Intense Pulsed Light offers a very effective treatment for pigmented marks such as Lentigines, age/liver spots and ephelides or freckles, that appear on the face and hands. The treatment is non-invasive and results in a more even skin tone.
How do Intense Pulsed Light Systems work?
Intense Pulsed Light Systems release precisely controlled very short pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the melanin in freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The pigmented area absorbs the light and is heated and removed by skin renewal.
Following treatment, the pigmented area turns darker and may crust. Over the following weeks the pigmented area will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark.
a) Areas of pigment absorb the light and are heated
b) The pigmented skin darkens initially and renews over the next 5 days
c) The excess pigment can continue to fade for several weeks afterwards
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. In Intense Light treatments, a layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide light into the skin. The area may be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take 15 – 20 minutes.
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| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
How does the treatment feel?
Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthesia is required. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very short hot pin prick.
What should I expect after the treatment?
The area will be tender for several days after treatment. After Intense Pulsed Light treatment the lesion will darken and may appear more obvious, but will gradually fade and flake away over the following weeks. It is important that any crusts are not picked and the skin is allowed to heal naturally.
The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment but the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely the skin may become darker or lighter, or a small blister will form.
Aftercare
Sun avoidance is essential. Do not expose the skin to UV (sun exposure or tanning beds). Sun induced pigmentation can recur with repeated exposure to the sun, so daily use of high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly advised.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the pigmented mark present, but typically 1 – 3 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 4 – 6 weeks.
Treatment was performed on only the patient's right hand
Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly recommended.
