There are many signs of aging, amongst them wrinkles, pigmentation changes and redness, including thread veins. Skin rejuvenation is not a miracle cure and no substitute for a face lift, but it can help reverse some of the signs of aging and give a fresher, younger appearance.
How it works
The IPL machine generates pulses of high energy light. This works in three main ways:
Collagen and elastin stimulation - the IPL heats the deep layers of the skin that are responsible for collagen and elastin production, making those cells produce more of the substances responsible for keeping our skin taut and fresh
Reducing redness - thread veins and diffuse redness, including rosacea, are causes by tiny capillaries under the surface. The IPL coagulates the blood and damages the blood vessels so that they shrink away, giving a more even skin tone.
Pigmentation removal - over time we often develop dark patches of melanin in the skin and freckles and age spots from sun damage. These can be treated with IPL and will initially darken before flaking away.
Skin rejuvenation treatments start at £50 per session.
Treatments are spaced at 2-3 week intervals with a course of 6 recommended.
Please arrive wearing no make-up or moisturiser or any other skin product. We need clean naked skin.
IMPORTANT - you cannot be treated if you are suntanned or have used a self tanning cream. The increased melanin in your skin will make you liable to burns. Please stay out of the sun for at least 6 weeks prior to treatment. This is for your safety.
Assuming you have completed the consultation and had a satisfactory test patch results, the technician will review your notes to make sure nothing has changed before we start. The skin is covered in a gel like that used for ultrasonic scans. Any moles or tattoos will be covered to protect them from the light.
The IPL head is placed gently against the skin and the technician works methodically over the area to ensure good coverage. They may draw a grid on the skin (with white eyeliner) to make sure no areas are missed. You will then experience a series of short bursts of light that feel like an elastic band snapping against the skin. It's not painful but it can feel a little sharp and might make you jump! That's a normal reaction.
Immediately after treatment there may be localised redness and the area will feel warm. We will offer cool packs and Aloe Vera gel which is soothing and cooling. The area will cool down quickly and you will be able to go back to work or carry on as normal, although there may be some redness. Any freckles or age spots will darken significantly before flaking off after a few days. Collagen and elastin production is a gradual improvement over the next few months as more is produced.
Short-term effects include redness and slightly swelling, especially on cheeks near the eye. This usually subsides quickly. Very rarely a small blister may form and there can be temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. Long-term risks are rare but may include hypo-pigmentation (loss of the original skin colour, which is occasionally permanent and more likely with darker skin tones). Scarring is very rare but possible, especially with poor aftercare or if you failed to disclose a medical condition or medication at the consultation.
Sadly the ages process continues but the additional collagen and elastin produced will go some way towards stopping the clock for several months. Additional top-up treatments every 6 months are recommended.
