IPL Treatment
What Is Stellar M22 IPL Treatment?
We’re excited to introduce you to the wonders of Stellar M22 Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance your skin’s tone, texture, and overall radiance.
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a non-invasive light therapy used to treat various skin concerns. This versatile technology uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to target specific skin issues, such as sun damage, age spots, rosacea, acne. IPL treatments are renowned for their effectiveness in rejuvenating the skin, minimising imperfections, and promoting a more youthful complexion.
What Can IPL Treatments Help With?
- Rosacea (redness and visible blood vessels in the face/ mild to moderate)
- Redness
- Broken capillaries (also known as spider veins due to the web-like appearance)
- Reduces the appearance of sun damage and hyperpigmentation (sunspots, age spots)
- Acne (mild & moderate)
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
*We don’t advise treating Melasma with IPL. We believe that laser and light therapies, especially the common IPL and [fractionated] laser treatments, can, in fact, exacerbate melasma, since heat is considered a trigger. This treatment possibly can worsen the condition.
Our IPL Treatments:
A photofacial is also known as laser skin rejuvenation.
IPL Photofacial treatments utilise the latest advances in laser technology to help treat everything from sun damaged skin to rosacea, age spots, premature wrinkles, pigment problems, bags under the eyes, and large pores on the face, neck, and chest. Photofacial treatments centre around the patented Fluorescent Pulsed Light system, which penetrates deep below the skin’s surface to help start the production of new collagen and other connective tissues. IPL is known for treating pigmentation, but it can be used for much more. It is also used for Skin Rejuvenation, which is an extremely popular treatment for dull, lacklustre skin, as it can restore your skin’s radiance, resulting in healthy glow and smoother, clearer skin. It is an ideal solution for preventing signs of ageing, as it also stimulates collagen and elastin production which reduces superficial lines, wrinkles and plumps the skin. This process leaves the skin rejuvenated and smooth, starting from the very first treatment. The typical IPL Photofacial treatment lasts about 30 minutes, with the IPL element only taking a few minutes and they are typically scheduled across four week intervals. Most clients need between 2-5 total treatments to get the best results. The actual Photofacial session itself can be somewhat painful for some, as the feeling of the laser beam on the skin is usually akin to that of a snapped rubber band. However, the pain usually subsides very quickly after treatment, as is rarely anything more than mild.
Each IPL rosacea treatment only lasts around 15-30 minutes, with the IPL element only taking a few minutes. IPL laser treatment for rosacea is usually suggested in a course of treatments, including between 3-6 sessions. Appointments will typically be around one month apart. Our IPL technician will normally recommend that you undertake maintenance treatments to keep the symptoms at bay and prevent any flare ups. While rosacea cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively controlled with IPL. The intense pulses of light increases the temperature of oxyhaemoglobin in the blood which destroys damaged capillaries near the surface of the skin. It also causes visible blood vessels to constrict and shrink.
Both actions work together to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation caused by rosacea. This in turn reduces pimples and bumps and calms the irritation and itchiness which often accompanies this skin disorder.
IPL Skin Pigmentation treatments work by transmitting heat from the IPL light through to the pigmented skin areas. The IPL technology is attracted to dark pigmentation, effectively drawing the discoloration to the surface of the skin, allowing the dermis to begin the healing process of correcting the blemishes. Most cases require 3 to 6 sessions of IPL as each session builds on the results of the previous one, giving longer lasting effects and preventing recurrence. The skin takes around 4 weeks to heal between each treatment, as skin cell renewal occurs every 28 days, so typically treatments are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Lumenis M22 IPL acne treatment can greatly improve the skin’s appearance, reducing acne while at the same time treating redness and pigmentation. A special acne filter eliminates acne causing bacteria, reduces inflammation and excess sebum production. It also targets red and brown marks on the skin to improve scarring and blemishes. IPL is suitable to treat mild to moderate acne. A treatment plan will be advised following consultation but is typically a course of 6 treatments (may be followed by a treatment every 2-3 months to maintain results if needed).
IPL for spider veins directly targets the red pigment of the broken capillaries and damages the blood vessel using heat, after the vessel walls collapse, it is eventually absorbed back into the body. It is a less invasive option compared to Sclerotherapy which involves injecting the spider veins to collapse them. Some thread veins will instantly vanish during treatment, but the bulk of the treated telangiectasia will take 2-4 weeks to disappear, leaving behind clear skin. Most people need between 1-5 treatments. This depends on the severity of the problem and how well it responds to treatment. Treatments should be 4 to 6 weeks apart.
What To Expect During And After IPL (Stellar M22) Treatment?
Consultation and patch test will be carried out before your first treatment. We will explain how the treatment works, possible side effects and risks also check for the contraindications. Patch test is carried out to determine the treatment parameters and assess how your skin might react to a full treatment.
You may feel a warm sensation, ‘ping like elastic band’ snapping against the skin. Goggles are worn to protect the eyes and then a layer of gel is applied to the skin, the IPL applicator is then applied and repeated pulses of light are directed onto the affected skin. Each pulse can cause a slight sting or burning sensation. Right after your IPL treatment, your skin may look blotchy, red, a little swollen, and you will start to notice sunspots or pigmentation darkening. It is also common for the skin to feel tight or like you have a mild sunburn. Crusting ‘coffee grounds’ or even slightly dirty looking skin over some dense pigmented areas- may take 5-10 days to flake off and it is important not to manipulate or pick which may otherwise lead to scaring.
Before IPL Treatment Advice:
It is important to implement and follow the pre and post IPL treatment advice to help minimise the side effects and achieve better results.
- Avoid injectables 4 weeks in or near treatment areas before treatment
- Avoid any facial peels 4 weeks before treatment
- Avoid microdermabrasion 4 weeks before treatment
- Avoid having any laser treatments on the area 4 weeks before treatment also avoid home IPL
- Avoid sun exposure / sunbeds – 4 weeks before treatment (sunburned or tanned skin will not be treated). Wear sunscreen of SPF 30-50 (best with zinc oxide)
- Avoid skin care containing active ingredients 7 days before treatment all skin irritants must be stopped (glycolic / salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, retinol products such as Retin A, Tazorac, Triluma, Differin, and Vitamin C) on the area being treated
- Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior
- Advise staff when taking antibiotics. Certain antibiotics (Tetracycline, Doxycycline) can make a patient photosensitive, therefore, treatment may not go ahead until two weeks after completion of antibiotic
- Treatment cannot be done if you have an active cold sore or skin infection and will be rescheduled.
- Do not use self-tanner or spray tan products for at least 4 weeks before your treatment to avoid potential injury
- We recommend not to take ibuprofen before a session. This medication may cause bruising after the treatment. Avoid taking products containing ibuprofen at least 48 hours before the session
Day before the treatment:
- Area must be shaved within 12-24 hours prior to your appointment.
- No make-up / lotion / deodorant or perfumes on the day of your appointment (in the treatment area). Make sure the skin is clean.
Post IPL Treatment Advice:
It is important to implement and follow the below advice after your IPL treatment to help minimise the side effects and achieve better results.
- Keep the treatment area clean. Make-up can be applied after several hours;
We advise caution if the area is feeling sensitive. Remove make up carefully as rubbing the skin can cause irritation. If the skin at the treatment area becomes broken or sensitive, then make-up should be avoided. - Use cool showers / face wash. The skin should be patted dry and not rubbed.
- Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxy products, vitamin C products, scrub, exfoliate, chemical peels or any other facial treatment for 2-3 weeks.
- Care should be taken to avoid trauma to the treated area for 4 or 5 days afterwards.
- Keep on moisturising with an emollient example iS clinical SHEALED or E45 (for dry skins). Apply Aloe vera at home if needed.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and activities for 48 hours
- Avoid hot treatments i.e., sauna and steam rooms, hot baths, massaging etc. for 48 hours
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated water, pools, rivers, sea, lakes for a week.
- Sunspots and age spots will DARKEN with the IPL treatments BEFORE they begin to respond and resolve. This is expected and a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own.
- Avoid picking, scratching, waxing, threading, tweezing, plucking, electrolysis and electrical epilation)
- Shaving is tolerated but avoid it for 48 hours.
- Avoid use of deodorants & perfumes for at least 48 hours after treatment or as long as skin is sensitive or fragile.
- Always use a sunscreen SPF 30+ (best with Zinc Oxide) and protect the area from sunlight as much as possible between treatments and for at least one month after treatment ends. Failure to do this can lead to sunburn and hyper-pigmentation of the treated area. (Most cases of changes in pigmentation occur when the treated area has been exposed to sunlight, or in people with darker skin types).
Potential Side Effects Of IPL Treatments
As with all cosmetic procedures, there is some risk of side effects and possible complications.
Most common and short lived are:
- Redness. A mild like ‘sunburn’ sensation may follow for a couple of hours and will be reduced will application of cooling and soothing creams.
- Erythema / oedema – severity and duration will depend on the intensity of the treatment and the sensitivity of the area to be treated. This redness / swelling may be reduced with application of cooling and /or inflammatory creams. Redness typically lasts from 1-3 days. Edema may typically last from a few hours to 2 days.
- Light bruising
- Itching and crusting over some dense pigmented areas. Crusting ‘coffee grounds’ or even slightly darker looking kin over some dense pigmented areas- may take 5-10 days to flake off and it is important not to manipulate or pick which may otherwise lead to scarring.
- IPL can cause hair loss / reduction in treated areas.
In some cases, more serious IPL side effects such as:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (may become apparent in 2 weeks and 2 months after treatment is usually reversible it can take 3-6 months to clear very rarely, they are permanent) Changes in skin colour -some people may notice minor colour changes to the treated area of skin. It may get slightly darker or lighter, following IPL treatments. People with lighter skin may be more likely to experience darker pigmentation changes. People with darker skin tones may be more prone to lighter pigmentation changes.
- Bruising if you prone to or over dense vesiculated areas- may last several days.
- Skin burns, permanent discoloration and scarring are rare possibilities of side effects. Burns and blisters are rare.
OUR SERVICES
Our cutting-edge technologies are designed to help you achieve your beauty goals safely and effectively. With the latest techniques and experienced professionals, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality services possible!
