Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
A laser skin rejuvenation procedure that can dramatically reduce the signs of aging as well as treating rosacea, pigmentation, broken vessels, pore size and sun damage. The areas most commonly treated are face, neck, chest and hands.
How does it work?
The medical grade IPL/Laser equipment that we use provides selective thermolysis (chemical decomposition caused by heat) to the targeted areas, essentially ‘shattering’ the pigment
into fragments.
Treatment info
An IPL treatment is like being ‘flicked with a rubber band’. Most people can tolerate it with the use of a topical anaesthetic cream (applied 30 - 60 minutes prior to the treatment to numb the area) and/or two paracetamol taken 30 minutes prior.
After treatment, areas of pigmentation will initially darken, then lighten as the pigmentation sloughs off (7-14 days).
An IPL treatment session lasts about 45 minutes (dependent on area being treated), with a follow up in 3-6 weeks. A series of between 1- 3 treatments is usually required to achieve the desired outcome. Treatment cannot be performed on tanned or sunburnt skin but this will be discussed in your consultation prior
to treatment.
After treatment
Some redness and swelling may appear following treatment. This usually subsides within 1-3 days. It is recommended to apply ice-packs to the treated area immediately and for the rest of the day. It is imperative to use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day to prevent further damage. Your consulting nurse can give you advice and start you on a suitable skin care regime for your skin type and requirements.
Benefits
- Improve skin tone and texture.
- Stimulate collagen production.
- Reduce redness and pigmentation.
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Reduce pore size.
You can make an appointment to talk to a cosmetic nurse about IPL by clicking the Free Cosmetic Consult button.
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Before -
After
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Before -
After
Photos are of an actual patient of the Skin Institute.
