IPL

Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive skin procedure utilising an intense pulse light machine (IPL). IPL differs from laser treatments as it offers a non-ablative solution to improving the texture, quality, colour and health of your skin. IPL is not a laser but a broad wavelength light that is pulsed onto the skin and can treat multiple conditions simultaneously; including broken veins and capillaries, redness of the skin, age spots, mottled pigmentation, benign brown pigment and freckles. Treatment can take place over the entire body with face, neck and décolletage being the most popular areas. We see hands and shoulders being treated also.

In addition to improving uneven skin color, sun damage, facial redness (Rosacea), and pigmentation, the heat energy stimulates new collagen production beneath the skin surface which remodels the collagen, firms the skin and shrinks the pores. After a series of photorejuvenation treatments at intervals spaced 4 weeks apart; a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles can also be seen. The skin appears more luminous, brighter and smoother. Improvements can be seen 10 days following the first treatment and enhanced results can be seen with each subsequent treatment.

Initially the skin will feel warm similar to a mild sunburn sensation and the treated area will remain pink for 2 or 3 hours. Some mild swelling may occur; this is transient and will subside 2 days following the treatment. If treating pigmented conditions, the pigment will become darker and will remain dark for 3 – 4 days. Four days following treatment, the darkened pigment will gradually shed from the skin, and new pigment-free skin will emerge. Spider veins and broken capillaries clear almost immediately following the treatment and continue to improve.

It is important to protect your skin from direct sun exposure over the series of your treatments and it is highly recommended to use a zinc based spf30+ sunblock. Solariums and sun bathing are to be avoided.

Photorejuvenation treatments can be carried out all year round as long as you are not planning to be in full sun exposure immediately following a treatment. Having recent sun exposure prior to a treatment can intensify the effects of the IPL (and vice versa) and increase risks of unwanted side effects such as a burn or hyperpigmentation.

Ideally, avoiding sun exposure to the treated area altogether is of most benefit to prolong results and avoid the return of treated problems. Sun damage is a strong trigger for facial flushing and causes direct damage to superficial blood vessels and dermal inflammation. So, sun damage can cause progression of rosacea in those genetically predisposed to developing the disorder.

Ideal results are obtained by undergoing a series of treatments. This may be between 2 -6 treatments, depending upon the condition to be treated. After the initial series of photorejuvenation treatments most of the improvements are permanent however in order to maintain the results some future maintenance may be required and this varies from person to person.

Skincare that compliments the photorejuvenation treatment should be added into your daily regime. It is highly recommended to commence the use of Skincare that has high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Hylauronic Acid and other potent Anit-oxidants and melanin blockers , 2-3 weeks prior to your first photorejuvenation treatment. This should be maintained throughout the entire course of the treatment series and can be continued long term. The use of a zinc based spf30+ sunblock is also highly recommended for long term use.

For those concerned with pigmentation and brightening the skin tone as well as those with a skin type III and above, a specific product with a tyrosinase inhibitor is prescribed to reduce chances of post inflammatory pigmentation as well as maintaining your results of the IPL treatment. Our salon policy will require you to use this product if you are skin type III or above.

Other ‘non-invasive’ procedures like Cosmeceutical Peels, Microdermabrasions, and cosmetic injections can be used in combination with photorejuvenation for superior results.

IPL photorejuvenation is one of the safest light-based facial treatments available. Most patients experience little or no pain during the procedure. Some patients have reported that the light pulses feel similar to a light “snap” from a rubber band. There have been few reported long-term side effects of IPL™ photorejuvenation, and the most common side effects — redness, minor swelling, and inflammation — usually go away within a few hours to a few days after treatment. The most reported side effects that can occur and these are generally associated with darker skin types and excessive sun exposure.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND A COMPLIMENTARY TEST PATCH AREA IF THIS IS A CONCERN.

Photorejuvenation is generally a very safe ‘no downtime’ procedure.

Absolutely not. The wavelength of light that produces skin cancer is in the ultraviolet wavelength range and lower. Lasers and IPL devices used for facial vein and rosacea treatment produce light in the visible part of the spectrum and up to the infrared range. These wavelengths will not cause skin cancer. We recommend a skin cancer screen for any worrying moles\spots\ pigment prior to treatment.

Veins that are destroyed by the laser will not return. Veins that are only injured may persist. Some veins are not damaged at all.

Laser and IPL treatments do not alter the underlying condition, so new vessels will develop. Facial vein treatments are commonly repeated every two years or so. Rosacea treatments may require touchups once or twice a year.

The goal of treatment is improvement, not perfection. Your expectations must be realistic.

Facial veins are most frequently eliminated in only one or two sessions. Occasionally, three or more treatments are required. Most commonly, one session of laser is given for the larger vessels, followed by one to three sessions of IPL to treat the general underlying redness produced by tiny vessels.

You can return to your daily activities immediately, taking care not to expose to direct sun. Mineral make up can be applied immediately following treatment. It should be removed if blistering or oozing occur. This indicates that a burn has occured. The burn must be kept clean, and an antibiotic ointment should be applied until the skin heals. Sunscreen should be applied before you leave the salon.

For more information, please click the Before & After tab.