Skin rejuvenation using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
There are several ways that IPL can improve the quality of aging or sun damaged skin.
- Temporary decrease in pore size
- Temporary smoother and tighter feel to the skin
- Long-lasting resolution of fine wrinkles
- Long-lasting removal of blotchy red or brown skin
- Long-lasting uniform complexion
- The removal of liver spots or age-related freckles
The IPL is suitable for these skin problems frequently seen on the face, neck, upper chest, and lower arms. It can be combined with a variety of pre-treatment and post-treatment options to maximise the success and prolong the effects of IPL treatment.
How does IPL work?
A powerful beam of ordinary light is released as a single or series of short pulses. The light causes a thermal damage to collagen, unwanted pigment and blood vessels
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on some goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin during treatment. A pulse of light is delivered into the skin which last for less than a second. A feeling of warmth or skin pricking is felt with each pulse of light. About 50 pulses may be required to treat the whole face.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Dark-skin or sun-tanned skin (including fake tan) cannot be treated. All make-up must be removed. Certain skin or medical conditions, skin treatments and medicines may exclude a person from treatment. The beard area in men may suffer from permanent hair loss.
Is it safe?
The area is usually red immediately after treatment. This settles in a few hours. Blistering may occur if the light pulse is set too strong or if make-up is left on the skin, or if the skin is too dark or sun-tanned. This may lead to lighter or darker areas of skin. Pigmented spots may darken before falling off. Temporary swelling below the eyes may happen with large facial treatments.
How long does each treatment last?
A treatment session can last about 15 minutes.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically a course of six IPL treatments with each treatment every 2 weeks are needed for maximum results. Top-up treatments maybe required thereafter depending on the condition being treated.
Aftercare
Sun tanning after IPL treatment will delay further treatment until it has settled and may cause temporary skin darkening.
Consultation procedure
A consultation with a consultant dermatologists* is advised to correctly diagnose your problem, estimate the success of IPL for you and discuss as well as offer the full range of alternative medical treatments available.
Skin cancer is very common on sun-damaged skin. Non-dermatologists are very likely to fail to recognise and diagnose skin cancer. Your health may therefore be harmed if you proceed with IPL instead of skin cancer treatment.
* Member of the Royal Collage of Physicians and Member of the British Association of Dermatologists
