Why Laser Results Vary Between Clinics and How to Ask the Right Questions Before You Book – explains Dr Anjali Mahto, London Dermatologist
The world of aesthetic dermatology has never been more accessible. Lasers are now offered not only in hospitals and specialist clinics, but also in high street medi-spas, dental offices, and by non-medical practitioners. For patients seeking treatment, particularly for conditions such as acne scarring, pigmentation, or skin laxity, this can be overwhelming. With so many devices, prices, and practitioners to choose from, how can you tell who will deliver safe, effective results?
At Self London, we see many patients who have had underwhelming laser experiences elsewhere. They often arrive disillusioned, concerned about wasted money, or worsening of an underlying inflammatory skin condition. These outcomes are not inevitable, nor are they acceptable. But they are a reminder that not all laser treatments, clinics, or practitioners are equal.
This blog offers clarity: not just about the lasers themselves, but also about why treatment outcomes vary so widely, and how to ask the right questions before choosing where to have yours.
Laser devices are not all the same and neither are protocols
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that if a clinic owns a certain laser, it will deliver the same results as any other provider. In reality, the same device can behave very differently depending on how it is used. Energy settings, pulse duration, number of passes, skin preparation, and aftercare all impact outcome; these are determined by the practitioner, not the device.
Even more important is the clinic’s overall protocol. Many providers follow default manufacturer settings designed to minimise risk — but this often means results are also minimal. At Self London, we develop our own evidence-informed treatment protocols based on extensive real-world data and clinical experience. These go beyond “cookie cutter” settings and are refined over time for safety, precision, and clinical effect.
Laser selection is both science and strategy
Lasers are tools. Used well, they are transformative. But just as a scalpel in untrained hands can be dangerous, so too can lasers. At Self London, we do not chase every new trend or piece of marketing hype. Each device we bring into the clinic has been carefully selected, not just for its engineering, but for how it fits into our wider treatment philosophy. We think about wavelength, pulse duration, chromophore, safety profile, downtime, and skin type compatibility before any purchase is made.
Lasers at Self London are not chosen lightly each device is selected with the precision of a surgeon choosing instruments.
We invest in technology only when we are confident it will outperform existing tools, and we train to a standard that reflects that investment. Every device in the clinic is hand-picked after research.
This is not the norm across the industry. Many clinics select devices based on ease of use, cost, or popularity on social media, not necessarily on scientific merit. Others rent lasers, meaning their availability (and your access to consistent treatment) may be limited.
Experience matters more than algorithms
Laser technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Many devices now incorporate cooling systems, real-time feedback, and AI-driven features designed to increase safety. These are welcome developments. However, no technology can replace clinical judgement.
Knowing when to treat, and when not to, is what keeps patients safe. Understanding the difference between active acne and post-inflammatory erythema, or between melasma and solar lentigines, is essential for making the right treatment choice.
At Self London, consultations are led by experts, and all laser plans are designed around a precise clinical diagnosis. Too often, we see patients who have been sold packages without any medical assessment — or who have been told they were “suitable” without understanding the nature of their skin concern. This can lead to disappointment at best, and avoidable complications at worst.
The role of the practitioner
Equally critical is the skill of the practitioner carrying out the treatment. In the UK, laser procedures are poorly regulated, meaning individuals without medical qualifications may legally perform energy-based treatments. The level of training, understanding of skin physiology, and ability to manage complications varies enormously.
At Self London, lasers are either performed by our highly trained laser therapist, under clinical protocols written by our founder, or by consultant dermatologists with deep knowledge of both lasers and skin disease. This matters. Lasers for treating skin are not a beauty treatment, but a powerful medical tool that, when used correctly, deliver exceptional outcomes.
Why cheaper is often more expensive
Cost is a real consideration for most patients — and we understand that. But when it comes to laser treatments, the lowest price rarely equates to the best value. Many clinics offering significantly lower fees are able to do so because they use diluted protocols, lower fluences, fewer passes, or rented equipment. The treatment may be shorter, gentler, or less targeted. In these cases, you may end up needing more sessions — or worse, see little to no result at all.
We believe your time, trust, and skin health deserve better. Our goal is not to offer the cheapest treatment, but the most effective, delivered safely, within a clinical framework, and tailored to you. The investment you make should result in visible change, not just a pleasant experience.
Trust the clinic that can do it all
Many patients today take a piecemeal approach to their skin, seeing one provider for prescriptions, another for facials, and a third for lasers. But skin requires strategy. Acne and acne scarring, for example, may involve a combination of prescription skincare, dietary advice, energy-based treatments, and long-term support. If these components are delivered in isolation, the results will always be limited.
At Self London, we build a complete skin plan. You will not be passed between providers, nor upsold unnecessary treatments. Instead, you will receive intelligent, joined-up care. We are particularly known for our work in acne and acne scarring — combining dermatologist-led diagnosis, laser resurfacing, AviClear 1726 nm treatment, and ongoing skin support — all in one place. The results speak for themselves.
Lasers are not without risk — and that is why expertise matters
Even in experienced hands, laser treatments are not risk-free. Rare events, such as post-inflammatory pigmentation change, temporary breakouts, or unexpected healing patterns — can occur. The key is knowing how to minimise, manage, and monitor these occurrences.
At Self London, you will always be treated in a setting where such issues are recognised early and addressed promptly. We document outcomes carefully, follow up every case, and track real-world data to constantly improve. When things do not go as expected, we know what to do — and we are always on hand to guide you through it.
What should you ask before booking?
Before committing to laser treatment, consider asking:
- Who will perform the treatment, and what is their training?
- What device will be used, and why was it selected?
- Is this treatment part of a wider plan — or a standalone option?
- What should I expect in terms of downtime, aftercare, and results?
- How are complications handled, should they arise?
The answers to these questions will tell you a lot about the clinic’s ethos, standards, and level of care.
A final word
Choosing laser treatment is an investment in your skin, your confidence, and your future. It is not just about the device or the deal, but about the thinking behind your plan. At Self London, we combine medical expertise, cutting-edge devices, and the humility to treat every skin like it matters — because it does.
There is a reason so many of our patients refer friends, return year after year, and trust us with complex or previously mishandled concerns. It is not about sales. It is about standards.
If you are ready to experience laser treatment that reflects both science and strategy, we are here and ready to help.
