Advanced aesthetic treatments tailored to refresh, restore, and enhance your natural beauty with subtle, lasting results.

Thulium laser operates at a wavelength of 1927nm, which is highly absorbed by water in the superficial layers of the skin. It works by creating thousands of microscopic treatment zones — tiny controlled columns of thermal energy — while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This fractional approach stimulates rapid cell turnover, collagen production and skin renewal, while the preserved bridges of healthy tissue between treatment zones allow for a faster recovery than fully ablative techniques.

Thulium sits in a clinically useful middle ground. It delivers more visible improvement than superficial peels or topical treatments, while offering significantly less downtime than CO₂ laser or deeper ablative procedures. It is particularly well suited to pigmentation, sun damage, texture irregularities and early fine lines — concerns where a series of lower-downtime treatments often outperforms a single aggressive session. The result is progressive, natural-looking improvement that fits around a normal life.

Thulium laser is effective across a wide range of areas. The face is the most common treatment zone — addressing overall tone, texture, pigmentation and fine lines — but the neck, chest, hands and body can also be treated. It is also used for surgical scarring and stretch marks, where a course of treatments can significantly improve the appearance of the skin over time.

Thulium laser suits a broad range of patients, particularly those noticing sun damage, uneven pigmentation, dullness or textural changes associated with ageing or previous skin damage. It is well suited to those who want meaningful skin improvement but cannot accommodate significant downtime. Suitability always depends on skin type, recent sun exposure and medical history, which we assess carefully at consultation.

Most patients notice an improvement in clarity and radiance within the first week as the skin completes its micro-peeling phase. Deeper improvements — in texture, firmness and pigmentation — continue to develop over the following weeks as collagen remodelling takes place. Results are progressive and cumulative, building with each session in a course.

For skin rejuvenation — pigmentation, texture and tone — a course of three sessions spaced four weeks apart is typically recommended. For scarring and stretch marks, more sessions may be needed; deep or mature scarring can require six to eight treatments to achieve optimal results. Your treatment plan will be personalised at your consultation.

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied before treatment to maximise comfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm, prickling feeling — very tolerable, particularly with the cooling used during the procedure. Sessions typically take between twenty and forty minutes depending on the area being treated.

Downtime with thulium laser is minimal compared to more aggressive resurfacing treatments. In the first twenty-four hours, some redness and warmth is normal — similar to mild sun exposure. Over the following two to three days, the skin takes on a bronzed or slightly textured appearance as micro-crusting forms. By days three to seven, this gently resolves, revealing clearer, brighter skin beneath. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or the day after treatment. We recommend avoiding heat, retinoids and strong actives until the skin has fully settled.

Thulium laser has an excellent safety profile and is widely used in clinical practice across a range of skin types. At The Selborne Clinic, all laser treatments are performed by a Consultant Anaesthetist with extensive medical training. We carry out a thorough assessment before every treatment and use only professional-grade equipment. As with any energy-based treatment, there are small risks of temporary redness, pigment changes and, very rarely, scarring — all of which we take every precaution to minimise through careful assessment and appropriate treatment parameters.

Yes — thulium laser combines very well with other treatments. It works particularly effectively alongside polynucleotides, which support skin regeneration from within while the laser addresses surface concerns. It can also complement anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers as part of a broader treatment plan. Sequencing and suitability will always be discussed at your consultation.

Results from a course of thulium laser typically last six to twelve months, though this varies with sun exposure, skincare habits, age and skin condition. Consistent use of broad-spectrum SPF is essential to protecting and prolonging results. Periodic maintenance sessions — typically every six to twelve months — help sustain and build on the improvements achieved.

Thulium laser is not suitable for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with active skin infections or inflammatory skin conditions in the treatment area, or those who have had significant sun exposure or use of sunbeds in the weeks prior to treatment. Patients taking certain medications — including retinoids or photosensitising drugs — will need to pause these before treatment. Certain skin types require additional caution and careful parameter selection. A full medical assessment is carried out at every consultation.