Are there any risks associated with the treatment?

All procedures carry risks as well as benefits. The chance of complications following scar treatment by laser or IPL depends on the type of treatment and other factors such as your general health. Your Results Laser Clinic specialist will explain how the risks apply to you.

How does IPL Intense Pulsed Light work?

The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system releases yellow, green and red light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The yellow/green light destroys the bacteria that live in the skin and cause acne, while the red light directly targets the overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks of pustules. This targeted eating deep in the skin causes shrinkage of the inflamed sebaceous glands and helps to prevent over-production of excess sebum

How is the treatment carried out?

You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin and guide the light. The light applicator is placed onto the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the: neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the whole area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area is moisturised. Each pulse of light treats a large area of skin and so the duration of the treatment is very short.

Am I suitable for treatment?

Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. Pregnant women or people taking the acne treatment Roaccutane should not be treated.

How does the treatment feel?

The light energy is absorbed by the skin, and heats it up very quickly, creating a sharp, short-lived pinprick sensation. No anaesthesia is required, other than cooling the skin and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable.

What should I expect after the treatment?

Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. It will be necessary to avoid sun exposure or use a high protection sunscreen for 2 weeks after the treatment.

What are the side effects?

The treated area can become quite red immediately after treatment. However, the redness usually disappears within a couple of hours. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form. It is possible that some hair loss will occur in the area treated, and it could be permanent, so men should consider this possibility before agreeing to treatment of their beard area. How long does each treatment take? A typical treatment session will take in the region of 30 minutes. Typically, Intense Pulsed Light treatment is combined with glycolic acid facial peel treatments for maximum results.

How many treatments are necessary?

The number of treatments necessary varies from person to person, but typically 4 to 6 Intense Pulsed Light will result in significant improvement. Intense Pulsed Light treatments should take place fortnightly or monthly depending on the severity of the concern.