What is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light Patient Education

This information is designed to increase your knowledge about IPL permanent hair removal and photo-rejuvenation treatments.  If you would like more information we  recommend you come in for a complimentary consultation where we will be happy to answer all of your questions.

What is IPL and how does it work?

Intense Pulsed Light is a popular, non-invasive treatment used to permanently reduce unwanted hair and improve many skin conditions. It uses specific wavelengths of light which are absorbed into melanin (the dark pigment in your hair and skin) and haemoglobin (the red colour in your blood vessels). This light converts to heat, which damages the target cells whilst leaving the surrounding skin unaffected.

What can IPL treat?

• Flat, benign pigmented lesions (freckles, sunspots and general pigmentation)
• Facial vascular lesions (spider veins, red spots and broken capillaries)
• Diffuse redness, rosacea and red scarring
• Poikiloderma (redness, pigmentation and a spotty look to the neck and/or décolletage)
• Unwanted dark facial and body hair
• Uneven skin colouring
• Sun damage

Is your skin suitable for IPL treatment?

In order to select the correct skin type for IPL treatment, the table below is used to classify skin according to its melanin (pigment) content and the skins reaction to the sun. The lighter the skin type, the more suitable it is for IPL treatment.

Contra-indications (reasons why IPL may not be suitable for you)

• Recent sunburn
• Unprotected sun exposure or solarium use 4 weeks prior to treatment
• Pregnancy
• History of seizures
• Severe dermatitis or eczema (within the treatment area)
• Active infections
• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Herpes 1 or 2 (within the treatment area)
• Very dark skin
• Removing hair by the root e.g. waxing or tweezing 4 weeks prior to treatment (hair removal only)
• Photo sensitising medications are best avoided

Potential Complications:

Unfortunately, there are some potential complications associated with IPL treatments. At CosMedical Skin Solutions we perform test spots within 3 days prior to your actual treatment, to allow an accurate evaluation of the skins response. This helps to optomise treatment outcomes and significantly reduces potential complications, which include:

• Prolonged redness and swelling lasting up to 4 days may occur.
• Darker patches of pigment on the skin may occur a couple of weeks after treatment which can last from 2 weeks up to 1 year (this is not the immediate darkening of pigment we expect when treating pigmentation).  You are more at risk of this occurring if you have a darker skin type.
  
• Whiter patches on the skin can occur. This can last 2 weeks up to 1 year though also has the potential to be permanent. You are more at risk of this occurring if you have a darker skin type.
• Blistering rarely occurs and will usually settle within 2 hours with application of ice. If you do get a blister, it is important that you don’t pick it as it may leave a scar.
• There is also a rare possibility you may not achieve the desired results.
  

How will my skin react after the treatment?

• Most patients will experience a sunburn like sensation that lasts 2 to 5 hours which is often associated with mild to moderate redness. The treated area is generally sensitive to heat for 2 days following treatment.
• After hair removal the skin may appear spotty, this is inflammation caused from the heat absorbed in the hair follicle and can last 2 to 24 hours.
• After treatment of pigmented lesions the lesion will go darker sometimes almost black, then will fall off within 7 to 28 days (depending on the area of the body) or it will just gradually fade.
• After treatment of vascular lesions they will either disappear immediately or appear grey or purplish in colour. Diffuse redness immediately appears more red, then gradually lightens within 2-3 weeks. Vascular treatments generally require 3-4 weekly treatments for best results.

Pre -Treatment Recommendations

• Discontinue sun exposure 4 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Do not use fake tan 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Use an SPF 30 daily.
• If having IPL hair removal, do not wax, tweeze or pluck the hair for 4 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Shaving or depilatory creams are fine and you will need to shave the treatment site before your IPL session.
• If you have a history of herpes close to the area being treated, it is recommended that you take antiviral medication before the treatment.

Why have IPL treatments at CosMedical Skin Solutions?

Call our office on 9300 0663 to make an appointment for your free consultation