Age spots—also known as sun spots or liver spots—are a common form of pigmentation caused by prolonged sun exposure. These flat, brown marks typically appear on the face, hands, and other sun-exposed areas, creating an uneven skin tone.
At Cheshire Lasers, we offer a range of advanced treatments to effectively reduce or remove age spot pigmentation, helping you achieve clearer, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots (also known as sun spots or solar lentigines) are flat, brown patches caused by long-term sun exposure. They commonly appear on the:
Face
Hands
Décolletage
Arms
These pigmented areas form due to excess melanin production triggered by UV damage, and often become more noticeable over time.
Are freckles the same as age spots?
No. Freckles usually appear in childhood, often run in families, and fade during the winter. Age spots develop later, from years of accumulated sun exposure, and do not fade on their own. Both respond to IPL and laser treatment — you can read more on our page about pigmentation removal with IPL and laser.
The Most Effective Age Spot Removal Treatments
Cheshire Laser Clinic offers a full range of clinically proven pigmentation treatments, enabling us to treat both localised spots and widespread sun-damaged areas.
When considering which treatment suits you, it’s important to be aware that there are three aspects to consider:
Remove existing pigment with your treatment of choice
Reduce pigment production
Prevent recurrence
The following treatments remove existing pigment :
Best Treatments for Individual Age Spots
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment
Targets pigmentation using light energy
Breaks down melanin in the skin for natural removal
Ideal for superficial sun damage
Can not be used on suntanned skin
Suitable for skin types 1 to 3
Provided by our Laser Technician
Laser Pigmentation Removal
More aggressive treatment for stubborn or deeper pigmentation
Can not be used on suntanned skin
Cryotherapy for Age Spots
For small, well-defined superficial lesions
Freezes and destroys the entire treatment area
Age spots darken and flake off naturally
Provided by Dr Hazlehurst
Treatments for Diffuse Pigmentation & Sun Damage
Chemical Peels and Resurfacing Treatments
Exfoliate pigmented surface layers
Brighten and smooth the complexion
Ideal for widespread pigmentation
Neogen Plasma Skin Regeneration
Advanced nitrogen plasma technology
Resurfaces the skin and simultaneously improves pigmentation
For more stubborn pigmentation, we may recommend a prescription regimen of products such as the Obagi Nu-Derm system. This option is provided by Dr Hazlehurst.
Treatments that Prevent Recurrence
The most important treatment here is SPF. We recommend a high SPF / sunblock at all times before, during, and after your treatment.
Book Your Age Spot Removal Consultation
Our expert team will create a personalised treatment plan using the most effective technologies for your skin.
Book a consultation with Sultana, our Laser Technician/Aesthetician, to discuss IPL/Laser, Skin Peels, Skin Resurfacing Treatments, and our topical skin treatments.
Cheshire Lasers Shares Their Quest to Improve Under-Eye Wrinkles:
Cheshire Lasers continues to invest in the latest under-eye treatments. Improving this area is challenging, and the results can be disappointing. We have so many successful solutions for treating or improving other areas of the face. However, the under-eye area has a different story.
Over the years, Cheshire Lasers has invested in numerous treatments and machines, seeking the latest and best treatment for under-eye wrinkles. Sadly, many of them have not fully met our expectations. The treatments either don’t deliver consistently high-quality results for everyone, or they cause too much downtime or discomfort. This does not mean they do not work, because they do, but the results don’t work well for everyone or don’t meet the client’s expectations.
The more aggressive treatments work the best, but some of them can leave you bruised for a week or more, especially when a course of treatments is required.
Which treatments can improve under-eye wrinkles?
Cheshire Lasers offers all of the following Under Eye Treatments.
Most people have heard of Botox; it is excellent for treating dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repetitive muscle movement. Botox works by temporarily paralysing the muscles that create your wrinkles and fine lines. Treatment of these muscles relaxes them and softens the wrinkles.
Botox is very effective at muscle relaxation (it starts working within a few days), and as long as you do your research and go to a recommended experienced medical practitioner, you won’t end up with the ‘frozen face’ you see in some celebrities.
Botox helps with dynamic wrinkles, commonly known as crow’s feet, but it is less effective when your concern is directly under the eye. This is because these lines are usually due to loss of collagen and skin elasticity, not just repetitive movement.
Cheshire Lasers offers a wide range of injectable treatments that stimulate collagen in the skin to improve skin texture and elasticity under the eyes. They can also help improve puffiness and dark circles, and are now more popular than tear-trough injections.
They all involve a course of treatments and can deliver fantastic results. We also still provide tear trough treatments, but these are only suitable for certain patients, depending on their problem.
Most other under-eye anti-ageing treatments involve damaging your skin to make it heal, repair and then regenerate. The results last for varying lengths of time. Generally, the more aggressive the treatment, the better the results and the longer they last.
There are various ways to damage the skin surface:
Ultraformer MF2 causes injuries just under the skin using ultrasound energy. The high-intensity energy can be focused at the depth we want, causing injury to the collagen. It does not damage the visible upper layer of skin cells known as the epidermis, so there is little downtime.
This treatment could cause some bruising if you are unlucky. It can also cause a bit of redness, which usually goes after an hour or two. Sometimes it can cause slight swelling, which generally lasts hours or a few days if you are unlucky. Ultraformer MF2 usually requires a course of 3 treatments, sometimes more. It is currently the most popular treatment at Cheshire Lasers. The results are typically visible one month after your first treatment, but the result of collagen remodelling, tighter, younger-looking skin can take three months to be fully appreciated.
The Endymed eye treatment uses radiofrequency technology to heat the skin to around 40 degrees Celsius, which is about the same temperature as a hot shower. The collagen in the dermis layer of the skin is heated to a temperature at which it contracts. This triggers healing and repair, producing new collagen that remodels and tightens naturally over time.
The CACI Eye Revive
The CACI Eye Revive Treatment involves low-level radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen, and it then opens up the skin channels of the skin to encourage penetration of hydrating products from the eye revive mask. It soothes tired, puffy eyes, reduces dark circles, lifts hooded eyes and yes, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
A one-off treatment can lead you to a refreshed look and is great before a special event. However, a course of treatments delivers the best results.
Neogen uses nitrogen gas, which it converts into plasma energy. This energy improves both the epidermis and dermis layers, stimulating collagen production over time. It is one of the few treatments that can be used on the eyelids as well as the under-eye area.
A course of three or more treatments is required for optimal results, and downtime ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. These factors depend on the strength of the treatment, which can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Radiofrequency Microneedling involves puncturing tiny holes into your skin, which then delivers an electric current to the collagen layer. This energy damages the skin and underlying collagen, creating newer, younger-looking, firmer skin. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so it is only moderately irritating, despite how it sounds.
The cons: It takes 4-24 hours for the redness to settle. 3 treatments every 5 weeks may be needed for best results, which include brightening, smoothing and fine-line reduction. However, you can take things slowly and have a treatment every few months.
Laser
Resurfacing lasers create trauma to your skin. The most popular one is a CO2 laser. This is often fractionated into small dots to reduce the amount of trauma to the skin and the downtime. There are some downsides to Laser treatment. Your skin will look and feel badly sunburned for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the intensity of the treatment. It then goes sandpapery for a week or two. The results can be fantastic as long as you are prepared for the downtime. No pain, no gain, as they say! This treatment is not currently available at Cheshire Lasers. Why not visit The Consulting Room website to see who provides this treatment near you.
How do I know which under-eye rejuvenation treatment is for me?
Injectable treatments can cause bruising and swelling after each treatment.
The more ablative treatments, such as CO2 laser and Plasma, may require fewer treatments but have longer downtime and can be more uncomfortable.
The Ultraformer is a compromise, as it is pretty aggressive in the deep layers of the skin but rarely causes downtime. It can be uncomfortable, but the treatment is quick, so any discomfort is over quickly.
CACI Eye Revive is a very relaxing, enjoyable treatment, but a course of 10 treatments is required once or twice a week.
RF Microneedling is an excellent treatment with excellent results and minimal downtime. However, because disposable equipment is more expensive, performing it is more costly and only cost-effective if you are considering a full-face or face-and-neck procedure.
Neogen Plasma Skin Rejuvenation can treat the eyelids as well as the under-eye area. It can be used to target your areas of concern or the full face. You can have a course of low-level treatments, which cause minimal downtime. Alternatively, a course of medium treatments gives a much more significant amount of downtime but requires fewer treatments to achieve the desired results.
Endymed Facial Tightening with Radiofrequency is also a more enjoyable treatment that feels a bit like a hot stone massage for the face. Maintenance is recommended every six weeks after an initial course of 6 to 8 treatments.
As we age, we lose collagen and elastin in the skin, so the skin loses its capability to bounce back when we move and make different facial expression . Facial expressions are important, but they do put a strain on our skin and its supporting collagen and over time, can cause dynamic wrinkles.
Smoking, sun exposure, diet and genetics also influence how the skin ages.
One study shows that smoking 30 cigarettes daily will add 14 years to your skin!
There are two types of UV rays present in sunlight. UVB is responsible for sunburn, and UVA is responsible for DNA damage and skin ageing.
Sugar may also contribute to premature ageing through glycation. Glycation can damage skin tissues over time, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.
Genetics and our DNA can also play a role in ageing. Often, if your parents and grandparents have great skin, you will, too. However, if they have skin issues like big pores and acne-prone skin, you may also be more susceptible to these issues.
How to prevent wrinkles?
Avoiding smoking, limiting sun exposure and cutting down on sugar will all help to improve your skin health. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and including oily fish, like salmon, will also improve your skin health. Vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables will boost your overall health and give you a glow from within. Hydration is also crucial to keeping your skin healthy and clear, so ensure you are getting enough water throughout the day, too.
Some serums and creams are designed for the eye area that can help prevent more wrinkles.
Dr Johnson Discusses Jowl Treatments at Cheshire Lasers:
Learn why we get jowls, the available treatments, and how we can help you achieve the best results at Cheshire Lasers!
Cheshire Lasers provides a wide range of jowl treatments that work in various ways. When considering which treatment is right for you, it is important to understand why your jowls have developed in the first place. Different treatments address different problems, and some people require a combination of treatments for best results.
Why do we get Jowls?
As we age, many changes occur that cause the soft tissues of our face to descend and form jowls.
Facial bone and fat loss reduce facial volume, so the soft tissues are no longer supported.
The skin loses collagen and elasticity.
Fat can develop in the jowl area, which pulls down the soft tissues due to its weight.
The depressor muscles in our lower face become hyperactive and pull down the skin.
At Cheshire Lasers, we often see people concerned about their jowls who are looking for treatments. When considering which jowl treatment is right for you, we advise you to consider the following:
Is the treatment invasive or not?
How effective is the treatment?
Are there any potential side effects?
Does the treatment hurt?
How many treatments will you need (especially if you have a busy schedule)?
How long do the results last?
Do you need maintenance treatments?
What is the cost of the treatment?
Which treatments are good for Jowls?
CACI Jowl Lift
The CACI Jowl Lift is a non-invasive, effective treatment for the jowl area. It targets muscle laxity and overactivity around the jawline. Using electrical stimulation, this treatment retrains the muscles, lifting, firming and refining the jawline. It takes approximately 15 minutes/ treatment.
A course of 10 treatments is required, but they are not expensive. After that, we recommend a maintenance treatment every month to maintain the results long term. There is no downtime, and side effects are very rare.
This treatment works well in most people, but works less well if you have very heavy jowls with large amounts of fat deposits.
Radiofrequency is a non-invasive effective treatment for skin laxity which can help improve the jowl area. It works by stimulating collagen in the skin making it firmer and plumper it also improves skin tone and texture.
A course of 6-8 treatments are required. After this, a single treatment is recommended every 6 to 12 weeks to maintain the results long term. There is no downtime and side effects are very rare.
We have two radiofrequency treatments available:
ThermaClinic – Great for full-face treatments which take an hour.
Endymed – A more intensive treatment with an innovative jowl shaper handpiece designed to tighten the skin and mobilise the fatty area of the Jowl. A treatment takes 40 minutes.
Ultraformer Jowl Lift and Tighten Treatment
The Ultraformer is a slightly more aggressive treatment which reduces the fat in the jowl area and stimulates collagen to give a lifting and tightening effect. High focused ultrasound energy is used to injure the collagen and fatty layers under the skin. This induces fat loss and also stimulates healing and collagen production.
Often, only one treatment is required which can take around an hour. The treatment is uncomfortable but most people tolerate it without any problems. 10% of people may experience bruising after treatment but usually, there is no downtime. The results last 12 to 24 months when you may then opt for a second treatment.
Mid Face and Jawline Volumisation involves injections of Dermal Fillers or collagen stimulators into the areas where volume has been lost. By replacing the volume the soft tissues in the face reposition, reducing sagging and lifting the jowls. Each face is different and will require a bespoke treatment plan but often the cheek and or jawline need treating.
You may need between one to three treatments depending on the amount of volume loss. 20% of people may get bruising or swelling but there is usually no downtime.
Thread Lift treatments are more invasive, they can cause bruising and several days downtime. A single treatment is usually required.
The ideal patient is someone with good skin quality; neither too thick or thin and mild to moderate sagging in the mid-face. Patients do less well if they have excessive skin in the mandibular region associated. If they have very thin or thick skin or have a lot of fat in the jowl area.
This treatment is not available at Cheshire Lasers.
Lower Face Lift
This treatment involves surgery it is the gold standard treatment for treating the jowl area. It has considerably more downtime than the treatments above and is not reversible. Cheshire Lasers does not provide facelift cosmetic surgery for the jowls.
Which treatment is right for me?
We recommend booking a consultation so we can assess your face and identify the causes of your jowls. This allows us to advise you on the treatments most likely to deliver the best results.
During your consultation, we will also take into account your lifestyle and preferences regarding downtime. For example, some clients prefer more powerful treatments carried out less frequently, while others are happy to commit to a course of gentler treatments that can be equally effective but require more time.
If you are only considering machine-based treatments, you may book a consultation with one of our experienced aestheticians.
If you are also interested in injectable treatments, we recommend booking with Dr Teri Johnson, who has expertise in all of the treatment options we offer.
At Cheshire Lasers, we provide thread vein removal treatments for the tiny veins found on the face and legs.
These red veins are also called thread veins or spider veins. They are the tiny visible veins that can be red, purple, or blue and have a web-like appearance. Their web-like appearance is what inspired the name ‘spider veins’.
Are spider veins and thread veins the same thing?
Yes. Spider veins, thread veins, red veins and broken capillaries are all names for the same thing — the tiny surface veins that show through the skin, most often on the cheeks, nose and legs. Whichever name you have been given, the treatments described on this page are the ones we use.
What is the best Thread Vein Removal Treatment for Facial Thread Veins?
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments are among the most effective for removing facial veins. The treatment involves directing light at the veins from outside the skin; this light damages the veins, stimulating the body to remove them.
These treatments also reduce redness on the face around the vein. They also treat spider naevi and cherry angiomas located anywhere on the body, provided they are flat. Raised ones do not respond well to light treatment and are better removed with electrocautery.
Laser and IPL treatments require no sun exposure or suntan for at least 4 weeks before and after each treatment. If you can not avoid a suntan you may want to consider electrocautery for thread veins.
Laser and IPL treatment for facial thread veins starts from £60 for a single thread vein, and £100 for an area such as the full nose or chin. Prices are per treatment, and two to five treatments are usually needed. A consultation and patch test costs £30.
Advanced electrocautery is also a very effective treatment for removing thread veins. It involves inserting a very fine needle into the thread veins and applying a tiny amount of electric current. The needle destroys all the tissue it touches, and the body then heals and repairs the area. Advanced electrocautery is performed by Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst
Electrocautery for facial thread veins is £140 for one small patch with Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst. Her consultation is £50, which is taken off the price of your first treatment.
What is the best Thread Vein Removal Treatment for Leg Thread veins?
Sclerotherapy is the gold standard treatment for leg veins. This is an injectable treatment that can treat the entire vein. Studies show that sclerotherapy is more effective and yields longer-lasting results than laser or IPL for treating leg thread veins.
Microsclerotherapy for leg thread veins is £300 per treatment with Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst, and a course of three is often needed. The initial consultation is £50 to assess the veins and measure for compression stockings, and is redeemable against your first treatment.
Why is Sclerotherapy better for Leg thread vein removal?
Leg thread veins can occur due to ageing, sun exposure and trauma to the skin. However, they also develop due to backwards blood flow from larger veins when the valves are no longer functioning properly. If these underlying faulty veins are untreated, they will cause more reflux in the healthier veins causing them to dilate and cause more unsightly thread veins.
The light used to treat the veins with laser and IPL can only treat the veins close to the skin surface. Treating these superficial thread veins in the skin without treating the deeper incompetent veins can cause spider vein treatment to fail.
Sclerotherapy can address some of these deeper thread veins as well.
Do you treat Varicose Veins?
Cheshire Lasers does not provide varicose vein treatments. Varicose veins are much more complex to treat and a vascular surgeon is the best person to treat them.
Several of our clients have highly recommended the Vein Centre which is a specialist centre that treats only veins. They have two clinics close to Cheshire, one in Manchester and the other in Stoke on Trent. The Vein Centre’s website explains which treatments are available for varicose veins and how they work.
If you are not sure which treatment you need, email photographs of the area from a couple of different angles to cheshirelasers@hotmail.co.uk. It’s helpful if you let us know how long the lesion has been there and whether it’s changing in any way. We will ask our specialists to review your email and advise our reception team on who you should see. Sometimes we will ask you to book a consultation first.
To book thread vein treatment at Cheshire Lasers phone 01606 841255, or book a consultation online. Laser and IPL treatments are booked through our online system; electrocautery and microsclerotherapy are booked with Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst.
Cheshire Lasers often receives enquiries asking how we can help treat scarring and acne scars.
Dr Teri Johnson discusses the various treatments available for scars and how they work.
What are Scars?
Scars develop after trauma to the skin; this can be due to an injury, post-surgery, or skin conditions such as acne. They are a natural part of the body’s healing process and occur when the skin’s deeper layers are damaged. This results in the formation of fibrous tissue to repair the injury. Scars may vary in appearance, texture, and size, depending on factors such as the type and severity of the injury, individual healing characteristics, and the scar’s location on the body.
When it comes to acne scarring, any type of acne spot can lead to scarring, but it’s more common when the most serious types of spots (nodules and cysts) burst and damage nearby skin. Scarring can also occur if you pick your skin or squeeze a spot, so it’s important not to do this.
While scars are permanent, they often fade and become less noticeable over time but may still remain visible.
Which Treatments Help Scars?
At Cheshire Lasers, we provide the following treatments for acne scarring:
Other Treatments available elsewhere which may be more appropriate for your condition:
TCA CROSS treatment
Surgical Excision of scars
Laser Treatments: can be ablative and non-ablative.
Punch techniques
Dermabrasion
Scar Revision Surgery
Sometimes, for best results, a combination of treatments is required.
Polynucleotides
Polynucleotide therapy is a new way to treat scars. It involves injecting special substances made of DNA and RNA into the scar tissue. Here’s how it works:
Makes Skin Stronger: These substances help the skin make more collagen, which is like a building block that makes skin stronger and helps scars heal better.
Helps Skin Repair: PN therapy helps damaged skin repair itself faster, making scars look better over time.
Reduces Redness and Itching: Scars can be red and itchy because of inflammation. PN therapy can help calm down this inflammation, making scars less red and itchy.
Makes Skin More Flexible: Scars often feel tight and stiff. PN therapy can make the skin more flexible by adding more collagen so scars feel softer and move better.
Improves Scar Colour: Sometimes, scars are darker than the surrounding skin. PN therapy can help lighten the colour of scars, making them blend in better with the rest of the skin.
Polynucleotide injectable treatments are safe with very little downtime. They work well in combination with other treatments to enhance the results.
Overall, they strengthen the skin, helping it repair faster and reducing redness and itching. It’s a simple treatment that can make a big difference for people with scars.
Microneedling, also known as skin needling, involves using small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin. These small contact points encourage the body to create a wound-healing response. The needling also can break down old scar tissue and stimulate the production of new skin cells. New collagen and elastin grow as the skin repairs to give a smoother, plumper skin surface.
This treatment also improves skin texture, leading to smoother skin and reduced pore size and fine lines. Microneedling can also reduce pigmentation, which is sometimes seen with some scarring.
Before and after three microneedling treatments for acne scars at Cheshire Lasers.
This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. The combination treatment is much more effective than microneedling on its own. The radiofrequency energy heats the tissue to around 55 – 65°C and, depending on the depth, it stimulates cell renewal, new collagen, increased hydration and skin resurfacing. The heat is more effective at stimulating fibroblast action, which is responsible for healing and repair.
Radiofrequency Microneeding is a more aggressive treatment than normal microneedling; however, surprisingly, the downtime is often much less. Here at Cheshire Lasers, we have found that fewer treatments are usually needed to deliver the same results.
Microdermabrasion involves deep exfoliation of the top layer of skin. Your skin will look red after treatment but will soon settle down.
Although this treatment claims to treat scars, it only helps with minor superficial scars, such as mild surface acne scarring.
You will need a course of treatments for the best results.
Other Treatments for Acne Scarring
The following treatments are also options for treating scars. These treatments are not available at Cheshire Lasers. However, we may be able to recommend a local clinic that provides them.
TCA CROSS treatment
TCA CROSS treatment involves the application of trichloracetic acid at high concentrations to the base of a scar. This causes trauma to the scar tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response that stimulates the production of new collagen. After each treatment, the scar gradually fills in from the bottom up and reduces in appearance.
This treatment is very useful for various Acne scars, including ice pick, box and rolling scars. It can also help with chickenpox scars and enlarged pores
You can also consider Laser treatment to treat mild to moderate acne scarring. There are 2 types of laser treatment:
Ablative laser treatment – where lasers cause skin trauma and remove some scar tissue, to produce a new, smooth-looking area of skin. This treatment can have significant downtime.
Non-ablative laser treatment – where lasers are used to stimulate the growth of new collagen (a type of protein found in skin), which helps to repair some of the damage caused by scarring and improves the appearance
Punch techniques
Punch techniques are surgical methods that can treat ice-pick scars and boxcar scars. There are three types of punch technique:
Punch excision – used to treat mild ice pick scars. The scar is surgically removed, and the wound is sealed, leaving smoother and more even skin.
Punch elevation – used to treat boxcar scars. The base of the scar is surgically removed, leaving the sides of the scar in place. The base is then reattached to the sides but lifted up so it’s level with the surface of the skin. This makes the scar much less noticeable
Punch grafting – is used to treat deep ice-pick scars. As with punch excision, the scar is removed, but the wound is “plugged” with a sample of skin taken from elsewhere on the body.
Surgical Subcision
Subcision is a surgical treatment which can treat deep rolling scars. The upper layer of the skin is removed from the underlying scar tissue, allowing blood to pool under the affected area. The blood clot helps form connective tissue, which pushes up the rolling scar so it’s level with the rest of the skin’s surface.
Once subscision has been completed, additional treatments are usually needed to improve the appearance of the scar.
An impaired skin barrier can cause inflammation and redness. This can be caused by stress on the skin some as extreme heat or cold, or products applied to the skin, as well as skin conditions such as Dermatitis, Eczema, and Psoriasis. Sometimes the skin appears angry and inflamed; other times dry and flaky, but sometimes the barrier breakdown can be more subtle in appearance.
To improve redness in these situations, we need to repair the skin barrier first before addressing any remaining redness.
Skin with Inflammation
Inflamed skin can be treated with:
pHformula CR Treatments
pHformula’s CR home prescription treatments have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to improve chronically red skin.
Chronic Redness Treatments can help skin with problems such as Flushing, Sensitive Blotchy Reactive Skin, Angry Inflamed Skin, Rosacea and Acne-prone skin.
Dermalux LED Light Treatments
Dermalux LEDis an excellent treatment for red skin. It helps improve inflammation and sensitive skin due to any cause, including skins with Acne, Rosacea and Eczema
Home Treatments for Redness
pHformula Prescription Home Treatments
pHformula has an extensive range of prescription products to treat red skin.
Vita D Cream: Vita D booster complex, Prebiotic complex, and the pHformula 24-Hour Moisturising complex. It is indicated for Photoageing and premature ageing, Acne, Atopic dermatitis Psoriasis, Impaired barrier and Inflammation
VITA B3 cream: 5% Niacinamide and 24-Hour Moisturising complex. It is indicated for Photoageing, Dark spots, Acne, Transepidermal Water Loss, Impaired barrier Inflammation
pHformula 24-Hour Moisturising complex consists of Shea butter, Avocado oil, Sesame seed oil, and Sunflower seed oil. Contains vitamins A,B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, D, E, F K. It also contains minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron as well as trace elements such as Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
SOS rescue oil This dual-phase S.O.S. rescue oil is a unique combination of oil blends and naturally sourced actives, infusing the skin with a healthy glow and youthfulness. Collagen production improves, helping soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin. Provides natural barrier protection for the skin.
SOS repair cream is an ultra-rich repair cream that helps to protect the skin against moisture loss, providing hydration and comfort to extremely dry or sensitized skin.
G.E.L. cleanse A gentle, soap-free cleansing gel for all skin types. Thoroughly removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance, leaving the skin fresh and clean. A gentle anti-inflammatory cleanser that reinforces the natural barrier of the skin and also thoroughly removes make-up, oil and impurities
Neostrata Redness Neutralizing Serum
Neostrata Redness Neutralizing Serum is a powerful anti-ageing treatment for red skin.
It helps restore and strengthen the skin’s important protective barrier and also helps to calm sensitive skin, such as Rosacea.
This light cooling serum is formulated with Neostrata Biocalm Complex, a blend of ingredients to target the sources of redness.
Instructions: Apply twice a day under moisturiser
6% PHA (Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid):
Gluconolactone is found naturally in the skin and provides antiaging and gentle exfoliating benefits without sun sensitivity. It acst as an antioxidant and also strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.
Lactobionic acid is also part of the PHA family and is also non-irritating. It has a powerful hydrating effect and also helps strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier. It has some antioxidant properties and the benefit of other acids by improving the texture and thickness of the skin.
BioCalm Complex: Formulated to enhance the skin’s resistance to drying environmental stressors.
Willow Herb + Algae Extract: Known to provide antioxidant protection.
For best results, we recommend a Neostrata Cleanser, Moisturisers and SPF.
ZO Skin Health Redness System
The ZO Skin Health Redness System is a home treatment for Redness.
For best results, a ZO Skin health Regime is recommended
ZO Cleanser am and pm
ZO Oil Control / Toner
ZO Polish/ Scrub
ZO Daily Power Defence am and pm
ZO Rozatrol
Rozatrol is a serum for red, sensitized skin. It works to normalize skin by reducing excess surface oil. Exfoliating properties provide ultra-mild exfoliation to prevent the signs of premature aging.
Benefits of Rozatrol include
Advanced amino acid complex helps to restore skin to a more radiant appearance
Provides mild exfoliation to help smooth skin texture and even skin tone
Antioxidant protection helps minimize the appearance and feel of inflammation and damage induced by daily oxidative stress
Helps replenish hydration and support healthy skin barrier function
The Key Ingredients include:
Lactose, milk protein, brassica oleracea italica extract: Helps soothe skin through hydration, minimizing the appearance of red, sensitized skin.
The treatments on this page soften the lines around the mouth — also known as perioral lines or smokers lines. Our aim is a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance without any telltale signs of treatment.
Patients who come to Cheshire Lasers for this are usually over 40, and many are over 60. Smokers tend to get these lines earlier, but plenty of our patients have never smoked and still get them, because of their facial expressions or the anatomy of the skin in that area.
Dr Johnson has a special interest in treating this area and knows our full range of treatments and who is suitable for which. She will give you an honest consultation about your options, including doing nothing. The treatments are carried out by our doctors or by our highly skilled aestheticians, depending on what you need. If anything concerns you afterwards, we are contactable seven days a week.
Which Lip Line Treatment is the best for me?
It depends on what is causing your lines, which is why we start with a consultation rather than a treatment. Lines in this area come from three different places:
Fine surface lines or changes in skin texture
Deeper lines, caused by collagen and fat loss in the tissues supporting the skin, where the surface is still smooth
Both together
Some people need only one method of treatment. Others need a combination, because the different layers of the skin have to be addressed separately.
We will be straight with you about what is achievable. The longer you have had lines around the mouth, and the more damaged the skin texture, the less effective the results will be and the more treatment you are likely to need. For severely damaged, deeply wrinkled skin this area is very difficult to manage.
At your consultation, Dr Johnson will assess whether the cause is volume loss, skin texture, or both. She will go through the treatments open to you, the costs, how effective each is, the risks and benefits, any downtime, and how to maintain your results afterwards.
A consultation with Dr Johnson is £50. The fee is redeemable against injectable treatments carried out by Dr Johnson, or device treatments carried out by our aestheticians at Cheshire Lasers, if you go ahead within six months.
Microneedling — improves skin texture and stimulates collagen to support deeper lip lines
What causes the lines and wrinkles in the Perioral area?
As we age, the mouth area develops lines and wrinkles and the lips begin to reduce in size. The skin, the supporting dermis and the fat underneath all go through changes that make those lines more obvious.
Women tend to age more in this area than men, because over time they lose almost all of the fat in the perioral area. This fat acts like a mattress under the skin and gives a plumping effect. As the fat goes, the skin is then sat on the muscle, which means the dynamic lines of movement are visible. Facial expressions such as pursing the lips cause those dynamic lines.
What are smokers lines, and do you have to be a smoker to get them?
Smokers lines are the fine vertical lines that form on the upper lip and around the mouth. They are called smokers lines because the repeated pursing action of smoking tends to bring them on earlier.
You do not have to be a smoker to get them. We see them just as often in people who have never smoked, where they come from ordinary facial expressions, from the loss of fat and collagen that supports the skin, or simply from the anatomy of the skin in that area.
Women tend to age in this area more than men, as over time, they tend to lose all of the fat in the perioral area with age. This fat acts like a mattress under the skin and gives a plumping effect. As the fat goes, the skin is then sat on the muscle, which means the dynamic lines of movement are visible.
Facial expressions such as pursing the lips cause dynamic lines. These lines are usually more obvious in people who smoke; however, they are often seen in non-smokers who have the habit of repeatedly using their muscles for their facial expressions.
Dr Teri Johnson specialises in “Dermal Filler Lip Rejuvenation” a treatment that gently restores ageing lips and improves the perioral area.
Dermal fillers are one of the most effective treatments for more significant volume loss in the perioral area. The use of Dermal Fillers helps to subtly replace lost volume and hydration in the lips. Dermal Fillers also reduce the perioral lines (smokers lines) that develop due to fat loss and collagen loss. The filler plumps out this area so the skin has a soft support structure to sit on, this way the lines from the movement of the muscles underneath are no longer visible.
Dr Teri has spent many years perfecting using different Dermal Fillers to suit different people’s needs.
Before and after one syringe of dermal filler, three weeks after treatment.
Treating the perioral area with Botox reduces the movement of the orbicularis oris muscle. This treatment is usually reserved for people who overuse these muscles and often hold a pursed-lip expression when relaxed.
If a Botox treatment is overdone in this area, it can lead to problems with speech, eating etc. When performed correctly, this usually does not happen. However, it is common to be aware of slight mouth weakness for a day or two when the Botox first kicks in.
This treatment can be performed in combination with a Dermal Filler treatment. However, the two procedures are best performed a few weeks apart.
The Neogen treatment provides excellent results rejuvenating this area. It targets the deeper supporting tissues, stimulating collagen and improving the deeper lines in the lower skin layers while also targeting the upper layer, reducing the surface fine lines and texture.
At Cheshire Lasers, we use Dermaforce to deliver RadioFrequency (RF) Microneedling. This advanced treatment combines microneedling with Radiofrequency (RF) technology to effectively treat many cosmetic concerns, with excellent results. It can target multiple layers deeper in the dermis to stimulate collagen to reduce and support deeper lip lines. It also can target more superficial skin cells to resurface the skin and target stubborn lines engrained in the skin’s surface.
Our Ultraformer MF2 treatment is an alternative to injectable treatments for replacing lost volume under the skin with collagen. The ultrasound causes controlled heating in the dermis and stimulates collagen production, which develops over a few months. The plumping effect under the skin reduces the appearance of wrinkles after a course of treatments. The result with this treatment varies as everyone’s collagen production is different.
A second headpiece can be used during this treatment to address the epidermis (the top layer of skin) to help stimulate increased cell turnover. We tend to use this for those people suffering from thickened lines on the top layer of skin (the stratum corneum).
Before and after two Ultraformer MF2 treatments, one month apart. We usually recommend a course of three.
Radiofrequency is an alternative to our Ultraformer treatment. It is less aggressive and less uncomfortable; many people report that it is a pleasant, relaxing experience. A course of 6 to 8 treatments is often required for optimum results.
This treatment stimulates collagen under the skin for a plumping effect but also helps fine lines in the top layer by stimulating cell renewal. Again, results with this treatment vary as everyone’s collagen production is different.
Microdermabrasion works on the top layer of skin (stratum corneum) by exfoliating the dead cells on the top layer, which are often dull, dried out and creased. The treatment encourages faster cell turnover and allows new, less creased and less dehydrated cells to replace them on the surface. We recommend a course of at least three treatments to see the benefits.
Microneedling works on the top layer to stimulate cell renewal, improving skin texture. It also works in the dermis to stimulate collagen and plump out the dermis under the skin.
This treatment has more downtime than most of the others.
Costs for this treatment are similar if treating one area or the full face, so we usually recommend a full-face rejuvenation for cost-effectiveness.
Perioral Lines Before and After a Combination Treatment
At Cheshire Lasers, we regularly review our treatments, protocols, and client results.
We now combine microdermabrasion and radiofrequency to give lovely lip line improvements with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Before and after three treatments combining microdermabrasion and radiofrequency, two to three weeks apart. Photographed several weeks after the last treatment.
A gummy smile occurs when more of the upper gum is visible than desired when you smile. For many people, this is caused by overactive muscles that lift the upper lip too high.
How to Treat a Gummy Smile
Several treatments can improve a gummy smile, depending on the underlying cause. Common options include:
Botulinum toxin – Ideal for gummy smiles caused by overactive upper lip muscles. This is a quick, non-surgical treatment with results lasting around 3–4 months.
Lip repositioning surgery – A minor surgical procedure that limits how high the upper lip lifts when smiling, providing a longer-lasting result.
Dermal fillers – In some cases, fillers can provide additional support to the upper lip and reduce gum exposure. They are often used alongside botulinum toxin rather than as a standalone treatment.
Gingivectomy (gum contouring) – If excess gum tissue is the cause, a dentist or periodontist can reshape the gum line to expose more of the teeth.
Crown lengthening – This dental procedure removes excess gum tissue and, in some cases, a small amount of bone to reveal more of the natural tooth structure.
Orthodontic treatment – Braces or clear aligners may improve a gummy smile caused by the position of the teeth or jaw.
Orthognathic (jaw) surgery – For severe gummy smiles caused by excess growth of the upper jaw. This is typically reserved for significant skeletal concerns.
Here at Cheshire Laser, we provide Botulinum toxin and occasionally Dermal Fillers to create a more balanced, natural-looking smile.
At your consultation, your doctor will assess your concern and advise whether the treatments they provide are likely to be beneficial. Sometimes they recommend you see a cosmetic Dentist for a dental perspective also.
What does a botulinum toxin treatment for the gummy smile involve?
During treatment, a small amount of botulinum toxin is carefully injected into the muscles that elevate the upper lip. As these muscles relax, the lip sits slightly lower when you smile, reducing the amount of gum that is visible while preserving your natural facial expressions.
The procedure is quick, typically taking around 10–15 minutes, with little to no downtime. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after their appointment. Results usually begin to appear within 3–7 days, with the full effect visible after about two weeks. The results generally last between 3 and 4 months, after which repeat treatments can help maintain your desired appearance.
Is botulinum toxin treatment for the gummy smile safe?
Botulinum toxin for a gummy smile is a safe and effective treatment when administered by a qualified medical professional.
Our doctors will tailor your treatment to your facial anatomy for natural-looking results that enhance your smile.
Who Performs Gummy Smile Treatments at Cheshire Lasers
Most of our doctors perform Gummy smile treatments with Botox.
Marionette lines are creases that form from the corners of your mouth down towards either side of your chin. People often complain that they make them look sad, as the mouth turns down at the corners. They get their name as they resemble the appearance of marionette string puppets.
Why am I Getting Marionette Lines?
Marionette lines have multiple causes. They appear with advancing age due to volume loss in the face’s underlying structures. The commonest structures are bone and fat. As the face loses volume, gravity pulls the overlying skin down, and Marionette lines can start forming.
A contributing factor may also be the increasing strength of the muscles at the corners of the mouth, which pull the angle of the mouth down. Marionette lines develop more quickly due to lifestyle factors that reduce the skin’s collagen production, such as smoking and excess sun.
Are Marionette Lines Hereditary/Genetic?
You may have a genetic predisposition to developing marionette lines due to your underlying facial shape and the amount of volume loss you develop due to age. But as stated above, other factors also have an influence. Therefore, it is important to maintain the skin’s collagen levels by taking care of your skin, avoiding smoking and using sunscreen daily.
Will Marionette Lines Improve with Weight Loss?
Not usually; in fact, weight loss is usually a contributing factor in developing marionette lines. Weight loss can lead to volume loss in the face which then causes the soft tissues and skin to descend, causing the lines to look worse.
However, you may find that if you have gained a lot of weight recently, the distribution of fat around the face, particularly the jowl and neck area, may add to the gravitational pull of the lower face, making the Marionette lines more evident. In this case, weight loss may improve them.
Can Marionette Lines be Corrected/Treated/ Improved?
There are many ways to improve these lines, depending on the underlying cause and severity.
The area’s anatomy is complex, and treatment of this area will require a consultation first to assess the cause of your problem and give you a bespoke treatment plan.
The following treatments are the most successful, although for more severe lines, you may need a combination of several treatments for the best result:
Here at Cheshire Lasers, we only perform Dermal Fillers, Botox and Collagen induction therapies however, we will advise you if we feel other treatments are more appropriate.
How do Dermal Fillers Treat Marionette Lines?
Dermal Fillers can help improve this area in many ways.
Replace Volume Loss and Create a Lift
Dermal Fillers injected deep replace volume lost from the deep structures of the face, such as the cheek, chin and jawline. This creates support for the soft tissues of the face which can create a lifting effect that lifts the skin and improves the lines.
Supporting Sagging Skin
Dermal fillers can also improve the lines by injecting under them. Injections under the skin create a hydrating and plumping effect on the tissues under the lines, allowing the skin to support the sagging tissues below.
Can marionette lines be filled?
Yes, dermal fillers can add support to the facial structures, which, in turn, can help reduce Marionette lines. Fillers can also be added directly into the lines more superficially.
How can Botox Improve Marionette lines?
If you have overactive muscles pulling down the lower face. Botox is a treatment option; it reduces the downward pull at the corners of the mouth, which can help reduce the appearance of Marionette lines and create a subtle lift to the corner of the mouth.
How do Collagen Induction Therapies Improve the Lines?
Collagen induction therapies such as skin boosters, polynucleotides, microneedling, chemical peels and radiofrequency microneedling can help tighten the skin and improve skin quality. Full-face treatments deliver the best results as they can create a general lift that reduces the marionette area’s downturn and improves the skin’s support in the problem area.
Before and After Marionette Line Treatment with Dermal Filler
Content created by Dr Kyra Drinnan at Cheshire Lasers Clinic, Middlewich.
Tattoo removal takes a course of treatments rather than a single one, and some tattoos fade more readily than others. Black, blue and red respond best; green, yellow and purple are harder. Below you will find what is involved, how it feels, how the skin looks afterwards and how many sessions are usually needed.
Tattoo removal at Cheshire Lasers
Cheshire Lasers uses a Q-switched laser made by Lynton, a few miles down the road in Holmes Chapel. Q-switched lasers are the only type of laser that are safe and effective for the removal of tattoos.
This laser is very effective but expensive to buy, run and maintain, which is reflected in our prices.
What type of tattoos can our lasers fade?
Our laser can fade away tattoos of various size and colour. Tattoos are of two main types: the Indian ink amateur tattoo or the multi-coloured, professional tattoo.
What colour tattoos can it fade?
Single-colour tattoos usually respond best to laser tattoo removal. Multi-coloured, professional tattoos are much more difficult to eradicate completely.
Black, blue and red colours in the tattoo respond best to treatment, but green, yellow and purple pigment can be more difficult.
Green coloured tattoos require different lasers for successful treatment, and we may need to recommend a specialist clinic with a ruby laser to remove this colour.
At Cheshire Lasers tattoo removal is popular for people who:
Wish they had never got a tattoo
Who are looking to fade a tattoo for a new design
Need to remove a tattoo to help pursue a career
What happens during a tattoo removal treatment?
Active Q-switched lasers that generate a high powered beam of laser light in an extremely short pulse are the most suitable lasers for tattoo removal. The light is absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, breaking them down into smaller pieces, enabling your natural immune defences to absorb and disperse the ink. A gradual fading of the tattoo occurs over a series of treatments.
The skin is cleaned and the laser applicator is passed over the tattoo releasing quick pulses of light. You will hear an audible clicking noise as the ink particles shatter. After treatment, we will apply a dressing to keep the area clean and dry.
What does it feel like?
Most clients describe the sensation as similar to a hot pin prick or the flick of an elastic band. Whilst mildly uncomfortable, most people tolerate the treatment well. A skin cooling device may be utilised to reduce any discomfort.
How does the skin look after a tattoo removal treatment?
An instant whitening of the skin occurs but this generally fades quickly. The area is likely to feel tender for a few hours and can be red and swollen for up to 48 hours. Initially, the tattoo is unlikely to look any different but will fade over 4 to 8 weeks as the body breaks down and disperses the pigmentation.
What is the recovery period?
Some tattoos can graze or blister. If this happens, leave the area to heal naturally. After your treatment, we will apply a dressing. Keep the area dressed and covered until the area heals. This matters most if you develop blistering or grazing. It is also important not to pick the area while it is healing.
Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or larger blisters may form.
Changes to skin texture and scarring are possible, though very uncommon, and are more likely if grazes are not allowed to heal naturally. There may be loss of natural tanning ability in the area treated which usually improves with time.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on a number of factors such as the density and colour of the tattoo and the age of the tattoo. Amateur tattoos can be quick to remove, taking 1 to 6 treatments, whereas professional tattoos vary considerably and can take up to 14 treatments. We recommend you have your treatments every 6 to 12 weeks. The laser breaks the ink into fragments and your own body clears them away over the following weeks, so the tattoo carries on fading between appointments. The longer you leave between treatments, the more fading happens on its own and the fewer sessions you may need overall. There is no advantage in rushing, unless you want the tattoo gone as soon as possible — in which case six weeks is the shortest gap we would recommend.
Treatment can take 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.
Can a tattoo be faded rather than removed?
Yes. If you are planning a cover-up, a new design usually sits better over a lighter tattoo, so the aim is to fade the old one rather than clear it completely. Most of our clients who ask for fading need between two and four treatments to achieve what they want. We can also work on part of a tattoo only, removing a name or a section while leaving the rest alone.
It is worth asking your tattoo artist how light they need the area to be before you start, so we can plan the right number of sessions between us. Fading uses the same laser as removal and feels the same, with the same aftercare, and it begins with the same consultation and patch test. Prices are by the size of the area treated, as below.
How much is tattoo removal?
Treatment
Price
Consultation and patch test
£30
XX-Small tattoo (up to 1 sq in)
£45
X-Small tattoo (up to 3 sq in)
£66
Small tattoo (up to 6 sq in)
£100
Medium tattoo (up to 10 sq in)
£135
Large tattoo (up to 15 sq in)
£185
X-Large tattoo (over 15 sq in)
£240
We measure your tattoo at your consultation using a grid of 1-inch squares (1 square inch is about 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm). We add up the area covered by ink, so two half-filled squares count as one square inch. That total gives your size band.
Prices are per session. Amateur tattoos can take as few as 1 to 6 sessions, while professional tattoos need considerably more. The patch test must be carried out at least seven days before your first treatment.
Rozatrol is a serum for red, sensitized skin. It works to normalize skin by reducing excess surface oil. Exfoliating properties provide ultra-mild exfoliation to prevent the signs of premature aging.
