, post-treatment skincare, and follow-up review appointments.

A “single small area” is one localised zone — for example, the chin, jawline, or a single inflamed cyst area.

“Half face” covers approximately half the facial area — for example, both cheeks, or the central panel including forehead and nose.

Full-face TwinLight treatment covers all affected zones across the entire face — forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, mouth area, and chin.

Body acne treatment is quoted at consultation based on extent and severity. As a guide, back or chest treatment typically starts from £450–£650 per session depending on area treated.

Most patients need a course of 3–4 sessions for face, 4–6 for body. Sessions beyond the initial 3-session package are charged at the per-session rate. We don’t pre-book the full course up front — we review at session 3, assess response, and confirm any additional sessions needed. This means you don’t pay for sessions you don’t need.

Every quote at Centre for Surgery includes:

There are no hidden charges. The price quoted at consultation is the price you pay.

Centre for Surgery is partnered with Chrysalis Finance, a specialist medical finance provider. 0% APR options are available subject to status, with longer terms at variable rates.

Indicative monthly costs at 0% APR over 12 months:

Full finance details are on our , or speak to a patient coordinator directly on .

Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Laser Acne Treatment

Laser acne treatment at Centre for Surgery is performed by GMC-registered aesthetic practitioners using the Fotona TwinLight protocol at our CQC-regulated Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.

Centre for Surgery is registered and regulated by the , the independent regulator of healthcare in England. The same clinical governance standards required of any private hospital apply at our clinic.

Treatment is performed by GMC-registered aesthetic practitioners — not nurses or non-medical practitioners — using the surgical-grade Fotona SP Dynamis platform. This is the same hardware used in clinical research and at major aesthetic centres internationally. Energy parameters, wavelength selection, and treatment intensity are clinical decisions made by clinicians.

We use the complete TwinLight protocol combining both Nd:YAG 1064nm and Er:YAG 2940nm wavelengths. Some clinics offer only one wavelength, treating either active acne or scarring but not both. Using both in sequence delivers more comprehensive treatment in fewer total visits.

We will tell you directly at consultation if your concern is actually rosacea (different condition, similar appearance), if your scarring is so established that direct would be more efficient, or if your acne is hormonally-driven and would benefit from medical management alongside laser. We don’t sell what isn’t appropriate. A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies before any treatment is booked.

If your consultation reveals that combined or alternative treatment would suit you better — , , for post-acne marks, , or — that pathway is available at the same clinic with the same clinical team.

The clinic is at 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone, London W1U 6RN, a short walk from Baker Street tube station (Jubilee, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Bakerloo OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow’s Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling).

A face-to-face consultation is required before any treatment is booked.

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Common Questions About Laser Acne Treatment

Below you’ll find detailed answers to the most common questions we receive about laser acne treatment — covering causes of acne, how the Fotona TwinLight protocol works, suitability across different skin types, what to expect during sessions, recovery, cost, and timeline for results.

If your specific question isn’t covered below, please call us on or — our patient coordinators will arrange a consultation with one of our GMC-registered aesthetic practitioners. A face-to-face consultation is the right place for individual clinical assessment, including diagnosis confirmation, classification of acne type and severity, identification of underlying drivers, and a tailored treatment plan.

Related content:

FAQs

What To Expect

At Centre for Surgery, when you come in for your first appointment, our experts will conduct a thorough examination of your skin. This is an essential step to understand the specific issues you’re facing with acne. Alongside this, they’ll engage in a detailed discussion about your primary concerns related to your acne. This step is crucial in tailoring the treatment to your unique needs.

An integral part of this initial meeting involves a conversation about your overall health and medical history. This is not just a routine procedure, but a necessary step to confirm whether laser treatment is a safe and suitable option for you. Our specialists place a high emphasis on patient safety and suitability for any procedure.

One of the key aspects of the consultation is the detailed explanation provided by the specialist about the laser technology used for treating acne. They will take you through how the laser treatment works, what it involves, and most importantly, what outcomes you can realistically expect from this treatment. This is vital to ensure that your expectations align with what can be achieved through the treatment.

If, after careful evaluation, you are considered a good candidate for laser acne treatment, our specialists will conduct a small patch test. This test is essential to ensure that your skin can safely tolerate the laser treatment. This step reflects our commitment to personalised care and patient safety.

Following the successful patch test, our experts will create a tailor-made treatment plan that’s specifically designed to address your unique skin needs. This bespoke plan is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it is thoughtfully crafted to maximise the effectiveness of your treatment while focusing on your individual requirements and goals.







Fotona’s Laser Acne Treatment represents a cutting-edge approach in addressing acne and its related skin concerns. This treatment uses two distinct laser wavelengths, namely Er:YAG and Nd:YAG. These wavelengths work in tandem to deliver optimal results, each targeting different aspects of acne and skin rejuvenation.

The process is designed to be comfortable for patients, typically not causing pain. During the treatment, patients might experience a mild warming or a sensation akin to a light pinch. This sensation is a normal part of the procedure as the laser works on the skin and the tissues underneath.

The treatment protocol, known as TwinLight, is customised based on the individual needs of each patient. It utilises both the Nd:YAG and Er:YAG wavelengths in a complementary manner:

Nd:YAG Laser: This part of the treatment focuses on managing active acne. The high-power Nd:YAG laser penetrates the skin deeply, heating and meticulously destroying the larger sebaceous glands. These glands are often at the root of acne breakouts, and their targeted treatment can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of acne.

Er:YAG Laser: Following the Nd:YAG treatment, the Er:YAG laser, which is ablative in nature, is employed. This stage is crucial for addressing surface-level skin imperfections and treating acne scars. The laser gently vaporises the outermost layer of the skin, revealing the undamaged, healthier skin beneath. This step is instrumental in smoothing out the skin’s texture and appearance.

Additionally, the combined action of the Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers not only addresses the immediate acne and scar issues but also promotes the natural production and remodelling of collagen within the dermis. This aspect of the treatment contributes to the long-term health and clarity of the skin, with results becoming increasingly apparent in the months following the treatment.









Post-treatment care is a critical aspect of the acne laser treatment process at Centre for Surgery. Our specialists provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. While many patients find they can return to their daily routines immediately after treatment, individual experiences may vary. In some cases, particularly after more intensive sessions, a period of downtime may be necessary.

As part of the recovery process, you might encounter some common side effects, including swelling, redness, scabbing, and peeling of the treated area. These are normal reactions and are part of the healing process. Avoid picking at the skin during this period. Interfering with the healing skin can adversely affect your results and may potentially harm the tissue.

Sun protection plays a vital role in post-treatment care. Avoiding sun exposure and diligently applying a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) is strongly advised, especially during the first two weeks after treatment. This practice is not just about sunburn prevention; it’s about ensuring proper and safe healing of the treated skin.

Patients often notice an immediate improvement in the texture and appearance of their skin following treatment. The full benefits of the TwinLight treatment will become more apparent over time. This is because the treatment stimulates new collagen production, a process that can take up to 2-3 months to fully manifest.

The number of sessions required to achieve your desired outcomes will be determined during your consultation with our laser specialist. Generally, most patients achieve the best results after 2-3 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Additionally, some patients opt for annual ‘top-up’ sessions to maintain their results.







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