Intense Pulsed Light

Treatment For:
Pigmentation, redness, photorejuvenation

Cost:
Starting from $200, dependant upon area

Appointment Duration:
30-45 mins

Recovery:
7-10 days

Pregnancy Safe:
No

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is an effective noninvasive treatment targeting undesirable pigmentation within the skin. Dark spots and pigmentation occur due to genetic and environmental factors. IPL is proven to reduce the appearance of sun damage, age spots, freckles, generalised redness and fine lines.

As we age and are exposed to environmental factors, you may start to notice more pigmentation or small vessels appearing on your face and body. Some of these external influencing factors can include sun exposure, extreme temperatures, chemicals, rubbing and trauma.

IPL uses light therapy to penetrate through the surface of the skin, this light is absorbed by pigment and colour within the skin. This includes the melanin in pigmented spots or oxyhemoglobin in small vessels. IPL works by using a process called elective photolysis, meaning the light is attracted to the capillary or pigmented spot without effecting the surrounding skin. Similar in the way black fabric absorbs and heats up quicker in direct sunlight more than other colours may.

When treating pigmentation, the heat from the waves of light work to break up the pigment into smaller particles. Once the body has recognised these small fragments, it begins a natural healing process and carries them to the skins surface where they appear as scabs. Eventually these scabs slough away in 1-2 weeks and fade the original pigmented spot.

IPL has a similar effect on small vessels. The pulse of light works to irritate and collapse the vein and broken capillaries, minimizing its effect on the surrounding skin.

IPL is commonly used to treat:

Age spots
Sun spots and sun damage
Freckles
Small visible blood vessels on the face
Generalised redness
Rosacea
Stretch Marks
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

Before & After

Ask us anything

What can you expect from your IPL experience?

During your initial appointment, your treating nurse will undertake a thorough consultation, taking into consideration a medical history, personal facial skin assessment, aesthetic goals, skin concerns and lifestyle factors, creating a tailored treatment plan accordingly with discussion of any alternative treatments available at Clinispa.

If IPL is deemed suitable, a test patch will be performed. This assures the correct settings are used to achieve the best result with minimal risk as each patient will have a different skin type. If there are no adverse reactions to this test patch after 2 weeks, your IPL treatment appointment may be booked.

Prior to your treatment, your skin will be cleansed and prepped. Due to the nature of IPL, protective eyewear must be worn throughout the appointment. The treatment consists of small flashes of light passing over the skin. This treatment is relatively comfortable however you may experience minimal discomfort similar to quick stings and warmth may be felt. Once your treatment is complete, soothing aftercare products will be applied to the skin and aftercare instructions are given.

You may see a reduction in pigmentation or redness once your initial treatment healing is complete, however 3-4 sessions may be required to achieve desired results.

To ensure optimal results are reached, we recommend a having a follow up appointment with your treating nurse to review if subsequent treatments will be required.

What are the risks?

While IPL is generally a universally safe treatment, certain considerations must be assessed. Contraindications which must be disclosed to your practitioner include:

Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Local infections of the skin
• Existing psoriasis
• Active cold sores
• Recent sun exposure
• Those prone to keloid scarring
• If you are on anticoagulation medications
• Diagnosed coagulation disorders
• Diagnosed epilepsy
• Recent waxing or hair plucking
• Recent tattoos (including cosmetic tattoo)
• Use of Roaccutane within past 12 months

What is recovery like?

During this time it is vital to continue wearing SPF, avoid sun exposure, moisturise regularly, avoid active ingredients on the area and do not exfoliate. 3-4 sessions may be required to achieve optimal results, in which we recommend booking a follow up session 4-5 weeks later.

Immediately after your treatment your skin may appear red, feel warm and sensitive. This feeling is common and may linger for the first 24-48 hours.

Downtime varies between individuals, however is typically minimal and will last between 7-10 days. Most commonly your skin may feel dry and the treated areas may become darkened (if pigment was targeted) and flake.

During this time it is vital to continue wearing SPF daily (reapplying where required), avoid sun exposure, moisturise regularly, and avoid applying active ingredients to or exfoliating the treated area.

It is vital in following the aftercare instructions explained by your clinician to ensure optimal results and healing. In order to amplify your results even further, your treating nurse may recommend corresponding dermal treatments or skincare products.

Pigmentation may reduce following a single session, however 3-4 treatments may be required for optimal results. We recommend booking a follow up session 4-5 weeks after your initial treatment.

Common side effects of IPL include:

Bruising
Redness
Swelling
Blistering
Scabbing
Changes in pigmentation (may be more sever and last for several months)
These risks are minimised when the nurse performs a test patch at your initial consultation.

What are the costs?

Eye Area $200
Hands $200
Neck $275
Décolletage $250
Half face $200
Full face $400
Full face and neck $540
Full face, neck and décolletage $540
Spot treatment, price on request