IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light; it is the concept where a mix of specific Light Energy Wavelengths is applied to the skin surface. The IPL energy will heat up different depths or layers of the skin, resulting in Exfoliation, Pigmentation Reduction, and stimulation of collagen production. It is one of the Non-invasive, Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing Treatments.
The IPL Photofacial is a light-based skin treatment that uses a mix of light energy to reduce skin problems like brown spots, red spots, sun damage, and rosacea. It can also be used for problems like broken veins, broken capillaries, redness, and spider veins. An IPL photofacial will also improve the impact of enlarged skin pores and light skin wrinkles. IPL is also one of the best hair reductions (hair on the face, neck, back, chest, legs, underarms, or bikini area) treatments for type 1–3 skin (fair to light olive-toned skin).
IPL uses a mix of Light Energy Wavelengths that are tuned by changing the Filters in front of a Light Source. LASER, which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, emits just One Light Energy Wavelength, so it is a much more specific type of energy device.
An accurate estimate of the costs is only possible after an in-clinic consultation with Dr Prashant. We charge a £50 deposit to secure your consultation with Dr Prashant, this amount will be deducted from the costs of the treatment you go on to have at our clinic.
Disclaimer – Prices mentioned are just indicative of current average price ranges for the treatment. You will need an in-clinic consultation for a quote applicable to you. Also note that prices are subject to change, please contact a member of the team to confirm the current price range.
Can I do IPL at home?
Yes, many devices are available for use at home, while some users may benefit from these treatments. The majority of home users will never be able to get the results possible at the clinic, as the IPL at Clinic is a much more powerful and effective machine, while the home IPL devices will always be much weaker.
Are there any contraindications for an IPL photofacial?
You should not have an IPL treatment while you are on treatment with photosensitizing medicines, like Roaccutane. You should also tell the treating doctor if you are on any blood-thinning medicines. You should also avoid an IPL photofacial if you have recently had a chemical peel or are applying creams that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or vitamin A molecules, or other skin sensitizing creams.
Is the IPL Photofacial painful? Can I go back to work after my Photofacial treatment?
Depending on the settings used for you, you will feel a degree of warmth in the treated area. This can sometimes feel like a hot rubber band snapping at your skin. Yes, you can return to work after this LUNCH HOUR treatment. You might need a little makeup to cover the redness if present.
How long does an IPL photofacial take?
On average, the IPL photofacial takes about 30–45 minutes at the clinic.
What is the aftercare routine after IPL Photofacial? What should I avoid after the session?
Besides the skincare discussed above, you should certainly avoid any skin treatment like waxing, threading, chemical peel, filler injection, or anti-wrinkle injection till your skin has recovered completely, and your doctor has signed you off for these treatments. Till your skin is completely recovered, you need to avoid tanning beds and strong sun exposure.
What is the IPL photofacial recovery like, what to expect?
The skin type, skin problem being addressed, and the IPL machine’s strength influence how long the IPL treated skin takes to heal. While you can do gentle cleansing the evening of the treatment, we advise you to start applying makeup only from the next morning (bearing in mind that all contact with the skin surface should be very gentle). Gentle pH Balanced Skin Cleansers, a good Moisturising Cream with Ceramides, and an SPF 30 + Moisturising Sunscreen will be needed till full recovery and beyond to maintain the results. The pigmentation on your skin and freckles will look darker for the first 5–7 days before they start reducing in appearance. You might notice sunburn-like dryness and tightness for 3–5 days and rarely will have light skin flaking. You can rarely suffer from bruising after treatment, which takes a couple of weeks to recover from.
Can IPL cause scarring? What are the possible risks, complications, and adverse effects?
As with any therapeutic equipment, it is the operator’s skill set that influences the incidence of complications. Given that heat is generated, there is always a risk of burns, darkening of pigmentation, scars that can occur. You should, therefore, choose the clinic with caution.
How many IPL photo facial treatments are needed?
IPL Hair Reduction is a cyclical treatment and will generally require 5- 8 treatments, each at 4–6 weeks apart before a satisfactory reduction is achieved. After this, you will require regular 3 ‑6 monthly maintenance treatments.
For skin pigmentation, broken veins, or exfoliation, even a single IPL session might be enough, but some patients might need up to 3–6 treatments.
What are the pros and cons of IPL?
One of the pros of IPL is its versatility in the number of skin problems it can help with. The cons are that the given mix of light energies can rarely cause complications like burns, pigmentation, or scars. It is also relatively unsafe to use IPL for darker skin tones because of its lack of specificity.
What are the alternatives to IPL?
The options you have instead of IPL are Lasers, Fractional CO2 lasers (like SmartXide), Fractional Erbium YAG lasers (like Fraxel Re: store), Medical Microdermabrasion, Microneedling Radio Frequency or (MNRF).
Book a consultation for personalised cosmetic surgery or aesthetic treatment recommendations.
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