All non-surgical treatments performed privately at Franklynn Centre are supported by published clinical data from peer-reviewed medical journals and/or recognised specialist laser journals. Copies of studies are available to local clinicians in general practice on such treatments as laser hair reduction, tattoo removal, vascular & pigmented lesion removal, skin resurfacing and ablation of common skin lesion, Botox for axillary hyperhidrosis, microdermabrasion etc.

Several years of clinical studies have now demonstrated the effectiveness of lasers for the reduction of unwanted body and facial hair. Unlike Boots who now offer this treatment as a high street service with a single laser type, Franklynn Centre has both diode and long-pulse ruby hair removal lasers with a choice of wavelengths and pulse widths to best match skin types and hair colours. Several of our Laser Nurse Practitioners have over 3 years experience in hair removal and we maintain an on-going training programme.

Following referrals from Princess Royal Hospital, a number of men with recurrent pilonidal sinus have been treated successfully for laser hair reduction at the Franklynn Centre. We are seeing a marked reduction in hair and a significant improvement in the recurrence rate for this disease. For further advice, contact Mr M. Lavelle at Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

With the growing popularity of cosmetic, amateur and professional tattoos, you may well be asked for advice on the removal of unwanted tattoos. The use of excision, skin grafting and dermabrasion is invasive and leads to significant scarring. Laser tattoo removal is the standard of care for this patient requirement as it is routinely performed without any form of analgesia, has a very low reported rate of side-effects and most popular tattoo colours respond well with significant lightening of the tattoo typically over 3 – 8 treatments.

Franklynn Centre is licensed by the Care Standards Commission, is accredited as a training site by the European Dermatology Association and offers a Preceptorship Programme for interested clinicians wishing to learn how to use lasers safely and effectively.

We would welcome your enquiries about laser treatments or our Preceptorship Programme.

Dr Russell Emerson will be running a fortnightly private dermatology clinic (Monday afternoons) at the Franklynn Clinic as from 1st April 2002. Dr Emerson has been appointed as the new Consultant Dermatologist at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath with additional NHS sessions at Brighton General Hospital. He is a general dermatologist with sub-specialist expertise in dermatological surgery and laser therapy. This includes skin cancer surgery with daycase operating sessions in both hospitals. Based mainly in Haywards Heath, he hopes to develop the dermatology service for both NHS and private patients.

Dr Emerson will undertake Minor Skin Surgery, Laser Therapy, Patch Testing for Hand Dermatitis, Facial / Eyelid Eczema, Botox for Axillary Hyperhidrosis (sweating) and Finasteride (Propecia) Male Pattern Baldness Consultations.

A GP letter of referral is preferred to communicate back the results of investigations and treatment. Patients can arrange their own appointments by telephoning the Franklynn Clinic on 01444-415484. Surgical procedures and laser treatments will be carried out by Dr Emerson with the assistance of a trained nurse.