IPL devices use a broad band of light from the visible light spectrum to primarily address skin problems such as facial capillaries (eg. rosacea, sun damage) and benign photopigmentation (solar lentigines- freckles, sunspots).

IPL can also be used to in photodynamic therapy for acne.Activating photosensitizers such as methyl aminolevulinate (MAL). IPL treatments are often referred to as ‘photofacials‘ as they are a light-based facial treatment.

photopigmentation

Photopigmentation

 

 

 

 

 

COMMONLY TREATED AREAS

Commonly Treated Areas Include

  • The face
  • The  neck
  • The chest (decolletage)
  • Backs of the hands
  • The forearms
  • The shoulders

5-6 sessions will be required to see a noticeable change in photpigmentation* (sun spots); similarly, 5-6 sessions are recommended for facial flushing due to rosacea.

* for a dramatic improvement in brown spots with one session, see Fraxel Dual Thulium Laser

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT?
  • The IPL device is hooked up to a Zimmer Chilling Machine, which blows cold air onto the treatment area, thus minimising any possible discomfort.
  • Patients typically describe the sensation like pinging an elastic band against the skin.
  • Treatments will be followed by a slight flaking of the pigmented area over the next few days.
  • Treated blood vessels may temporarily become darker.
  • You will be advised to wear sunscreen as a precaution post treatment.

Expectations and Maintenance Treatments

Photopigmentation (brown spots):

What you see is only the tip of the iceberg; visible sun damage is a result of years of exposure to DNA- damaging UV radiation.Cellular changes are present in the deep layers of the skin and as the natural process of exfoliation takes place, these damaged cells will migrate up towards the surface of the skin, requiring further touch-up treatments in approximately 6-12 months. Additionally, IPL improves but does not eliminates, brown pigmentation.

* Altogether, a good result is 70 % reduction in freckling or discoloration with 5-6 sessions.

* Fraxel Thulium laser will give more dramatic results with pigmented lesions, including sunspots, actinic keratoses, and melasma; but is associated with a few days of downtime – The Weekend Peel

Rosacea is a chronic disease, and although the initial course of therapy will significantly reduce the unwanted capillaries flushing, 70% reduction is a good guideline for this chronic, recurrent condition, it will require maintenance sessions.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS TO INTENSED PULSED LIGHT

Include, but are not limited to:

  • Recent suntanning/UV sunbeds/artificial tanning creams.
  • Darker skin types.
  • Photosensitizing medications or herbal supplements.
  • Accutane or other oral retinoids up to 12 months prior to treatment.
  • Photo-sensitizing skin conditions, including some collagen vascular diseases.
  • Active infection inc “cold sores” (Herpes Simplex Virus).
  • History of hypertrophic (keloid) scars.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Recent (within 2 weeks) injections of fillers.
  • Recent chemical or laser peels.
  • Skin cancers or undiagnosed suspicious lesions.

A Word About Lasers, Other Light-Based Devices And Safety Issues

IPL devices are being used in non-medical settings such as day spas for the purpose of Laser Hair Removal, or the treatment of “brown spots”. It is very important to be aware that staff at these non-medical facilities do not have medical training in the diagnosis of skin diseases, as well, they do not have the knowledge to distinguish benign from cancerous lesions and are not versed in the area of photosensitizing conditions or medications.

(See: What is Anti- Aging Medicine; Non Medical facilities) 

At The Lazer Room, all patients are seen and assessed carefully by a physician prior to their procedure, regardless of whether it is a superficial skin peel, laser hair removal, injectables, IPL or full facial resurfacing. You will be asked to give a full medical history and a list of all current medications, including herbals and nutritional supplements and to disclose any prior procedures, treatment modalities and recent sun, UV or tanning accelerator exposure. In addition, a skin examination will be undertaken to exclude cancer or precancerous lesions.