Treatment Info

What is IPL Skin Rejuvenation?

IPL Skin Rejuvenation (Photo-Rejuvenation) is a popular, non-invasive treatment used to improve many skin conditions. It provides the ideal answer for patients with active lifestyles as the procedure requires no downtime.

What is the difference between IPL and laser treatment?

Unlike Laser machines, which emit a single narrow wavelength of light (or colour), Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology delivers hundreds of wavelengths of light (or colour). These different wavelengths/ light colour are selectively absorbed by different tissue allowing a multitude of skin conditions to be treated with IPL technology.

How does IPL Skin Rejuvenation work?

IPL Skin Rejuvenation works on the ‘Theory of Photothermolysis’. With each pulse of light energy, heat is emitted to the target area (e.g blood vessels in the case of vascular lesions or melanin in the case of pigmented lesions). This heat damages the target cells whilst leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. These damaged cells move towards the surface of the skin and slough off in the case of pigmented blemishes or are then gradually reabsorbed by the body in the case of deeper vascular lesions.

In addition to removing specific skin lesions the body’s natural healing process is stimulated causing an increase in collagen and elastin production thereby improving the skins elasticity, skin thickness, smoothness and wrinkles reduction.

Are there different types of IPL machines?

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. At The Hadleigh Clinic we have invested in the most advanced aesthetic medical equipment in order to offer you safe and proven techniques. Our class 4 Laser/IPL system, the Harmony XL, utilises the next phase of IPL technology - Advance Fluorescence Technology (AFT™). AFT is a unique filtering system which enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels, thus protecting the epidermis (top layer of the skin), resulting in safer and more effective clinical outcomes for acne clearance, skin rejuvenation, thread veins and pigmented lesions.

What skin problems can be treated?

Prematurely aged or sun damaged skin – IPL will rejuvenate and resurface the skin which has been damaged as a result of the sun and other life-style factors thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving your skin more radiant and younger looking.
Pigmentation – IPL will remove/reduce the appearance of age spots, freckles and superficial hyper-pigmentation resulting in a more even skin tone.
Vascular – IPL will remove/reduce the appearance of redness associated with rosacea, thread veins/spider veins and Poikiloderma (redness, pigmentation and a spotty look to the neck and/or decolletage) resulting in a more even skin colour.
Acne – see Laser Acne Treatment for more information

What areas can be treated?

IPL treatment can be used on most body areas e.g. face, neck, chest/décolleté and hands.

Preparing for the treatment

Prior to any treatment you will have a full consultation (including a patch test) to discuss your expectations, benefits and potential side effects of the treatment. Your medical history will also be taken to ensure there is no reason why you should not have the treatment.

What is the treatment like?

A small hand piece is used to touch your skin with flashes of light in the area to be treated. At The Hadleigh Clinic we use a special cooling machine, known as a Cryo 6, which cools the skin as it is being treated to minimise any discomfort during the treatment. Depending on the size of the treatment area, each session can take from a few minutes to half an hour.

After the treatment

In most cases, IPL has very little or no ‘down time’‘, which means you may be treated during your lunch break with almost no visible evidence of treatment. Immediately after the treatment you may experience a mild warmth/tingling sensation which usually subsides after an hour or two. Make-up can be applied after the treatment.

To learn more about the process (including pre and post treatment information) click here.

How many treatments are required?

Depending on the skin condition being treated a course of 3-6 treatments approximately 3 weeks apart is recommended.

What results can I expect?

Medical research has proved that IPL and Laser treatments can significantly improve the appearance of a variety of skin conditions. Treatment success however varies from person to person and relies upon careful client selection, setting realistic client expectations and client compliance with pre-and post treatment advice.

Who is not suitable for treatment?

Tanning – You should not expose your skin to UV light or apply self tanning products prior to IPL treatment. If you do have a tan you should wait at least 2 weeks after your last UV exposure to ensure there is no residual activity in the pigment producing cells. A commitment to stay out of the sun is necessary because treating tanned skin increases the possibility of side-effects, such as pigmentation.
Pregnancy: Clients who are pregnant should not have IPL treatment because of the hormonal and pigmentary changes that occur during pregnancy.
Medication: Clients who are using Roaccutane must have finished this medication 6 months prior to beginning IPL treatment. Clients taking photo sensitising medications should avoid IPL treatment.
Other: Clients with severe dermatitis or eczema (within the treatment area), those with very dark skin types or those with a history of seizures are also not suitable for IPL treatment.