Imagine reducing the effects of sun damage & pre-mature aging... Photo rejuvenation using IPL is a non-invasive treatment that treats skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, hence, no “down time”. Intense Pulsed Light can simultaneously treat a wide range of facial concerns safely and effectively, leaving your skin smoother, clearer, brighter and younger. These include the signs of photo-aging or sun damage and age spots, Rosacea and facial redness, red acne scars, fine lines, unwanted hair, benign brown pigment, mottled pigmentation and other blemishes. HOW DOES IPL PHOTOREJUVENATION WORK? IPL delivers many wavelengths in each pulse of light and this allows the procedure to target several conditions with each treatment. An intense light is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat causes damage to the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or the body absorbs it. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING A TREATMENT? A cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated, and you will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL hand piece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied. WHY IS GEL USED DURING THE TREATMENT? The even layer of gel assures the optimal transmission of light from the applicator to the skin. It also assists in cooling of the skin. HOW DOES IT FEEL? You may feel a slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. An anaesthetic cream may be used, but is seldom required. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS The appearance right after treatment is similar to what you will see after a good exercise workout. The flushing and redness will last from a few minutes to several hours after treatment. If your skin is quite loose you may experience some swelling. The brown age spots and uneven pigmentation will turn slightly darker after treatment. HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT LAST? Treatment is generally administered in a series of 4 to 6 sessions that provide excellent long-term results, minimal adverse effects and high satisfaction. Each face treatment takes about twenty minutes. You can return to work the same day and resume all your daily activities because of the fact that IPL therapy is non-ablative - meaning that the top layer of the skin remains intact, thus the treatment is performed without the need for downtime. Follow-up treatments may be desired once a year to maintain results. IS ANY POST TREATMENT NECESSARY? The client should avoid the sun for at least 30 days after treatment. It is also advised to avoid all perfumed products and heat treatments for 24 – 48 hours. Clients with sensitive skin may also benefit from an application of 100% aloe Vera gel when necessary. HOW FAR APART SHOULD APPOINTMENTS BE SCHEDULED? Appointments should be scheduled every 3 to 4 weeks apart. WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE NEEDED? Eye protection glasses are provided to wear when receiving the treatment. Clients should avoid tanning and sun beds 1 month prior to and during the entire treatment to avoid increased pain and burns from excessive light absorption in the epidermis. Immediately after the treatment the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light. Sunscreen of at least 20 to 30 SPF must be used for 30 days after treatment. AREAS THAT CAN BE TREATED Treatments can be performed on the face, neck, chest and hands. There is a very high degree of patient satisfaction with this very predictable and safe type of therapy. WHAT KIND OF TREATMENTS COMPLEMENTS IPL THERAPY? Treatments that work on the texture of the skin are great in combination with IPL therapy. Examples are Microdermabrasion, laser peels, chemical peels as well as Radio Frequency. WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR INTENSE PULSED LIGHT TREATMENT (PHOTOFACIAL)? Broken capillaries, brown spots, age spots, Rosacea, sun damage, flushing, mild skin texture issues, redness, sun-induced freckles on the hands, chest & face, fine lines and increase pore size and ruddy skin. WHAT ARE THE CONTRA-INDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT? IPL treatments should not be performed on a patient that is pregnant, has active cold sores or an infection in the skin. Tanning should be avoided prior to the treatment as this may increase the risk of a complication. The risks for side effects in patients that have darker skin types are higher and in these patients we generally advise alternative treatments. A history of keloidal scarring also presents a risk for any laser or IPL treatment.