IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and involves pulsed beams of visible light.
This advanced technology allows us to target very specific structures (selective) at varying energy levels to create a desired response. In having a range of IPL handpieces to use, the Perfect Skin Solutions team, are able to choose the most appropriate light-based treatment specific to your skin type and needs, whilst treating you safely and effectively.

• Pigmentation issues
• Sun damage
• Rosacea
• Vascular lesions
• Photo-rejuvenation

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) is the best treatment option for the above indications and we can achieve great results in just 3 – 6 treatments.

The light bypasses the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and gently heats the cells in the deeper layer of the skin (dermis). These cells, called fibroblasts, start to produce more collagen, which improves texture and plumps out fine lines and wrinkles. However, we consider this as a bonus outcome when having this treatment for, e.g. facial thread veins.

Both men and women can be treated; however, IPL treatment is not always suitable for all skin colours. If you have Fitzpatrick skin types 5 or 6, we cannot use IPL on your skin as there is an unacceptable risk of causing pigment loss in the treated area.

Patients with light sensitivity should not have these light-based treatments. Their effects during pregnancy are unknown and we would therefore not commence treatment whilst you are pregnant. You should not have IPL/laser treatment whilst taking Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) for 12 months afterwards. A full assessment will be carried out to ensure the treatment is suitable for you. During your consultation, our expert therapists will guide you through to the most appropriate and suitable treatment plan, considering both your type of skin and skin concerns.

It is easy to make the treatments completely “painless” as many companies advertise. However, to actually achieve the desired clinical outcome, stronger settings need to be used and therefore, a minor degree of discomfort is likely. Most patients tolerate this quite well. The first treatment is usually the “zingiest.” As the targeted area begins to clear, the treatments usually become more comfortable. Each session usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Skin cooling is used to make the treatment more comfortable.

You should try to keep your face as pale as possible by avoiding sun exposure before and during your course of treatment (this includes the use of tanning machines and tanning lotion). At your first visit, your practitioner will discuss realistic treatment expectations with you and perform a patch test to assess how your skin reacts.

After a minimum of 72 hours, the first full treatment is carried out. The whole of the affected area will be treated. There may be a feeling of heat during the treatment and your face will be redder for a short while afterwards. Cooling packs can be applied afterwards. You and your practitioner will need to wear goggles to protect your eyes from the light source.

After thread vein treatment, the skin usually looks slightly redder for 2-5 days. The vein itself may disappear immediately or appear significantly darker post treatment. Rarely, there is bruising, which can take 4-6 weeks to resolve.

Pigmentation usually appears darker for several days post treatment. Crusting can occur, which may last up to ten days. The lesions will then begin to clear and usually be resolving at the one-month point. It takes an average of 3-6 treatments to clear age spots.

No, it does not. You can have the treatments done any time of the year, but the summer is more difficult if you pick up colour easily in the sun. The good effects of the treatments will not last as long if you are getting significant sun exposure. You must wear sunscreen every morning and top up your sunblock regularly throughout the day.

• Thread Vein/Broken Capillaries removal – 3 – 6 sessions
• Pigment removal – 3-6 sessions
• Rosacea – on consultation
• Pigmentation / thread veins (face): 3 – 4-week intervals
• Rosacea – 4 weeks interval

A course of 3-6 treatments at 3-4-week intervals usually produces the best results. There is obviously a spectrum of response across patients and some individuals may need more treatments.

Improvement may continue for many weeks after the course has finished. Rosacea is a relapsing condition and this treatment improves the appearance but does not cure the rosacea. If you have active inflammatory rosacea, then this will need to be controlled with medication before you can have IPL or laser treatment. A member of our clinical team can give you the necessary medical advice.

Yes, when used by appropriately qualified practitioners, these treatments are relatively very safe. All practitioners at our doctor-led clinic have had certified training specifically, with some also having higher qualifications in laser treatment such as the core of knowledge. Unlike certain UV rays from the sun, the bright light used in treatments is not thought to be cancer-forming, as it utilises visible and infrared light that is outside the ultraviolet range that causes sunburn, skin cancer and ageing of the skin.

The flashes of bright light that are produced may damage the eyes, so goggles have to be worn during the treatment. The treatment is generally well tolerated but some patients find it more uncomfortable. Exposure is limited to an extremely short flash that feels like the warm flick of a rubber band. Occasionally there is some swelling that will subside in a day or two. Bruising is unlikely but if it occurs, it will settle in a few days. There is a small chance that pigment changes may occur in the skin, either dark marks (hyperpigmentation), or pale marks (hypopigmentation). This is usually temporary and typically self-resolves. To help reduce the risk of this it is very important that sun exposure is avoided for 4 weeks before your treatment and throughout the course of treatment. Crusting and blistering may rarely occur after the treatment, but this is best left to heal undisturbed so as to reduce the risk of scarring. It is important that you follow any aftercare instructions carefully. This form of treatment is extremely popular in many countries and most patients tolerate it very well when performed at an appropriate clinic.