Clinical Intense Pulsed Light for pigmentation, redness & sun damage

Clinical Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) reduces pigmentation, redness and improves sun damage for a radiant and more even skin tone. IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light energy for focal destruction of pigmentation. IPL is medical grade. IPL is the same as BBL (broad band light therapy). Brown pigment darkens, rises to the surface and crusts off over the next few weeks. Red pigmentation is vaporised and can disappear immediately, or fade over a few weeks.

What concerns does IPL Treat? I                                                                                                                                                       PL treats a range of conditions including superficial sun spots, age spots, freckles, rosacea, redness, dilated blood vessels, acne and inflammatory scars. 

• superficial pigmentation- age spots, uneven skin tone

• rosacea / redness & dilated blood vessels

• acne and inflammatory scars

• sun damaged skin

• skin rejuvenation- a course of IPL will improve skin softness, elasticity and skin glow

What is the recommended treatment plan?                                                                                                                        IPL is a clinical treatment not a facial. You are required to have a consultation and test patch prior to your formal treatment. This allows us to assess your skin and optimise settings so you get a good outcome. In general, an initial course is 3 sessions,  4 weeks apart. Vascular or red skin conditions may require 6 sessions. We have a range of lasers and use a combination of IPL, vascular laser and Q-switch laser to target pigmentation at different wavelengths and depths in the skin. 

Before starting treatment with Clinical IPL, we recommend preparing the skin with medical grade homecare for 4 weeks to optimise results. This is especially important for darker skin types to prevent post- inflammatory pigmentation. Do not use spray tan or expose the skin to the sun for tanning for 2 - 3 weeks prior to a treatment, and throughout the course of IPL or laser treatments.

How do I prepare for a Clinical IPL Treatment?                                                                                                                Use SPF daily and avoid any irritating products such as Vitamin C, retinol or exfoliants for 3 days prior to your treatment. Do not use spray tan or expose the skin to the sun for tanning for 2- 3 weeks prior to, and during your series of  IPL  treatment.

What can I expect during the procedure?                                                                                                                          The procedure takes 30 - 60 minutes, depending on the area treated. We recommend treating the face, neck and decolletage, as sun damage is not limited to the face. Your future self will thank you!

IPL may feel mildly uncomfortable, like an elastic band hitting the skin. If you have an impaired skin barrier or dry skin, we advise a series of other treatments first to optimise skin health so you get the best outcome. Topical anaesthetic may be used for vascular treatments.

Is there any downtime?                                                                                                                                                      Expect the skin to be red and swollen for the first few days. Use a cool compress and avoid overheating the skin during this time.  Brown pigmentation will darken and fade in 7-10 days. If you are treating red pigment, your skin will have more redness and swelling. Superficial or dilated vessels may bruise initially. Makeup can be worn at this time to cover the skin. You must wear sunscreen and avoid the sun 2 weeks before and after your treatment or your concerns may worsen. Plan your treatments at least 2 weeks before a special event.

12 week Skin Programme                                                                                                                                                    We offer a 12 week initial program to target pigmentation, redness and sun damage combining home care, corrective peels and combination IPL and laser treatments to improve sun damage and concerns. Once these concerns are managed, we work on underlying photodamage to prevent future skin cancers and improve cosmetic concerns using Ultraclear laser.

Cost                                                                                                                                                                                              At your initial consultation with Dr Grant, our team will assess your concerns and provide an individualised treatment plan and quote.  Suitability for treatment and costs will be discussed during your consultation.