Is a non-invasive medical technology that is applied by placing a hand-held treatment unit on your skin which generates an intense pulse of light into the skin which is absorbed by colour components within the skin.
A slight pinch such as that of a snap of a rubber band will be all that is felt. Avoid SUN EXPOSURE on the treatment area at least 6 weeks pre(prior) and post(after) treatment and at all other times use a 30+sunscreen.
All fake tans will have to be completely removed prior to treatment. All IPL treatments will undergo a test patch 24-48hrs before the commencement of treatment. Some skins may be too dark for safe treatment as the light can be attracted to the melanin (colour) in the skin and can cause hypopigmentation (increase or loss of colour in the skin).
IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength.
Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targetting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light). IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis).
The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
6-8 sessions are usually required every 7 weeks up to 12 weeks apart depending on the area/s being treated. Any residual hair growth will be finer, softer, lighter in colour and regrowing at a dramatically slower rate, these hairs can be left alone or have occasional maintenance treatments. IPL also helps to minimise ingrown hairs.
Reduction of Pigmented Lesions
Reduction of Pigmented Lesions such as sun spots, age spots, freckles and other unsightly discolourations of the skin occur as the light is attracted to the pigmented areas. Pigmented areas will darken immediately or within a few hours after treatment, this is expected and is a normal reaction, so is skin having a dirty, scabby look which can last anywhere from 3-4 days up to 2-3 weeks. A doctor’s letter confirming that no skin cancers are present is required before commencing this treatment.
1-3 sessions 3 weeks apart
Reduction of Facial Vascular Lesions
Reduction of Facial Vascular Lesions resembling fine threaded-like vessels found on cheeks and around the nose, general diffuse redness, small Cherry angiomas and Rosacea can all be significantly reduced. By using wavelengths of light that are attracted to oxyhaemoglobin (red found in blood vessels) turns to heat energy destroying these abnormal areas, whilst leaving the healthy skin unscathed.
4-6 sessions 1 week apart
Assisting with Acne
Assist with Acne by using wavelengths of light that are attracted to kill P.acnes (Propionibacterium) the bacteria that causes pimples when a pore becomes blocked with excess sebum(oil) and mixes with dead skin cells to from a plug.
A series of regular treatments are needed in an area 1 to 2 weeks apart along with peels to obtain optimal results.
