The documentary is an emotional journey to look at how acne impacts on young people in the UK.

Gemma Cairney presents the show and in her search to find out just how bad this battle can be Gemma meets people all over Britain who are fighting their own war with acne and asks how far some people will go for clear skin.

Along the way she meets sufferers who are battling with their skin and the doctors and dermatologists who are helping them fight it. They examine what treatments are available. With side effects that can be as minor as dry lips but as extreme as liver damage and depression, Gemma speaks to people who have used the same acne drug and looks into some of the pros and cons of taking it.

Regenlite is discussed as an alternative to oral medication for the treatment of acne. Regenlite treatment doesn’t present any nasty side effects often associated with some oral medication, it can totally cure acne and also boost collagen, offering a solution to scarring caused by acne.

> Click here to watch the full documentary on BBC iPlayer

> Book a consultation at The West London Dermatology Centre

Our opening hours are:

• Monday: 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday: 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday: 10am – 8pm
• Thursday: 10am – 6pm
• Friday: 10am – 8pm
• Saturday: 10am – 5pm
• Sunday: Closed

If you’d like to book an appointment or consultation, please click here or complete the ‘Request Appointment’ form on the right hand side of this page.

If you would like to discuss the treatments that we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0208 7422204.

As more sebum is produced the follicle swells up. A bacteria normally present in the skin, called P.acnes, multiplies in the clogged follicle and results in an inflammation. This inflammation can cause acne lesions such as blackheads, pimples, nodules and cysts. It is an inflammatory skin disease which affects the tiny pores which cover the face, arms, back and chest and the oil glands attached to them.It is an abnormal response in the skin to normal levels of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood.

Both men and women have testosterone circulating in the blood, but in the acne sufferer, this hormone has a profound effect on the skin. This abnormal response is self limiting and eventually acne does get better without treatment, but there is no way of predicting how long this can take, and it may take years or even decades! Acne can also leave scars which are permanent and are easier to prevent than to treat. In the skin, the disease attacks two structures: 1 the pore through which the hairs emerge from the skin -here dead skin cells become more “sticky” and partially block the pore.2 The oil or sebaceous gland -more oil is produced, which gives rise to a generally oily complexion.The partial blockage in the pore restricts the flow of oil onto the skin surface. This results in solidification of the oil which fills the hair channel forming a blackhead. The black of the blackhead is not due to dirt, but a change in pigment in the blockage in the pore.

If the partial blockage becomes complete, the oil builds up around the hair and hair root and becomes infected with bacteria normally present on the skin. The bacteria break down the oil to very inflammatory chemicals which cause redness, pus formation and pain -the “zit”.If the inflammation is deep and severe, or if the spot is manipulated or squeezed, the pus can burst deep into the skin rather than onto the surface. This deep-rooted inflammation and infection results in scarring and cyst formation.

What treatments are available?

At West London Dermatology Centre we have a team of six Dermatologists led by Professor Tony Chu. As a result we can offer expert advice and a range of treatment options from skincare creams to laser treatment. Professor Chu is a world renowned expert and has published many clinical papers on acne including work with the Regenlite/ Nlite laser.

What is Regenlite?

Regenlite (also kown as Nlite) is a laser which was the first such system to receive full FDA clearance for the treatment of inflammatory acne. Following a clinical study by Professor Chu published in the Lancet Regenlite is proven to be comparable if not superior to existing medication for the treatmetn of acne with no side effects and long term results. In this study 87% of patients achieved significant improvement.

How does it work?

Regenlite delivers a specific wavelength of laser light into the skin which both targets the bacteria wich casues infection and at the same time stimulates the skins immune systems to reduce inflammation and repair the damage casued by infection. Regenlite can also promote the productio of collagen so can also improve the skin structure and texture and smooth scarring.

Is it painful?

No, Regenlite uses low level laser energy and is therefore painless. You may feel a mild warming as the laser passes over the skin.

Is it safe?

Yes Regenlite is completely safe. Many clincal studies have been published proving both safety and efficacy. You consultation will be with a Dermatologist and treatment by a trained laser practitioner.

How many treatments are required?

For acne treatment 3 treatments are recommended, one every two weeks. We can then assess as to whether additional treatments would be beneficial. Results can normally be seen a within a few days of treatment. With many people the acne does not return at all with others they may require periodic treatment. You may also be recommended specific skincare creams to assist in unblocking pores and clearing the skin.

How much does it cost?

Consultation with Prof Chu £200
Consultation with Dermatologist £195

Course of 3 Regenlite (Nlite) laser treatments £450

With the innovation of the i-Lipo laser, known as ‘lunchtime lipo’ we have developed a programme of rapid removal of unwanted fat via a clinically proven and healthy programme. In just four weeks you can lose up to 24cm off your waistline or lose two dress sizes without surgery and without ‘Yo-yo’ diets.

The SlimGym programme will reduce body fat, increase muscle mass and improve hydration leading to a slimmer figure and overall improvement in health. With an improved metabolism and fitness level you can continue your new health lifestyle with exercise and healthy eating. You can target additional areas of have additional SlimGym sessions at any time for example after Christmas or before your beach holiday.

Introducing SlimGym

Click here to visit the Slim Gym website

The SlimGym programme involved a course of 8 sessions, 2 per week for 4 weeks. Your first session includes full consultation including electronic body composition analysis. This determines your current level of body fat, muscle mass and water content and sets targets to achieve. We will discuss small changes in diet which can make a big difference and offer general nutritional advice.

In addition our expert Personal Trainer will devise a 30 minute fat burning workout programme to suit your level of fitness. Each session consists of 20 minutes of laser treatment to target problem fat areas. The laser triggers the release of fat cell contents in a form which the body can burn off and use as energy. The lymphatic system removes the released fat from the area. Following the laser treatment you perform your 30 minute workout plan in our private gym area. This will burn off the relased fat immediately.

With normal exercise the body will use its store of carbohydrates and sugar as its first source of energy and it can take a lot of time and effort before it begins to burn fat as a source of energy. Using iLipo laser you go straight into fat burning mode and results are seen immediately. Typically 1-3cm average reduction in waistline are achieved after each session. After a course of 8 session you can achieve dramatic results.

Benefits of SlimGym programme

• Fast results –immediate inch loss
• Targeted fat loss
• Safe and painless
• Clinically proven
• Increases metabolism
• Tones muscle and increases muscle mass
• Inceased fitness and energy levels
• More affordable than liposuction

Examples of the SlimGym 7-day diet pack:

The treatment can be performed on all skin types and body areas where unwanted fat is stored and you can return to normal activity immediately after treatment. Results can be seen immediately after treatment and sustainable when used in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.  A course of 8 treatments is recommended over 4 weeks with 2 treatments per week.

3 Technologies in one system

Step 1

Prepare the skin by diamond exfoliation of surface layer of skin – removes dead skin cells for a smooother skin texture – promotes new skin cell growth – painless, non invasive

Step 2

Infusion of topical Hyaluron gel using Acoustic Wave Technology a safe, painless method of needle free trans dermal delivery. With age the level of hyaluron in the skin decreases resulting in a loss of volume, elasticity and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. By replenishing hyaluron, volume increases, the skin is rehydrated and lines and wrinkles simply disappear instantly. Fusion’s ultrasound technology allows deeper penetration of the Hyaluron gel for effective long lasting results

Step 3

Application of the Fusion Infra Red laser activates the gel and delivers heat to the Dermis, the lower part of the skin structure. This in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and tightens the skin for a lift effect. The laser is painless and safe

The Treatment

A complete rejuvenation treatment takes 45 minutes. The skin is cleansed and then prepared by exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface using the Fusion diamond handpiece.

Next the Hyaluron gel is applied to the skin. The Ultrasound handpiece is the applied to the skin and vibrates the skin cells to produce channels through which the Hyaluron can penetrate deep into the skin. This results in a plumping of the skin through hydration and replenishment of Hyalron.

The fusion cold laser is then applied to activate the Hyaluron and tighten the Demis to produce a lifting effect on the skin. Finally, the Fusion Peptide cream is applied to the skin to promote cellular growth and rejuvenation. By working on three layers of the skin this 3 dimensional approach is highly effective producing instant and long lasting removal of lines and wrinkles and lifting of aged sagging skin.

As skin ages, both naturally and because of other factors such as sun damage, smoking, and poor diet, we lose collagen, fat and other natural moisturising substances from our skin. These can be thought of as the natural ‘scaffolding’ that keeps it looking young and feeling firm. With less of these, our skin becomes thinner and we start to see lines, wrinkles and folds developing. This is usually more noticeable on our faces.

Put simply, dermal fillers are used to restore that lost volume in the face by plumping out lines, wrinkles and folds.

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a gel implant that includes hyaluronic acid, a natural complex sugar that bolsters skin elasticity, providing a smooth and supple appearance. It is biocompatible, supplementing the body’s natural hyaluronic acid, which age has depleted.

How Does Juvederm Work?

The transparent Juvederm gel is injected with a syringe into the mid- to deep dermis of your face. The dermis is the subsurface skin layer that contains connective tissue, nerve endings, sweat and oil glands, and blood vessels.

Juvederm improves your appearance by lifting and adding volume to the wrinkles and folds in the treatment area. After six to nine months, the biocompatible compound is naturally absorbed into the body.

A Juvederm advantage is its pliant gel consistency, which may provide a smoother, more natural-looking appearance than some of its more rigid predecessors. Another advantage is that Juvederm may last longer, maintaining the improved appearance for six to nine months. The benefits may last even longer if you have a follow-up treatment a few weeks after the first treatment.

Is it safe?

Side effects with Juvederm are rare, but may include redness, tenderness, or pain at the injection site. If these occur, they usually subside within three days. Rarely, discoloration may occur, but this is reversible. Firmness, swelling, bumps, and bruises are also rare side effects, which should subside within seven days.

What is Restylane?

Restylane is the first dermal filler approved by the FDA that is made of a biodegradable hyaluronic acid. Restylane is produced as a clear gel substance and is injected directly beneath the surface of the skin. Through the introduction of Restylane to the treatment area, the hyaluronic-based gel adds natural volume and lift resulting in smoother wrinkles and less prominent folds. During the consultation visit with the cosmetic surgeon, the number of required treatments will be addressed.

Is it safe?

The most common side effects of Restylane include headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms, redness, and pain at the injection points. Infrequently, patients experience muscle weakness, which resolves itself within days, or in some cases, months after the procedure.

Your doctor should help you understand the possible complications and remedies during your initial consultation.

Your right to complain

West London Dermatology Centre endeavours to treat all its clients appropriately, compassionately and fairly. If, however, you have an issue with any matter in relation to your treatment you are entitled to lodge a complaint, either verbally, by telephone or in writing. If you require assistance with making your complaint, West London Dermatology Centre will be pleased to help.

The member of staff who initially receives the complaint will convey the details to the Medical Receptionist and you will receive communication within 7 working days in order to promptly resolve your complaint.

The first stage of the complaint will be to invite you to attend a meeting for an additional consultation with the therapist involved in your treatment; the aim of this meeting will be to resolve any issues you have. If you are not satisfied with this initial attempt at resolution, or have any objection to being seen by this therapist, the clinic’s Medical Receptionist will review your case.

The second stage of the complaint will be managed by the UK Business Development Manager and reported to the Managing Director, if the complaint cannot be resolved locally.   The UK Business Development Manager will make every effort to meet you direct to resolve the issue.  If you are dissatisfied with the results of this process and the final response, you have recourse to independent external adjudication.

The emphasis in this Complaints Procedure is on informality, with the object of solving problems quickly, simply and fairly. It is hoped that the great majority of issues can be settled amicably at the First Stage, and that complaints will only exceptionally reach the Second Stage.

Staff of The West London Dermatology Centre will respond promptly to written complaints and will also expect clients to keep to an agreed timetable for pursuing a complaint.  We would expect all complaints to be resolved within 28 days.

Should you require any further information please contact us.

Aggregated Site Usage Statistics

Cookies may be placed on your computer, phone or other Internet device to provide us with aggregated data of the usage of this site and the mediums which are driving traffic to the site. The data gathered by these is aggregated and therefore your individual usage of this site cannot be attributed to you.

Essential Site Features

Cookies may be placed upon your computer, phone or other Internet device in order to provide essential site features such as allowing you to compare different products and complete enquiry forms quickly.

Complementary Site Features

The site may also use cookies for certain complementary purposes such as showing you the product that you last looked at on the homepage. All these functions are designed to improve your experience of using the site. If you don’t want this site to place cookies on your device you can disable these using your Internet Browser settings.

Your right to complain. Please click here for our complaints procedure.