Many people from their mid-thirties now suffer from sun-damaged facial skin which can present itself in many forms; wrinkles and fine lines are often accompanied by dry and rough skin, mottled skin tone and areas of abnormal pigmentation. IPL offers a breakthrough treatment for signs of aging caused by sun damage such brown spots (pigmentation), redness (thread veins) and poor skin texture (collagen). Pulsed light can quickly remove brown and red areas and stimulate production of new collagen.
How do Intense Light Pulsed Systems work?
The Intense Pulsed Light releases precisely controlled short pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the melanin in brown spots and the blood in any red lesions. The pigmented area absorbs the light and is heated and removed by skin renewal and blood vessels are heated to a point where they destroyed. The filtered light stimulates the fibroblast cells within the skin that produce collagen and elastin. This improves the radiance, softness and tightness of the skin, controlling enlarged pores and giving a more uniform complexion. It is particularly effective when combined with other treatments such as chemical peels or Microdermabrasion.
a) Skin rejuvenation works on the skin with a rough or wrinkled appearance
b) Intense pulsed light stimulates production of collagen and elastin
c) After treatment the skin is smoother with a more even tone
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin and guide the light. The light applicator is placed onto 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 face is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.
Each pulse of light treats a large area of skin so the duration of the treatment is very short. A typical session will take in the region of 30 - 45 minutes.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals.
How does the treatment feel?
The light energy is absorbed by the skin and heats up creating a sharp, short lived hot pin prick sensation. No anaesthesia is required other than cooling the skin and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment and the skin is cooled to ease these symptoms. Any redness usually disappears within a couple of hours.
Pigmented lesions will darken and appear more obvious, but will gradually fade and flake away over the following weeks.
Red lesions will fade quickly and some may disappear immediately.
Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form.
It will be necessary to avoid sun exposure and the daily use of high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly advised.
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?
A course of 4 – 6 treatments is recommended for maximum results. However, improvement in the skin will be visible from the very first treatment. Treatments should take place every 4 – 6 weeks.
Further maintenance treatments may be required after a 12 month period, depending on the amount of sun damage in the intervening period.
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| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly recommended.
