The most tentative explanation for the development of a Port Wine Stain is the lack of or absence of surrounding nerve impulses regulating blood flow throughout the capillary network. As a result the blood vessels and capillaries are unable to constrict and remain permanently dilated allowing blood to stagnate in the affected area.

In some cases, If left untreated, a Port Wine Stain can results in both physical and psychological trauma.
Physical: due to the increased tissue mass as a port wine stain/affected patient ages as well as increased vascular nodule development, the affected PWS is more susceptible to bleeding or haemorrhaging and facial features can be distorted.
Psychological: if the PWS is on the face or other highly visible part of the body, its presence can also cause emotional and social problems for the affected patient.

Short, safe bursts of light are directed at the skin. These may be visible Intense Pulsed Light (called I2PL technology by Ellipse) or from a laser, depending on the type of Port Wine Stain you want treated. The system filters the light to ensure the wavelengths used are absorbed by haemoglobin in the blood in your problem vessels. The light is converted to heat, which destroys the protein in the wall of the vessels, causing the vessels to gradually disappear after treatment. To ensure the best light transmission, a thin layer of gel (like that used in ultrasound examinations) is applied to your skin before treatment.

The treatment time depends on the area to be covered and the number of distinct vessels to be treated. A single session typically lasts 15-30 minutes.

• It is, important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self-tanning products) before and during the treatment period. Otherwise your tanned skin will absorb more light, which makes treatment less effective and less comfortable.
• It is also a good idea to avoid smoking in the 4 hours prior to treatment. Generally, no special care is necessary after treatment, but people with sensitive skin may benefit from applying a cold compress (a cold damp cloth) to the area immediately after treatment or from using an ointment prescribed by the doctor.
• After treatment, you should avoid sun exposure for 30 days, even if there is no sign of inflammation in the treated area.
• Use sun protection (minimum SPF 30) if sun exposure cannot be avoided.

The number of treatments depends on location and number of the vessels to be treated. Generally it ranges between 4-10 treatments.

No anaesthetics are required, and many patients describe the treatment as being like a snap from a rubber band followed by a sensation similar to the feeling of gentle sunburn.

We offer complimentary consultations and patch tests to our patients. Prices are always confirmed prior to your treatments. Generally prices start from £150.

Clinical trials documenting Ellipse’s safety and effectiveness were carried out by leading doctors prior to the launch of the treatments, and these were published in respected, referenced medical journals. You are welcome to view these scientific papers on the Ellipse website at www.ellipse.com.

1. SPECIALIST DOCTORS: You will be treated by one of the UK’s leading cosmetic doctors who are highly experienced in the Hyperhidrosis procedure

2. SERVICE & CARE: We pride ourselves on patient care and experience, therefore, our experienced team will ensure that your visit and treatment is as informative, comfortable and professional as possible

3. CLINIC LOCATION: The treatment is carried out at our clinic in the heart of vibrant Oxford street and Bond street. We are based a 5 minute walk from Oxford sreet and Bond street tube stations.

4. HIGH PATIENT SATISFACTION: Our patients are very happy with their results resulting in many returning to have additional areas. We also have many that recommend friends and family to the clinic

5. PREMIUM MEDICATION : We use only premium and FDA approved products for the treatment

6. We are CARE QUALITY COMMISSION (CQC) approved & regulated clinic, this ensures that we carried out high standard treatments, hygiene and care to our patients.