Intense pulsed light
Treatment Time
15-45 minutes
Numbing
1 hour
Discomfort
Minimal
Recovery Time
0-1 days
Service Overview
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a versatile light-based treatment used to treat unwanted hair, vascular lesions (red lesions), selected pigmented lesions (brown lesions) and skin rejuvenation treatments. It is also be known as photorejuvenation. At our clinic, we have different types of IPLs, including the Ellipse Nordlys and Cutera Xeo Limelight.
What To Expect
You will consult with our dermatologist who will review the lesion or area to be treated and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. If this is IPL treatment, most patients are able to have their first treatment on the same day. Numbing cream is often applied 1 hour before treatment, with treatment time averaging 15-45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
How To Prepare
Before your treatment, avoid sun exposure and fake tanning products for a minimum of 2 weeks. Wear no make up on the day.
Aftercare
Immediately after treatment, you’ll be given an ice pack to apply to the treated area, which will soothe the skin and help reduce swelling. It’s recommended that ice packs be applied for up to 10 minutes, every hour or two, for the rest of the day of treatment. The treated area may be slightly red and swollen for 1-2 days. If your face has been treated it is recommended to sleep with your head elevated on the first night. You may bathe, wear make-up and shave as normal. Alcohol and strenuous activity should be avoided for the rest of the day. Pigmented areas may darken for 7-10 days. We recommend applying SPF50+ sunscreen before leaving the clinic, and cover treated areas with a hat or clothing when in the sun.
The Benefits
- Reduces red lesions, such as rosacea, angioma and Poikiloderma of Civatte, port wine stains
- Reduces brown lesions like freckles and lentigines
- Can treat dyschromia and sun damage
- Can improve texture and tone of the skin
Before and After
FAQs
What does IPL treatment feel like?
The sensation of the laser varies from patient to patient and also on the area being treated. For most patients, it feels like being flicked with an elastic band. Along with numbing cream, oral analgesia can also be taken. Our goal is that patients feel minimal discomfort during treatment.
What is the cost of IPL treatment?
The cost of your treatment is dependent on the area being treated, but prices start at $550. Multiple treatments are commonly recommended.
What are the possible risks of IPL treatment?
As with any treatment, some risk does exist, and can include:
- Post treatment discomfort, much like the sensation of a mild sunburn tingle, redness and oedema (swelling) are not uncommon. This is normal and temporary.
- Hypo-pigmentation (fading of the colour of skin). This is very uncommon.
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the colour of the skin). May occur in darker skin types. The dermatologist will consider whether this is a risk for your skin during your consult.
- Purpura (bruising). Uncommon, and will fade like any bruise, lasting up to 10 days.
- Blisters. Very uncommon.
- Infection. Very rare.
- Scarring. Extremely rare
- Temporary stripes (rectangles of paler treated areas, with untreated areas in between) can occur after the first treatment. These gaps between treated areas are necessary as it is important not to overlap treated areas for safety reasons. These stripes will be completely removed with the next treatment, four weeks later.
Who is this treatment not recommended for?
This treatment is not generally suitable for patients with very dark skin types.
Love the skin you’re in
At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, we’re committed to providing the most effective treatments for your skin, with the utmost safety, for the whole family. That’s why the first step of every treatment is a review by our dermatologist, Dr Terence Poon. Make your appointment today to love the skin you’re in.
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