WHAT IS IPL?
The gentle Medical Intense Pulse Light therapy tackles a wide spectrum of skin conditions, resulting in a new glow to your complexion. This non-invasive treatment helps to correct skin woes such as rosacea, sun damage, freckles, age spots and acne. The photofacial utilises broad-spectrum light that penetrates multiple layers of the skin, effectively taking years off your age with younger, radiant and glowing skin.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals with untanned skin are the best candidates. Darker-skinned individuals may sometimes see differences in skin pigmentation after treatment.
Those with more serious issues, such as severe acne scars, may wish to consider more intensive forms of treatment, or combine Medical Intense Pulse Light therapy with other forms of therapies to achieve optimal results. Patients with photo-sensitivity problems may develop some adverse reactions such as blistering or mild burning sensations. It is imperative to inform your doctor about your medical history and any medication or treatment you are currently taking to ensure there are no contra-indications to the medical intense pulse light therapy, as certain medications could cause photo-sensitivity on the treatment area.
BENEFITS
Medical Intense Pulse Light therapy waves are converted into thermal energy, which targets specific problem areas like chromophores (colour pigments) such as melanin in brown spots and freckles, haemoglobin in broken or diffused blood vessels, or protein molecules in acne bacteria and collagen.
The procedure helps to stimulate the cells beneath the skin in order to produce collagen, which plumps up the skin, smoothen fine lines and reveals younger-looking skin over a period of time. It also causes blood vessels deep beneath the skin to constrict, and hence reduces redness and fine lines.
This procedure is suitable for improving skin tone and texture, and treating specific problems such as acne scars, unwanted hair (armpit, upper lip, forearms, hands, legs), fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, age spots, freckles, sun damaged skin, redness caused by rosacea and broken capillaries, large pores, facial spider veins and dark eye circles.
PROCEDURE
The doctor will assess your skin colour and the condition to be treated in order to determine the appropriate setting for your treatment.
The treatment area is wiped with a mild antiseptic lotion to remove all traces of dirt, oil and skin lotions, and ultrasound gel is then applied.
The flash light lamp at the head of the hand piece is then applied to the treatment areas and the intense light is pulsed at the trigger of a button.
Once the treatment is completed, the gel will be wiped off followed by application of moisturiser and sunblock.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Depending on the treatment course, the following results can be achieved: pigmentation marks slowly surface on the skin and are shed naturally; vascular lesions dissipate into the lymphatic system for excretion; enlarged pores, minor pitting and scarring diminish and fade. Fine lines and wrinkles are softened and may virtually disappear; collagen and elastin production increases.
Each treatment lasts 20 minutes depending on the area of treatment. The number of treatment sessions recommended depends on the type of skin rejuvenation required, the nature and size of the lesions to be treated, as well as the patient’s skin type, condition and colour. Some conditions may require maintenance treatments from time to time.
Generally, a treatment course of 6 sessions at 2 to 3 weeks interval is recommended for skin rejuvenation.
AFTER TREATMENT
Medical Intense Pulse Light therapy is a non-ablative treatment; it does no damage to the skin’s surface so there is little or no pain and downtime involved. In most cases there is no visible reaction, and you would be able to resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
As heat is introduced into the skin tissues during treatment, it is quite normal for the treated areas to be slightly reddened immediately after treatment, but this would normally subside within half an hour. It is also possible for the skin to appear slightly red for a couple of hours up to 24 hours. If the problem persists, contact your doctor for further advice.
Disclaimer: The material contained in this is for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for doctor's advice, diagnosis, or treatment.