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 and assist you in making an informed decision when choosing your IPL provider.  If you would like more information we recommend you make an appointment for a complimentary consultation where we will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Unfortunately, IPL is currently unregulated in Australia and anyone without knowledge of the skin or basic light physics is able to provide these treatments. In the wrong hands it can cause burns, permanent scarring and long term complications (as pictured below) or result in money wasted on ineffective treatments.

The above images of IPL burns are some of many that were found on public sites on the internet

What is IPL and how does it work?

Intense Pulsed Light treatments in the right hands are an effective, non-invasive procedure 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 selectively 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

Why have IPL treatments at CosMedical Skin Solutions?

•  All our Therapists are fully qualified and experienced IPL and LASER safety officers.  Their education is comprehensive and includes vital information such as LASER and light physics, safety, possible risks and complications and performing a variety of procedures.
  
• We provide test spots prior to your procedure to further reduce the risk of complications and optimise your treatment outcomes.
• We are one of the few exclusive clinics in Perth to use the Palomar Starlux 500 IPL and LASER platform. This is the worlds most powerful and advanced, aesthetic light based system which produces clinically proven* results as good as, or better than single-application 'gold standard' LASERS. It's superior technology allows for fewer treatments, greater safety and patient comfort while achieving maximum results.This means fewer treatments are required to achieve the best results. *Clinical studies available at http://www.palomarmedical.com/palomar.aspx?pgID=1127
• Our Director has 18 years industry experience and has performed well over 4000 IPL treatments for photo-rejuvenation and permanent hair removal in a medical setting and is also an experienced IPL trainer and LASER safety officer.
• Treatments are performed in a medical clinic.
• We provide you with a free comprehensive consultation so you can make an informed decision.
• View before and after photos of our actual patients.
• Patient satisfaction is extremely important to us.
• Don't trust your appearance to just anyone!

What should you look for when choosing an IPL provider?

• The person treating you has formal qualifications displayed with a reputable training organisation in IPL/Laser safety and procedures. Not just the machine distributors training.
• Experience counts. Completely different results can occur with the same machine performed by different operators. A knowledgeable and experienced therapist will know why, when and what to change the treatment settings to for optimal results and safety. Ensure your therapist has extensive experience treating various skin types, conditions, hair colour and thickness.
• Not all IPL machines are the same. They differ in power, spot size, wavelength, speed, contact cooling, pulse width and numerous other factors affecting the outcome.
• You generally get what you pay for. IPL machines can vary in price from $5,000 to $200,000. When price shopping, be aware that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t get caught spending more in the long run on ineffective treatments.
• IPL equipment must be ‘listed’ on the Australian register of Therapeutic Goods. IPL equipment not listed on this register is illegal and will not be covered by insurance.

Have a comprehensive consultation with your treatment provider. You should discuss and be provided with written information including:

• How IPL works
• Are you a suitable candidate?
• Possible complications
• Realistic treatment outcomes
• Skin preparation
• Post treatment changes
• Approximate number of treatments and interval times
• See before and after photographs of their actual patients
  
• Confidently answer any other questions you may have
• Test spots should be performed on the treatment area within the 3 days prior to your treatment. This will give a basic idea on how the skin will react at the settings used and helps to reduce the risk of complications and optimise treatment outcomes.
• IPL can cause eye injury. Ensure approved IPL eye safety glasses, goggles or shields are worn by you and the operator during treatments.
• IPL when effective is NOT painless!
• Most of all, you should feel comfortable and confident with the person performing your treatments.

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