ASK THE EXPERTS

The regulatory landscape for aesthetic treatments continues to evolve across the UK, and clinic owners should remain informed about developments that may influence how certain procedures are delivered in the future.

In England, the Government has proposed a licensing framework for non-surgical cosmetic procedures under powers introduced through the Health and Care Act 2022. While the final details are still being developed, the intention is to introduce greater consistency around practitioner competence, treatment settings and patient safety for higher-risk procedures.

Although it has not yet been confirmed how individual technologies will be classified, many industry stakeholders anticipate that treatments carrying a higher risk profile – such as ablative laser procedures that intentionally remove or damage the skin’s surface – could be subject to more stringent requirements.

Scotland has already taken steps towards a more structured regulatory approach, introducing legislation aimed at improving standards and oversight across the non-surgical aesthetics sector.

For clinic owners, this presents an opportunity to review the technologies they offer and consider how different treatment modalities can complement one another within a modern aesthetic practice.

Ablative CO2 lasers have long been recognised as an effective option for skin resurfacing. By removing controlled portions of the skin’s surface, they can deliver significant improvements in texture, scarring and signs of ageing. However, these treatments typically involve greater downtime and require careful patient selection and post-treatment management.

Alongside ablative technologies, non-ablative fractional laser systems have become increasingly popular due to their ability to achieve meaningful skin remodelling with reduced recovery times. In particular, dual-wavelength platforms combining 1550nm and 1927nm wavelengths allow practitioners to target both the deeper dermis and the epidermis within a single treatment approach.

The 1550nm wavelength works primarily within the dermis, stimulating collagen remodelling and addressing concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines and textural irregularities. The 1927nm wavelength focuses more superficially on pigmentation, sun damage and overall skin quality. Together, these wavelengths enable clinicians to treat a broad range of concerns while offering patients a treatment experience that is generally more comfortable and associated with less downtime than ablative resurfacing.

Importantly, non-ablative technologies can often be used across a wider range of skin types and may provide greater flexibility for patients seeking effective rejuvenation without extended recovery periods. They can be effective for addressing concerns including pigmentation, photo-ageing, acne scarring, uneven texture and preventative skin maintenance, making them a valuable addition to many clinics’ treatment portfolios.

Rather than viewing ablative and non-ablative lasers as competing technologies, many clinics are increasingly recognising the value of both. Each has distinct strengths and may be appropriate for different patient needs, treatment goals and clinical settings. While ablative treatments remain an important option for patients requiring more intensive resurfacing, non-ablative platforms can provide a versatile alternative for those seeking effective results with reduced downtime and a lower treatment burden.

By understanding the capabilities of both ablative and non-ablative technologies, clinicians and their therapists can continue to deliver excellent outcomes while remaining well positioned for whatever future regulatory changes may bring.

ROB KNOWLES

Rob Knowles is a biomedical engineer and chief executive of laser device provider Skyncare, with over a decade of direct experience in medical laser technology. He is a certified laser protection advisor (LPA) and serves as general secretary of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals – one of only two professional LPA groups officially recognised by the MHRA in the UK.