Treatment: IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology delivers hundreds of different wavelengths of light (or colour). These different wavelengths of light (or colour) are selectively absorbed by different tissue, allowing a variety of skin/dermatolgiocal conditions to be treated safe and effectively with no down time e.g:

• Prematurely aged or sun damaged skin
  IPL can rejuvenate and resurface the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving your skin more radiant and younger looking.
• Pigmentation
  IPL can remove/reduce the appearance of age spots, freckles and superficial hyper-pigmentation resulting in a more even skin tone.
• Vascular
  IPL can 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 décolletage) resulting in a more even skin colour.

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 wrinkle reduction.

IPL is ideal for areas such as the face, neck, décolletage and hands. Other body area can be treated and each treatment will be tailored to your requirements.

During your consultation with the aesthetic practitioner a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and potential side effects will be discussed in full. We always carry out a patch test prior to treatment to ensure that the lasers parameters are appropriate for your skin type. You will also be provided with a detailed pre and post treatment information sheet. During the treatment you are required to wear safety goggles However you will be aware of flashes of light occurring in the area being treated. Many people report that the light feels similar to an elastic band pinging on your skin. At The Aesthetic MediSpa we have a special cooling machine,(Cryo 6), which cools the skin as it is being treated which minimises any discomfort during the treatment.

It is important that a patch test is carried out prior to any treatment and if you are having treatments on different body areas (e.g. face and décolletage) you will require patch tests on both of these areas. The purpose of the patch test is to see how your skin will react to the settings used; it helps to reduce the risk of complications and optimises treatment outcomes.

IPL has very little or no ‘down time’‘, which means you can be treated during your lunch break with almost no visible evidence of treatment. Depending on your skin type, your skin may feel warm and may look a little pink after the treatment. This typically resolves within a few minutes to an hour. Mineral make up can be applied immediately after the treatment.

Many people see a visible improvement after their first treatment however this depends on a person’s skin type and the skin condition that is being treated. Typically we recommend 3-6 treatments at 2-3 weekly intervals.

Lasers and light treatments have been used in medicine and dermatology successfully for over 30 years and in the right hands Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an effective, non-invasive procedure, which improves many skin conditions.

Unfortunately, in October 2010 the government decided to de-regulate Laser and IPL treatments and therefore anyone without any knowledge of the skin and basic light physics are able to provide these treatments.

In the wrong hands Lasers and IPL can cause burns, permanent scarring and long-term damage or simply wasted money due to ineffective treatments. It is also extremely important that a diagnosis is made of the skin condition prior to any Laser or light treatment as some conditions e.g. Melasma can be exacerbated by IPL.

IPL machines vary considerably and IPL machines available in medical clinics are not the same as those found in beauty salons. The more advanced technology found in the more expensive medical Laser and IPL machines will affect the results that you are likely to achieve and this is why treatment prices may differ in clinics and salons.

Results of Laser and IPL treatments also very much depend on the operator. At The Aesthetic MediSpa our treatments are only carried out by aesthetic practitioners and not therapists. Only a knowledgeable and experienced aesthetic practitioner will be able to fully asses your skin, make a diagnosis of any underlying skin pathology and know why, when and how to change the treatment settings for optimal results and safety

• Your initial visit to The Aesthetic MediSpa begins with a no obligation consultation, which typically last for around 30 minutes.
• Our highly experienced Aesthetic Practitioner, who is a Laser specialist, will carry out your consultation.
• Your consultation will begin by listening to and understanding your concerns and requirements and discussing how best we can meet and exceed your expectations.
• The treatment, together with the benefits and any potential risks of the treatment will be discussed.
• You will have ample opportunity to ask questions during your consultation, which will be answered honestly and openly.
• There is no obligation to book the treatment with us after your consultation and you will not be rushed into making a decision.

• Prior to all Laser and IPL treatments a patch test is required before your first treatment and this can be carried out immediately after your consultation.
• A patch test is a skin test to ensure that the laser parameters are appropriate for your skin type.
• It is advised that your wait a minimum of 48 hours after your patch test prior to your first treatment.

• In order to obtain the best results from your treatment and minimise the risks of side effects, it is important to follow the advice given.
• People with tanned skin or recent sun or sun bed exposure (within the last 2 weeks) should not be treated.
• Make-up, perfume or deodorant should be removed from the area to be treated prior to your appointment time.
• Jewellery near the area to be treated should be removed.
• Inform us if there has been any change in your medical history or medication you are taking since your last visit.

• In order to obtain the best results from your treatment and minimise the risks of side effects, it is important to follow the advice given.
• Immediately after the treatment the area may be red and/or swollen, and this may feel like mild sunburn (although this is generally uncommon).
• The application of cold compresses after the treatment or Aloe Vera Gel is recommended.
• Makeup can be applied immediately after treatment if required.
• Do not use saunas or steam rooms for 48 hours after the treatment. You may have a sensitivity to heat for up to 2 days after the treatment.
• Sun exposure or sun beds must be avoided for at least four weeks after the treatment as this will increase the risk of hyper (increased) and hypo (decreased) pigmentation.
• A sunscreen (S.P.F 30) should be used on all exposed parts for four weeks after the treatment.

• Most Laser or IPL treatments require a course of treatments carried out at specific time intervals. We therefore recommend that you book your next treatment several weeks in advance so we can provide you with the most convenient appointment time for you.
• A text reminder will also be sent to you 48 hours prior to your treatment date.
• Please inform our staff if you do not wish to receive reminder text messages.