IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Short, safe bursts of IPL are directed at the skin of the area being treated. The IPL penetrates down to your dermis without harming the surface of your skin. Pigment cells in your skin absorb the light energy which is converted into heat. The wavelengths in the IPL used are absorbed by haemoglobin in the fine blood vessels and melanin in the age spots. The heat generated destroys the unwanted pigment and little blood vessels. The heat also stimulates fibroblast activity, which produces new collagen.

IPL treatment can be carried out on lighter skin types that are not tanned. IPL is not suitable for dark or black skin.

At your consultation, the practitioner will assess your skin condition, discuss how IPL could benefit you and plan the treatments with you. IPL is often used alongside specific skin care products.

Your practitioner will first cleanse the area to be treated and photographs will be taken.

A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin. Light pulses from the IPL device will be flashed over the skin in the treated area (you will be provided with dark glasses to wear during treatment to protect your eyes). While treatment time will depend on the size of the area being treated, a full-face treatment generally takes between 20-30 minutes.

Many patients describe the treatment like a hot flick from a rubber band followed by a sensation similar to the feeling of a day in the sun. The majority of patients find the treatment quite tolerable.

Immediately following treatment, the skin may feel warm and look pink, similar to mild sunburn. This can start to fade within a few hours. Any mild swelling, sensitivity or redness typically fades within a day or two. Pigmentation and brown spots can appear darker and feel quite dry, while any little red veins may appear darker red or purple. This improves within the next few days to a week. Less common effects include bruising, blistering, change in skin colour and infection. Please contact the Clinic if you have any concerns following treatment.

Results vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the skin condition being treated. Improvements start to be seen after the first treatment, with the best results being seen over a course of treatment. Patients report that their skin soon appears more refreshed and even toned, and often describe their skin as ‘dewy’.

A course of IPL Skin Rejuvenation may be around 4-6 treatments. Treatments are spaced 4 weeks apart. You may need further treatments to maintain the results of the initial course of IPL. Your therapist may recommend the use of particular skincare products or other technologies to achieve the desired results. This will all be discussed at your consultation.

It is possible that this procedure may fail to achieve your desired results. Strict adherence to the pre-op and post-op instructions is essential. You may need to repeat your treatments to achieve the desired results.

For 30 days prior to treatment, you should avoid tanning (sunbathing, solarium or self-tanning products).

For 7 days prior to treatment, you should NOT: wax or undergo electrolysis, bleach or use depilatory creams.

Some medication can cause sensitivity to light. Please advise your therapist of any medication that you have taken before your IPL treatment. Do not use anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen.

• DO NOT smoke within 4 hours prior to treatment.
• Pregnancy – Please note that IPL treatment is not recommended during pregnancy.

Patients with sensitive skin may benefit from applying a cold compress or ice pack to the face immediately after treatment. This may be helpful in the first 24-48 hours.

Aloe Vera gel will be applied and can be used for the next 48 hours after treatment if any reaction persists.

For 30 days after IPL treatment, patients should:

• Avoid sun exposure or sun beds. Wear a sun protection of at least SPF30 or higher when outside
• For 4-7 days, patients should not take anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen.
• For 48 hours following treatment, patients should avoid:
  • Perfumed products and/or make-up
  • Excessive heat, e.g. saunas, steam rooms, hot baths etc.
  • Swimming and/or gym
  • Touching, picking or scratching the treatment area.

Pigmentary changes – The treated area may heal with altered pigmentation (darker skin). This occurs most often with darker coloured and after exposure of the area to sun. You may have experienced this type of reaction before and noticed it with minor cuts or abrasions. The treated area must be protected from exposure to the sun with minimum protection SPF 30 for 4 weeks after treatment to minimize the possibility of such changes, although pigmentary changes may occur despite sun avoidance. These pigmentary changes usually fade in three to six months, in some cases, the pigment may last longer. Your therapist may require you to use specific skincare products for a few weeks prior to treatment to reduce the risk of this.

Alert the Clinic immediately if you have been in the sun and/or have had a tan or sunburn within the last 4 weeks.