Intense Pulsed Light [IPL] technology  is one technique that is now widely used in the field of dermatology. It involves the use of a broad  controlled spectrum of light that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as facial skin imperfections, the signs of photo-ageing, pigmentation, freckles, unsightly small veins, and other blemishes. Photo rejuvenation  is an IPL treatment process that can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing superior cosmetic results and outstanding satisfaction.

IPL is a non-invasive and non-ablative procedure, which  doesn’t require anaesthesia or  sedation. It is non-ablative since the broad spectrum of light penetrates the deeper layer of the skin without harming or injuring the upper layer or the epidermis.

IPL therefore has minima risk and most times you can return  to normal activities right after. For this reason, it is often dubbed as a lunchtime procedure.

The light from the IPL is of a specific  range in wave length  which targets pigment in the skin either melanin ( in the pigmented areas) or haemoglobin ( in the veins) which destroys the damaged areas resulting in clearer skin.

Red Veins	Age Spots

Imperfections from Sun Damage and Photo-ageing.
No matter how healthy and young you feel, skin imperfections ( especially on your face) or abnormalities can detract from your well being. IPL technology helps create smoother-looking skin. There is a significant reduction of unwanted pigmentation which is visible after a series of treatment. The same treatment can be used effectively on the neck, chest, arms and hands for the treatment of.

1. Freckles
2. Sun spots
3. Sun Damage
4. Age Spots
5. Melasma/Chloasma
6. Hyperpigmentation

Vascular Lesions

1. Broken Veins and Capillaries – The face has an extensive network of veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Over time, aging, trauma, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle factors cause a number of them to break appearing as red streaks or blotches on the face. IPL therapy can eliminate damaged veins and capillaries by removing virtually all traces of these unsightly blemishes.
2. Redness Caused by Broken Capillaries
   Many people suffer from broken capillaries and diffuse erythema, that cause them social embarrassment. For both women and men, IPL can successfully treat dilated blood vessels without injuring the surrounding healthy skin

Skin texture, ageing skin, chest wrinkles ,facial wrinkles , neck wrinkles and fine wrinkles  can also be treated with a series of treatment.

You will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light.  A gel is applied to your treatment area. The smooth glass surface of the IPL hand-piece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied.
You may feel a slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. An anaesthetic cream may be used, but is seldom required.

Flushing and redness (similar to what you will see after a good exercise workout) will last from a few minutes to several hours after treatment. You may experience some swelling and the brown age spots and uneven pigmentation will turn slightly darker after treatment.

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 treatment takes about twenty to thirty minutes.

Depending on the number of conditions you are treating, and the severity of the individual problem, a series of four to six treatment sessions 4-6 weeks apart may be recommended. You can return to work the same day and resume all your daily activities.
By dividing the full program into several treatments, the procedure provides gradual improvement with very low risk – and, it preserves the wonderful “no down time” feature that people appreciate so much.

IPL is not laser and vice versa, although the term laser is often used generically. Both IPL and laser therapy use light that is converted into heat energy to destroy cells that produce melanin or broken capillaries that lead to the appearance of pigment and red veins respectively.

The major difference between the two is the type of light they emit. Laser provides a single band of light colour (monochromatic) to target a specific area and condition. IPL, on the other hand, provides a broad spectrum of light (polychromatic), which covers a bigger area and produce different wavelengths. In other words, laser has a more targeted approach. Although both provide high intensity, IPL can be more controlled and therefore less likely to be painful than laser.