IPL Photo Rejuvenation

How Does IPL Work?

The lasers and IPL work by the principle of Selective Photothermolysis, as described by Doctors Anderson and Parrish (USA) in 1982, although lasers were used many years before that. LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

It was young Albert Einstein back in the early 1900′s, while working as a clerk in a Swiss patent office, who originally theorised that light energy (photons) of a specific wavelength (colour) were produced when electrons jumped from one energy level to another, while orbiting the nucleus of an atom. The light energy emitted from the machines we use is preferentially absorbed by the target, problem cells.

The light energy is converted into heat within the red or brown tissue, thus resulting in localised thermal damage to the tissue we want to remove or reduce. Laser hair removal works by exactly the same principle. Ask your therapist if you would like more detail about the physics of the treatment.

Are There Any Problems With The Treatment?

Patients who have diffuse or widespread redness of the face or red complexions will improve after each treatment, but will need further treatments yearly after the initial course (3-4 sessions) to keep the skin from becoming overly red again.

This is because as these patients age, the sun and wear and tear on the skin cause them to become increasingly red. Very large capillaries around the nose may require additional minor Sclerotherapy (tiny injections) and some follow-up treatment, as these are high pressure veins and are prone to re-opening.

Even if these large vessels cannot be entirely removed, patients are usually happy that they are reduced in size and colour and are easily coverable or less noticeable.

What Are The Other Effects?

The after effects of any medical laser treatment in the world can include redness, stinging, discomfort, darkening, crusting, scabbing, brown spots, dryness, bruising, blisters and sometimes scarring (very rare). Pigment spots will usually go twice as dark temporarily after the treatment before they fall off or lighten in 7 days (face), 14 days (body). We advise you cover these with makeup or a cover stick.

We have a detailed after care sheet for you, that explains what to do in case any of these conditions occur. It is important to have these treatments at a clinic, with medical staff on hand so that any side effects can be dealt with properly. We’ve been working with lasers for many years and have performed many thousands of these procedures. Our skill and technical knowledge are second to none.

The side effects of laser therapy are usually worse in dark, tanned or Asian skin, although pale skin can also overreact to treatment. It is important you follow our advice. The machines we use can be fully adjusted to suit your skin.

Does It Hurt?

The laser stings at the time of treatment. To help with this please arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment and ask reception for some numbing cream. We also use ice packs during the treatment for comfort.