Intensive Pulse Light (IPL)
What it is?
Intense pulsed light, commonly abbreviated as IPL, is a technology used by beauty studios and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments including hair removal and photorejuvenation. The technology utilises a broad spectrum lightsource, with a general spectral range of 515 to 1200 nm. Various cutoff filters are commonly used to filter out lower frequencies and narrow this spectrum to target specific structures and chromophores. Because of the broad spectrum of the IPL light source they are unique, as opposed to lasers, in the ability to filter the light spectrum to target various chromophores in the skin. Intense pulsed light describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths from 500 nm to 1200 nm, for removal of hair and other purposes. A related but distinct technique is laser hair removal; the primary difference is that laser treatment uses laser-generated coherent and monochromatic light.
How does IPL permanent hair reduction work?
The newest generation of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) systems, produces a precise beam of light enery, which safely transmits through the skin, selectively targeting pigment in hair the follicles. When this light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicle of the hair, it coverts to heat, which in turn causes thermal damage to the follicle and permanently destroys the hair. The heat also disables the cells responsible for new hair growth.
What are the benefits of IPL?
- Patient Comfort / Patient Acceptance – Waxing, electrolysis, and even shaving can be cumbersome treatments, which lead to discomfort and skin irritation. Electrolysis and waxing in particular can be quite painful and patient acceptance for repeat procedures can be limited by this experience. IPL treatments are significantly more comfortable with no skin irritation. The IPL supports active cooling in the hand-pieces, which keeps the surface of the skin comfortable throughout the procedures.
- PERMANENT Hair Reduction – Based on the absorption of specific wavelengths of light energy which are transformed into heat below the surface of the skin, Intense Pulsed Light compromises the body’s ability to re-grow hair in the treated area. Permanent and long-lasting results!
- Fast and Convenient Treatments – The large surface area covered by the specialized IPL hand-pieces enables fast and effective treatments. With no post-treatment discomfort, it’s easy to receive treatments at lunch and then return to the office that afternoon. A full set of legs could be treated in less than 1 hour, and treatments are effective without the requirement to have hair grow out before the treatment, meaning you can shave right up until your IPL session.
What are the actual treatments like?
In a simple phrase: ‘FAST AND EASY’. Preparation for the IPL treatment is minimal, as body hair does not have to be grown out prior to the treatment. The hand-piece utilized for the treatment covers larger body areas than alternative methods. Thus minimizing the time of the treatment, and the active cooling integrated within the hand-piece provides for additional comfort The sensation is often referred to as a gentle ‘snap’ with minimal to no sensation subsequent to the treatment. In some cases, dependent on the procedure, skin type, and the treatment area, clients experience some mild redness and tenderness in the area, which does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day.
What is the difference between Laser Hair Removal and IPL?
Fundamentally they have a similar mechanism of action (photo-thermal), however two significant benefits of IPL are: more speed and less sensation. Larger hand-pieces means IPL technology can perform procedures up to ten times faster than traditional lasers and with active cooling in the hand-pieces, the sensation of IPL is far less intense.
Who is a candidate for treatment?
Men, women and children … basically anyone can be treated with an IPL. Treatments are customized according to your skin type, hair colour and treatment area. Treatments are effective on all skin types and hair colours. Any body part including underarms, legs, back, face, neck, bikini … etc can be treated. Special protection is required when working closely around the eyes.
What happens immediately after a treatment?
IPL works in a minimally invasive manner to thermally destroy the hair. This is what makes the procedure so fast and comfortable. Two or three days after the treatment, stubble may reappear. This is NOT new hair growth, but simply the body shedding the thermally damaged hair; including the bulb.
When this hair is completely shed, it’s time for your next treatment (typically four to six weeks). As IPL penetrates through the skin right to the bulb of the hair, it’s still OK to shave between treatments if you like, but DON’T tweeze or wax, as that will remove the target.
Source: http://www.blissfullyou.com/ipl.html#1
ANTI ACNE LASER (Treating Acne With Intense Pulsed Light )
How does Intense Pulsed Light Work?
The Intense Pulse Light system releases yellow, green and red light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria that live in the skin and cause acne, while the red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules. This targeted eating deep in the skin causes shrinkage of the inflamed sebaceous glands and helps to prevent over-production of excess sebum.
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin and guide the light. The light applicator is placed onto the skin and a short pulse of light is released.
The applicator is then moved to the: neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the whole area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area is moisturised.
Each pulse of light treats a large area of skin and so the duration of the treatment is very short
Am I Suitable for treatment?
Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. Pregnant women or people taking the acne treatment Roaccutane should not be treated.
How Does the Treatment Feel?
The light energy is absorbed by the skin, and heats it up very quickly, creating a sharp, short-lived pinprick sensation.
No anaesthesia is required, other than cooling the skin and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable
What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. It will be necessary to avoid sun exposure or use a high protection sunscreen for 2 weeks after the treatment
What are the side effects?
The treated area can become quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience noside effects and the redness usually disappears within a couple of hours. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. If is possible that some hair loss will occur in the area treated, and it could be permanent, so men should consider this possibility before agreeing to treatment of their beard area
How long does each treatment take?
A typical treatment session will take in the region of 30 minutes. Typically Intense Pulsed Light treatment is combined with glycolic acid facial peel treatments for maximum results
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments necessary varies from person to person, but typically 6 Intense Pulsed Light and 6 Glycolic acid peel treatments will result in significant improvement, depending on the severity of the condition. Intense Pulsed Light treatments should take place fortnightly, with glycolic acid peel between treatments
IPL (Intense Pulse Light): Photo Rejuvenation
How does Intense Pulsed Light work?
Intense pulsed light systems release precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light that stimulate the fibroblast cells within the skin that produce collagen and elastin. This improves the irradiancy and tightness of the skin, controlling enlarged pores, and giving a more uniform complexion.
How is the treatment carried out?
This skin is thoroughly cleansed, and then a mild relaxing peel is applied. The peel removes the top layers of dead skin, leaving the skin feeling smoother and refreshed.
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light into the skin. The light applicator is placed onto the skin and a short pulse of light is released.
The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated.
The chilled gel is removed and the area moisturised.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Yes, the ideal patient is fair skinned but Lynton Lasers’ systems have pre-programmed settings to maximiseresults for different skin types. If there are any areas of broken skin, treatment is delayed until the area has completely healed.
No anaesthesia is required and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable and liken it to a quick pin prick.
What are the side effects?
The skin of some patients becomes quite red after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and any skin reaction usually disappears within a few hours.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Light Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. You may see a darkening of any pigmented spots before they fall off, leading to an evening of skin tone. Tightening of the skin should increase over a 24-hour period, building up with each treatment and lasting between treatments. Some patients notice a slight swelling over the cheekbones, which may last for up to 72 hours.
How many treatments are necessary?
Treatments are carried out every 2-3 weeks and 6 treatments are recommended for maximum results. Thereafter top-up sessions are performed as required.
How long does each treatment take?
A facial treatment, including a skin peel usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
A Fast and effective treatment for rosacea, facial and leg veins
How does the treatment work?
Intense pulsed light and laser systems release precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the blood vessel, heating it to a point where it is destroyed. Following treatment the vessels quickly clear and are re-absorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace f the original lesion.
Which types of veins can be treated?
Facial thread veins, Rosacea, Spider Naevi, Port Wine Stains and Legs veins up to 3mm diameter (by laser).
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes.
A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light into the skin.
The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated.
The chilled gel is removed and the area moisturised.
Am I suitable for treatment?
The fairer the skin, the easier the treatment. The best response is seen with small thread veins, spider naevi and rosacea. If there are any areas of broken skin, treatment has to be delayed until the area has completely healed.
How does the treatment feel?
No anaesthesia is required and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable.
Sensations vary but most describe it as a very quick hot pin prick.
Are there any side effects?
Redness and a warm sensation are normal after treatment.
A cool pack may be applied to ease these symptoms.
The vessels should fade quickly, and some disappear immediately.
How long does each treatment take?
Treatments typically take from 1 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the type and size of lesion.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically 1 -5 treatments are needed for maximum results, spaced approximately every 4 to 6 weeks.
Consultation Procedure
Mention our site when you call, and Dr. Cruz will provide a full free consultation prior to any treatment. The consultation identifies your expectations and provides a complete explanation of the treatment.
A medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment and if you wish to proceed a written informed c and a test patch is performed to confirm the skin reactions to the light.
A Fast and effective treatment for the removal of sun spots and liver spots
How does Intense Pulsed Light work?
Intense pulsed light Systems release precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the melanin in freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The pigmented area absorbs the light and is heated, and is removed by skin renewal. Following treatment, the pigmented area turns darker and may crust. Over the following weeks the pigmented area will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark.
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide light into the skin. The area may also be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighboring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area moisturized.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Yes, almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, not all pigmented lesions can be treated. Large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. The pigmented marks that respond the best are superficial lesions such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles
How does the treatment feel?
Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anesthesia is required. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very short hot pin prick.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. The lesions will darken after treatment and may appear more obvious at first, but gradually the marks will ‘flake’ away.
Continued sun exposure may result in recurrence of the original mark and sunscreen should be used to prevent this happening.
Are there any side effects?
The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days .
How long does each treatment take?
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take 15 to 30 minutes.
How many treatments are necessary?
The length and number of treatments will depend on the type and size of pigmented mark present, but typically 1-3 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 4 to 6 weeks .