IPL Skin Rejuvenation

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) technology is based on the same principle as laser but emits a broad spectrum of pulsed light to reach several layers of the skin simultaneously, improving the texture, quality, colour and health of your skin.

The heat energy is attracted to the excessive pigmentation and hemoglobin in the dermal layers of your skin, these coagulate with the heat and your body exfoliates these cells with the skin’s natural renewal process. The heat energy also stimulates the fibroblast cells beneath the skin’s surface to promote new collagen production, firming and rejuvenating the skin. After a series of IPL treatments at intervals spaced usually 4 weeks apart, the skin will appear more luminous, brighter and smoother. Improvements can be seen 10 days following the first treatment and enhanced results can be seen with each subsequent treatment. The results continue to improve long after the treatment, as IPL stimulates your own natural collagen to rebuild and rejuvenate the skin.

The laser/IPL fires short pulses of light which can feel warm against the skin surface. We use a cooling system prior to treatment to lower the skin surface temperature ensuring that most of our clients experience no more than mild discomfort. After an initial consultation and at your discretion we will require you to do a test patch on the area to be treated, this is to check that the laser and your body will react in a positive way to the treatment – this will need to be carried out at least one week before the treatment starts. As long as there’s no adverse reaction after the test patch, then the skin rejuvenation treatment can continue.

The intensive light may cause slight swelling and redness in the treated area, especially in areas where the skin is very thin or especially fragile. However, any redness or soreness typically subsides within a few hours after the procedure with lots of people having treatment in their lunch hour suffering no side effects. Hot showers, hot baths and saunas are to be avoided for 24 hours. Do not use any perfumed products on the skin for 48 hours after treatment and when cleansing, use a good antibacterial soap. Protect your skin from the sun for the first two weeks after treatment, then use sunblock for the following 6 weeks. Cold compresses or Aloe Vera gel will help to sooth the area, do not use ice packs direct to the skin. West End Laser Clinic will always be on hand to discuss the healing process and offer further advice.

Usually between 3-5 sessions to see the maximum benefit of skin rejuvenation although the treatment of some smaller lesions or veins may clear with just one treatment.

It is important to protect your skin from direct sun exposure over the series of your treatments and it is highly recommended to use a minimum of SPF30+ sunblock even during the colder months. Sun beds and sunbathing are to be avoided. Photo-rejuvenation treatments can be carried out all year round as long as you are not planning to be in full sun exposure immediately following a treatment.

An appointment to return to the clinic 3 months after your final treatment is made to assess the results.