Use IPL For Pigmentation and Vascular Skin Conditions

Pigmented lesions, such as age spots and solar lentigines, can be effectively lightened or eliminated using our EXCELIGHT (IPL) system.

These treatments are non-invasive, suitable for both the face and body, and lead to a more uniform skin tone.

Sun spots, liver spots, freckles, and other undesirable pigmentation are often linked to skin ageing and prolonged sun exposure. With skin’s reduced ability to recover from sun exposure around the age of 40, age spots may start to emerge. Although these age spots are typically harmless, they can be aesthetically displeasing, causing uneven skin tone and a less youthful appearance. Intense Pulse Light treatment can successfully lighten or remove freckles and age spots.

IPL skin rejuvenation and pigment removal treatment is a relatively quick and straightforward process. Age spots and freckles can be diminished or eliminated in just one to three treatment sessions.
This treatment is suitable for you if:

• You desire a more even skin tone.
• You aim to diminish areas with excessive pigmentation.
• You wish to target a specific age spot.

For pigmentation issues like sunspots, age spots, and freckles, IPL targets the melanin in the pigmented areas. The light energy breaks down the excess melanin, which is then naturally eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system. Over time, this leads to a more even skin tone.

A cooling gel layer is first applied to the skin to assist in directing the light. The light guide is then positioned on the skin, and a brief pulse of light is emitted. The applicator is moved across the skin until the entire area is treated. Afterwards, the gel is wiped off, and the skin is cooled before the application of a soothing gel and SPF. Throughout the procedure, protective eyewear will be supplied.

Most people are suitable for treatment, with the exception of those with very dark skin or tanned skin. Any extensive, dark, mottled, or raised pigmentation may not be suitable for treatment and should be assessed by a dermatologist. We cannot treat large, dark moles or lesions that cover a significant area of the body or Melasma, which is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Superficial lesions, like sun damage (sun spots) and freckles, typically show the best response to treatment.

The procedure may cause mild discomfort depending on the area being treated, but it does not require anaesthesia. The sensation is often likened to the snap of a rubber band. To enhance comfort, we may cool the skin before and after the treatment.

The treated area may feel warm and sensitive for the first few days post-treatment. The lesions may darken and may appear more obvious before they fade and ‘flake’ away. Sometimes, an initial whitening of the area is seen, which quickly fades, and the pigment gradually fades over the following few weeks.

The skin surrounding the pigmented lesion may become red immediately after treatment, and the pigmentation that has been treated will often appear darker. Most people experience no other side effects, and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely, a small blister may form, or the skin may become temporarily lighter or darker.

The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take 30 to 60 minutes.

The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the pigmented lesion, but typically, 1 to 3 sessions are required at 4 to 6-week intervals.

Before receiving treatment, a consultation is required to gather information on your medical history to ensure suitability. Following this, you will be requested to sign a consent form and undergo a test patch before the procedure commences. Treatments can commence as early as 7 days after the patch test was carried out.

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 becomes 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 with them.

Facial veins may be hereditary or result from various factors, including damage from sun exposure, wind, and extreme temperatures. The overuse of steroid creams and certain autoimmune conditions may also induce thread veins. Often, the exact cause is unknown, and it may just be part of the natural ageing process or a skin condition called rosacea.

Facial vessels are effectively treated with Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or laser with minimal downtime or risk in just a few quick, easy treatments.

Treatment is suitable for you if you want to:

• Reduce overall facial redness and reduce blushing
• Be rid of embarrassing broken veins or red spots
• Have clearer, brighter, fresher-looking skin
• Suitable for face, neck and chest

The light energy is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to coagulate and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. This reduces the appearance of redness and broken vessels on the skin’s surface.

A cooling gel layer is first applied to the skin to assist in directing the light. The light guide is then positioned on the skin, and a brief pulse of light is emitted. The applicator is moved across the skin until the entire area is treated. Afterwards, the gel is wiped off, and the skin is cooled before the application of a soothing gel and SPF. Throughout the procedure, protective eyewear will be supplied.

While IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment can be effective in reducing the appearance of broken veins, it might not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as skin type, the severity of the veins, underlying health conditions, and even the specific location of the veins can influence whether treatment will be effective.

Treatment is mildly uncomfortable, but anaesthesia is unnecessary, and the procedure is quite quick. The sensation is often likened to the snap of a rubber band. We may cool the skin before and after the treatment to enhance comfort.

After treatment, the area may feel warm for a few hours. You may be advised to cool the treated area at home post-treatment. Rarely, some delicate skin areas, such as the cheeks or décolleté, can be red and may swell slightly. Which can last from 1 to 3 days, depending on the individual. Though very rare, there is a chance a small blister may form, and there could be temporary lightening or darkening of the skin.

Treatments typically take from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type and size of the lesion being treated.

Most red skin lesions, including facial thread veins, rosacea, spider naevi, small blood spots, cherry angioma and Campbell de Morgan, can be treated very successfully.

Typically, 3 to 5 treatments are required for optimum results, though minor lesions may clear after just one session. This is why we charge a small treatment fee for patch testing a vascular lesion. Subsequent treatments are scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks.

Before receiving treatment, a consultation is required to gather information on your medical history to ensure suitability. Following this, you will be requested to sign a consent form and undergo a test patch before the procedure commences. Treatments can commence as early as 7 days after the patch test is carried out.