This time of year is an excellent time to address your skin concerns and sun damage with IPL skin rejuvenation. So, in this article we wanted to answer some of your frequently asked questions around one of our most popular and effective treatments
What exactly is IPL?
IPL stands for ‘intense pulsed light’. This practice is used for the treatment of pigmented spots, freckles, and sun damage, small veins and capillaries, rosacea and hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. The IPL machine releases an extremely strong light, which can be selectively filtered to different wavelength bands to work on different lesions within the skin.
What can I expect to happen during my IPL treatment?
- Before commencing IPL you will have an initial consultation with Lacey, our Registered Nurse to determine if it’s the most suitable treatment for you. If it is, we’ll discuss the timing for your first session, because IPL shouldn’t be carried out for two weeks after sun exposure so you need to be using sunblock as part of the preparation.
- When you come for your first treatment appointment we’ll cleanse your skin and a cold gel will be applied to your skin to help improve conductivity.
- Using the IPL, we will fire short bursts of light onto each patch of your skin. It feels a bit like a rubber band being flicked onto your skin (at worst). Following treatment, we’ll cleanse your skin and apply the all important sunblock.
How many IPL treatments will I need?
Occasionally you will see significant change after just one treatment. Over the course of 3-5 treatment sessions, most people see a gradual and continual improvement of their skin tone. The total number of required sessions varies depending on the condition of your skin and your skin type.
Does IPL hurt?
It’s probably fair to say that there is a degree of discomfort. Individual experience varies. Sometimes clients are a little shocked when they feel the first burst of the laser on sensitive areas of the face. But once you know what to expect the treatment is fairly easy to bear and over fairly quickly, with most treatments taking no more than about 30 – 45 minutes, including skin preparation and post treatment care.
Is there any downtime after IPL?
Because it works on lower layers of the skin, IPL leaves the top surface unscathed so you can immediately apply makeup and return to your daily activities. Your age spots and pigmentation will darken initially following treatment. After around 7-10 days these darkened spots will flake off leaving a clearer, more youthful appearance.
Is IPL safe?
Treatment is generally safe and effective for most skin types and colours, except for very dark skin. We will often do a test patch prior to any treatment to determine the best settings for your skin and reduce the risk of any side effects. Expect to have a patch test at your initial consultation, and return for treatment a week or so later.
How long will the great results from my treatment last?
People with significant sun damage will need ongoing ‘top up’ treatments, perhaps each winter, because we haven’t cured you of your sun damage. After treatment you should continue with a healthy regard for the sun, as sun exposure can increase the risk of side effects or pigment coming back. As per our mantra… You should wear your recommended sun protection every day.
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