Telephone: 02 8969 2400
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photorejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a revolutionary technique used to treat skin conditions including broken capillaries, scarring, sun spots, spider veins, rosacea and pigmentation; as well as to correct enlarged pores, diminish fine lines and make your skin appear tighter – and younger.
It is also used to permanently reduce unwanted hair. Besides diminishing redness and fading age spots, IPL boosts new collagen growth to make your skin feel smoother, and to correct enlarged pores and minimise scarring caused by conditions including acne and chickenpox.
At the Mosman Skin Clinic, we use the gentle, advanced Palomar Starlux 500 IPL machine, which applies pulses of light to your skin via a handpiece with a smooth glass surface. Some conditions may only require one treatment, but often a number of sessions will achieve the most beneficial and long-lasting results.
How does it work?
IPL is extremely versatile because it uses light and heat to selectively target colour, from haemoglobin in red blood cells to melanin in pigmentation. When the light contacts the pigment it absorbs it and the heat energy created breaks down the pigment and pushes it to the surface. Our advanced equipment uses varying wavelengths depending on the layer of skin being treated and our qualified dermal therapist is experienced in selecting the best settings to treat your area of concern. Dr Buckland also regularly reviews all the settings for each patient.
Where can it be used?
IPL can be safely used to treat areas including the face, neck, chest, arms, legs and hands, as well as areas specifically targeted for hair removal including the bikini line, upper lip, back and underarms.
Will it hurt?
You may feel a slight but brief sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band; and while an anaesthetic cream may be used, it is seldom required.
How long does it take?
Each treatment takes between 20 minutes and one hour depending on which part of the body is being treated.
How many treatments will I need?
Most treatment programmes comprise a series of four to six sessions, depending on how many conditions you are treating, and the severity of the problem. We will take the time to discuss your treatment options and likely outcome with you, using our expertise to determine the best course of action to achieve your goals in the shortest possible time without compromising on the quality of your care and the need for long lasting results.
How long will my results last?
Your results will vary depending upon your skin and hair type. After a series of IPL sessions your unwanted pigmentation or hair will be significantly reduced (85 – 90% hair loss), and the remaining hair will appear softer and lighter in colour.
Are there any side effects?
Rarely, and even those won’t last long. Your skin may appear pink and/or mildly swollen in the affected areas after treatment for between a few minutes and several hours. And if your skin is quite loose, you may experience a little more swelling. Brown age spots and uneven pigmentation turns slightly darker after treatment, so it may take 4-6 sessions before you’ll enjoy the full benefit of your results.
If you would like more information on any of the above treatment options, or to arrange a consultation at the Mosman Skin Clinic, please do not hesitate to contact us on 8969 2422.