IPL™ - Photorejuvenation

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) technology is a treatment breakthrough that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as rosacea, the signs of sun damage, birthmarks, unwanted hair, port wine stains and thread veins. These scalpel-free treatments, offer a safe, non-invasive solution that can be tailored to individual conditions and skin types, providing superior cosmetic results with minimum 'down-time'. Bruising may occur with photorejuvenation and if so this can take 7-10 days to completely settle.

During a treatment, clients are asked to wear dark glasses to protect their eyes and a cold gel, similar to an ultra-sound gel, is spread over the treatment area. The IPL hand piece is used to apply pulses of light to the skin. A sensation, like the 'ping' from a rubber band flicked against the skin, may be felt. Side effects are minimal but can include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling, which usually goes away within a few days. IPL works by using light, which is absorbed by dark pigmentation in lesions and red veins on the skin. This is then converted to heat which destroys the lesion. IPL technology improves both the superficial and deeper skin layers and rejuvenates them, while at the same time, delivering beneficial thermal energy to deep tissue. After a series of four to six sessions, a significant reduction of unwanted pigmentation is noticeable, as is the appearance of a smoother, revitalised skin. Skin tone is evened out, freckles fade and the redness in people suffering from rosacea and acne is reduced. You may need more than one treatment to obtain the best results.

Prior to your treatment you will have a consultation with one of our doctors or nurses to ensure IPL™ Photorejuvenation is appropriate for your needs. At this stage we will answer any questions you may have as well as discuss the number of treatments you may require. A Beau visage skin analysis is recommended prior to treatment as this would show clearly the area to be targeted and give a indication of expected results.

Before and After Photos

Sun Damage Skin

Before and 3 months post 5 IPL™ treatments

Broken Capillaries

Before and 3 months after 3 IPL™ treatments

Photographs courtesy of Lumenis

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this work/What is it?
IPL is Intense Pulsed Light - a broad spectrum of yellow light used in a variety of treatments
When the light energy hits a blood vessel it is converted to heat
The high temperature causes the blood to coagulate and the vessel, therefore, is destroyed
With regards to pigment, the light 'shatters' the pigment
Within 1-2 weeks the pigment 'falls away', thus leaving the skin clearer

Port-wine stains? (Naevus)
These are vascular
The light destroys most, if not all, of the blood vessels and the skin returns to its normal colour

Birthmarks?
A birthmark is the same as a port-wine stain or naevus but most people associate a birthmark as being brown in colour, rather than red or purple

Thread Veins?
Appear on the face and legs The vessels may be destroyed by the IPL treatment Larger veins may respond better with Sclerotherapy (an injecting technique) to the legs

Stretch marks?
IPL does not treat stretch marks

What are the benefits of this treatment?
IPL™ improves the skin tone
IPL™ stimulates collagen production and clears many blemishes in the skin, e.g. 'broken' veins, sun spots, birthmarks, etc.
Treatment is non-invasive and long lasting, although some conditions i.e. rosacea a top up treatment may be recommended. The use of SPF 25+ is considered essential following treatment

Is there an age limit?
No although children may not like the treatment, i.e. find it scary, sore, etc. They should not require full face treatments, more specific problems e.g. birthmarks, spider veins, etc.

Are there any contraindications?
Pregnancy
Recently tanned (fake or natural) or sunburnt skin
Active cold sore