Skin Pigmentation
Age spots, sun spots, liver spots, freckles and other unwanted pigmentation are often associated with skin ageing and over exposure to the sun or sunbeds. From the age of around 40 the skin is less able to regenerate following sun exposure and age spots start to appear. Generally these age spots pose no health risk, however they can be unsightly and create a patchy, less youthful appearance. Freckling and age spots can be successfully lightened or removed with Intense Pulse Light.
Not all pigmentation concerns are as a result of sun exposure, and some people are born with pigmented birthmarks or may have melasma, a skin pigmentation condition often associated with pregnancy or hormones. IPL or Intense Pulse Light skin rejuvenation and pigment removal treatment is a relatively quick and easy procedure. Age spots and freckles can be lightened or removed. The light targets areas of excess pigment, safely breaking down the excess melanin. The sun spots or freckles darken in the first few days after treatment and then the excess melanin sheds away naturally.
Treatment is suitable for you if you would like
A more even skin tone
To reduce areas of excess freckling
To target a specific age spot
How does IPL work for Pigmentation?
The Intense Pulse Light System releases short pulses of filtered light which is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the melanin and eradicates the melanin-rich cells.
What does treatment feel like?
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable and a warm, tingling sensation not unlike sunburn can be experienced afterwards.
How will my skin look after treatment?
Following your IPL treatment, the skin may be slightly red and the areas of pigment will darken and may appear more obvious, rising to the surface of the skin before being exfoliated and fading away naturally within 1-2 weeks. This is a positive indication of a successful IPL treatment and no cause for concern.
Paler pigment particles are filtered away through the lymphatic system in your body.
How many treatments are necessary?
Like you, pigmentation is highly individual and response to treatment does vary from person to person.
Are there any side effects?
Most people experience little more than slight reddening and possibly mild swelling which usually disappear anywhere between a few hours to a couple of days. Very rarely a small blister may form or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin can occur. These are discussed in detail and put into the correct perspective during your thorough consultation. Adverse reactions are uncommon and are specific to you as an individual and these risks are discussed during your consultation.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Most people are suitable for treatment except for very dark skinned or tanned individuals. For some pigmentation, such as melasma, we would not advise using IPL. However our peels may help with this.
When will I see the results?
Response to treatment varies from person to person. This can be due to the severity of your pigmentation and other factors specific to you as an individual.
More specific advice and information is given during your consultation.
On your first visit, your personal clinician will carry out a detailed consultation and assessment before recommending a treatment plan to suit your individual requirements. Your clinician will also demonstrate the equipment and answer any questions.
We follow best practice with treatment policies, procedures and protocols, only employing properly, highly trained clinicians and operating under the clinical supervision of our medical director, in order to maintain the highest clinical standards.
We value the comfort and safety of our clients very highly and will take the greatest care to ensure that you feel at ease about every aspect of your treatment.
Before your IPL treatment
For 1 week before treatment
- Do not wax, (unless advised by your clinician), pluck, or undergo electrolysis in the treatment area
- To avoid skin sensitivity, do not bleach or use depilatory cream in the week before your treatment
You should avoid sunbathing, sun-beds and self-tanning products, as treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin.
Treatment day
- Avoid swimming and vigorous exercise
- Do not use cosmetics on the treatment area
After your IPL treatment
For 2 days after treatment
- Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds and self-tanning products
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms
- Baths and showers should be tepid rather than hot
- Avoid vigorous exercise and swimming
- Avoid using perfumed products and make-up on the treated area
For 1 week after treatment
If your face has been treated, then avoid facials, and any other forms of exfoliation in the treated area.
Important facts to remember while you are undergoing treatment.
- Treatments cannot be performed on tanned skin. A fake tan of any kind has the same implications as a natural tan ยท You must use a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection of SPF30 or higher on the treated area, or as advised by your clinician
- Please arrange your treatment at least one week before a holiday, and allow a minimum of four weeks after your return for any tan to fade. Please advise us if your tan has not faded as we will not be able to treat you and we will happily rearrange your next appointment
- Please allow at least one week after a local anaesthetic and at least one month after a general anaesthetic, before continuing with treatment. Your clinician can advise you accordingly.
- Please advise us of any change in medication well in advance of your treatment day
| Individually Assessed | From £85 | BOOK ONLINE |
