IPL – (INTENSE PULSED LIGHT)

Unwanted hair can be inconvenient, irritating or embarrassing. IPL laser hair removal is a permanent solution that’s fast, safe and uses the latest technology so you can look and feel your best. During a consultation, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. It’s all about working together to find the right solution for you. The usual methods of removing your unwanted hair are a real chore. Shaving, waxing or using tweezers can be time-consuming plus very uncomfortable. Other methods can remove the hair for you but need to be repeated on a regular basis. We have an alternative – IPL laser Hair Removal suitable for most skin types including light Asian skin.

How many treatments are required?

Multiple treatment sessions are required as only hair follicles in the growth phase (anagen) respond to treatment. About 15% of your follicles are resting (telophase) and will not be affected by the IPL treatment. Commonly, six to eight treatment sessions are required to provide a long-lasting reduction in hair growth.

The interval between treatment sessions is usually 4 to 6 weeks but will vary depending on the area of the body. The number and frequency of treatments required are also dependent on the density and location of hair, as well as skin type, hair colour and other factors.The IPL usually destroys between 60-90% of growing hairs at each treatment.

What does the treatment involve?

At your consultation, your skin type and hair quality along with your wants and needs are assessed. We can then determine your compatibility. A treatment plan can then be developed to best suit your needs to provide optimum results. A test patch will be will be performed. This is necessary to assure us that your skin is suitable and will also act as a demonstration for you to experience what to expect.

Our practitioner slowly moves the cooling hand piece across the treatment area and pulses of light are delivered. Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, and the sensation of a small elastic band against the skin can be felt. Aftercare is simply by the use of Aloe Vera administered to the area. It is advised that sun exposure or sun beds should be avoided for at least four weeks before and after treatment. A suncream of at least SPF30 should be applied to exposed treated areas every day for at least four weeks after the treatment, regardless of the weather.

Successful acne treatment can leave your skin clear and blemish free without the need for antibiotics or topical creams and lotions. All acne treatments can be carried out as stand-alone therapies or in combination with other acne treatments for maximum benefit. Acne is a common skin condition that frequently affects teenagers and young adults of both sexes. However, adults of all ages from mid-twenties through to mid-fifties are increasingly affected and troubled by the congested skin, blocked pores and skin blemishes.

How does intense pulsed light work?

The light emitted from the intensely pulsed light system directly targets overactive sebaceous

glands, greatly reducing the total number and severity of active lesions and reducing the

Inflammation and occurrence of breakouts. The light stimulates the production of new

collagen to improve the skin texture and can also reduce the appearance of red and brown areas of skin that are associated with acne breakouts.

Treatment can be combined with LED light therapy.

How is the treatment carried out?

A layer of chilled gel is applied to the skin to help guide the light. The light guide is placed onto the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is passed over the skin several times before moving to the next area, and the process is repeated until the whole area is treated. Each pulse of light treats a large area of skin and so the duration of the treatment is very short. During treatment, protective eyewear will be provided.

Who is suitable?

Almost anyone, apart from very dark skinned or tanned people. If you are pregnant or taking Roaccutane (acne medication) it is not recommended to undergo IPL whilst taking a course of medication.

How does the treatment feel?

Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but no anaesthesia is required. Many people describe the sensation as similar to the flick of an elastic band. Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear red and a warm tingling sensation may be felt. Typically the skin is cooled to ease any discomfort and a calming gel is applied.

How long does treatment take?

The treatment session is approximately 30 minutes in total. A typical course of 6 intense pulsed light treatments will provide a significant improvement. Each treatment 2 / 4 weeks apart.

Intense Pulsed Light Skin Rejuvenation offers solutions for all the visible signs of ageing caused by sun damage, such as brown spots (pigmentation), redness (thread veins) and uneven skin texture (collagen).

Intense Pulsed Light systems release precisely controlled short pulses of filtered light that stimulate the fibroblast cells within the skin that produce collagen and elastin. In addition, specific lesions such as thread veins, age spots and freckles can be targeted resulting in a more uniform complexion. The skin becomes firmer, appears more radiant and enlarged pores are reduced

Campbell de Morgan Spots - Blood Spots

Campbell de Morgan Spots are also called cherry angioma or blood spots. They are small red spots that tend to occur in people over the age of 40. They are most commonly present on the trunk of the body.

To remove a blood spot from your body, we use the latest Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology. Before the treatment can take place, a consultation and patch test is needed. The treatment will effectively remove the blood spots by coagulating the blood in the tiny vessels. The vessel then collapses and disappears. The treatment itself is a little uncomfortable but easily tolerated. There are minimal after effects, with a little heat and swelling in the surrounding area. Each treatment lasts 15 minutes. Advanced Electrolysis can also be used to treat these blemishes.

Pigmentation removal such as Sun spots, liver spots, freckles and other unwanted pigmentation are often associated with skin ageing and over exposure to the sun or sunbeds. From the age of about 40, the skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure and age spots start to appear. Generally these age spots pose no health risk, however, they can be unsightly and create a patchy, less youthful appearance. Pigmentation removal treatment for freckling and age spots can be successfully lightened. The Intense Pulse Light System releases short pulses of filtered light that are readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the melanin and eradicates the melanin-rich cells.

Facial thread veins or broken red veins (telangiectasia) are small unsightly superficial red, purple or blue veins that occur around the nose and across the cheeks and chin. These broken veins occur when the vein dilates and become larger so they are visible through the transparency of the skin. Although facial veins/spider veins are quite common they can cause some distress and embarrassment for those who have them. Facial veins may be hereditary or as a result of a variety of factors including damage from sun exposure, the wind and the extremes of temperature. The overuse of steroid creams and certain autoimmune conditions may also induce thread veins. Often the exact cause is unknown and may just be part of the natural ageing process or as a part of a skin condition called rosacea.

How many treatments are needed?

Typically three to four treatments are needed for maximum results, though small lesions may clear in just a single session. For general redness and rosacea, five or more treatments may be required. Repeat sessions are spaced every four to six weeks.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment is relatively quick and can be just 10 minutes for a single lesion or up to 45 minutes for a full face.

What results can I expect?

Immediately after treatment some thread veins will disappear but may re-occur a few days later, but be less visible. With further treatment, these vessels will disappear and are not likely to reoccur. However, once you have a tendency to facial redness you always will so new veins may appear at some point in the future making further treatment necessary. Maintenance sessions may not be required for several years though as results are long-lasting. To help prevent new veins forming we strongly advise the use of a good sunscreen to protect the skin from damage.

What does treatment feel like?

Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but there is no need for anaesthesia and the procedure is actually quite quick. Sensations vary but most people describe it as a very quick, hot pin prick.