IPL is a broadband of light that uses multiple wavelengths and endpoint targets. It works by penetrating deep into the skin with intense pulses of light. Our CBL2 IPL system uses a series of filters, depending on the target and has a built-in cooling system to decrease the risk of burning and relieve pain. The target’s include melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair a particular colour) and haemoglobin (a protein in blood cells that can contribute to skin redness and red veins). It can also kill the bacteria in your hair follicles that cause acne.

When used in the treatment of red blood vessels or spider veins the light emitted from the IPL device is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the vessel. This causes a build-up of energy which turns to heat. The heat produced causes the vessel to constrict and eventually to be destroyed. It is then eliminated by the body. Likewise, this is also how it works to destroy pigmentation in freckles, pigmented lesions, sunspots, and other dark pigmentation on the skin. Sometimes the pigment gets darker and comes to the surface of the skin before eventually coming away leaving less pigmentation behind.

IPL’s core purpose in photo rejuvenation is to promote a more even and clear complexion while restoring the skin’s structure and stimulating collagen production to help the skin appear plumper, diminishing fine lines and rejuvenating the deeper layers of the skin after each treatment.

IPL is an excellent and highly sought after treatment that is used to even out blemishes and improve skin texture giving a smoother and more even appearance. It stimulates collagen regeneration and helps with multiple skin concerns at once including:

• Sun damaged skin
• Fine lines
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Telangiectasia
• Spider nevi
• Rosacea and angiomas
• Facial flushing and background redness
• Acne

Pigmentation and vascular conditions - a series of 3 to 5 treatments are recommended, spaced 4 weeks apart.

Acne – we recommend 6 treatments spaced 4 weekly initially, followed by maintenance treatments as required.

Collagen induction using our genesis toning pulse - we recommend a series of 6 treatments 4 weeks apart.

The exact number of treatments will depend on the nature and extent of the skin issues being treated. You will be able to see some improvement after each treatment.

The skin gradually appears finer and smoother in texture after each treatment with less visible pigmentation and vascular lesions creating a more even skin tone. The benefits of IPL occur gradually in the weeks after the treatment. Depending on your skin issues, we will advise you on the appropriate number of treatments to achieve the best results.

As with all treatments some of the conditions may recur. Rosacea and Acne typically require a maintenance programme. It is advisable to use a pigment serum along with daily SPF to further enhance results and help reduce further pigmentation.

IPL uses a light source that emits noncoherent light with a wavelength of 430–1200 nm. Very similar to laser treatment, the basic purpose of IPL is to cause selective thermal damage to a target, and most comparative studies have certified that IPL and lasers show similar effectiveness.

IPL treatment has been found to be superior to laser therapy because it uses wavelengths that can penetrate diverse levels of the skin and target both the epidermis and the dermis at the same time. The head piece of IPL is larger than most laser spots, and IPL has a millisecond-range pulse duration, which allows for agile treatment of large areas and reduces the risk of heat-related inflammation due to enhanced thermal diffusion.

You must avoid exfoliants including AHA’s, BHA’s and retinols for 5 to 7 days prior to treatment and tanning products for 2 weeks prior. Avoid prolonged sun exposure in the weeks leading up to treatment and use a broad-spectrum SPF daily. Avoid facial treatments including chemical peels, micro-needling and Botox or Xeomin for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and 4 weeks for dermal fillers and Profhilo.

We recommend everyone prep their skin with the Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus serum and use our PCA sheer tint daily.

Your eyes must always be protected when having an IPL treatment. Your practitioner will cover them with eye pads and/or dark glasses. A cool gel will be spread over the area of skin to be treated. The surface of the handpiece is placed against your skin, and you will be aware of the pulses of light flashing. You will feel a slight sting that will feel hot and as if a rubber band is being snapped against your skin.

The length of the treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated. A full-face treatment will usually take around 30 minutes, but we allow 45 minutes for the entire appointment. At the end of the treatment, a post laser cream and sunblock will be applied.

There is some discomfort associated with IPL, but everyone’s pain tolerances are different. The treatment is very quick, and any discomfort is short lasting in most cases. The CBL2 has a built-in cooling system that helps to minimise pain. People often describe it as feeling like a rubber band is being snapped against their skin, and there can be a mild stinging sensation that usually fades soon after. You will be aware of the pulses of light flashing, but we use eye shields or protective goggles to protect your eyes.

Before you leave the clinic, we will apply a post laser lotion and zinc based tinted sunscreen. Avoid hot baths and showers, swimming, saunas, and working around hot ovens for the next 24 hours. Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours and minimise time in the sun in the weeks following. Apply sunscreen to any treated skin that is exposed. Avoid retinols and exfoliants such as AHA’s and BHA’s for 5-7 days.

Your skin may look blotchy, red and a little swollen immediately after treatment and you may get some bruising. It is also common for the skin to feel tight or like you have a mild sunburn. Brown spots may seem a little more obvious for a few days, and you may have some crusting which should slough off in the next 7 to 10 days. Do not pick it. You can apply make-up that same day. A mineral make-up is best.  With successive treatments, the skin will become clearer with each treatment.

Because IPL is not an exact science, no guarantees or assurances can be made as to the outcome, However, based on experience, there is a strong likelihood of a positive result from the treatment and most side effects are mild and self-resolving with very little downtime.

Clinical results may vary depending on individual factors, including, but not limited to, medical history, skin sensitivity, amount of sun damage and redness in the skin, textural problems, compliance with pre/post-treatment instructions, and individual response to treatment.

Potential complications are rare and are not usually permanent, but can include, extensive swelling, hives, hyper or hypo pigmentation (darker or lighter patches of skin), skin infection, blistering and burning and very rarely scarring. Eye damage is possible without the use of protective eyewear. We make all patients wear protective eyewear during the treatment and ask that you keep your eyes closed, so the likelihood of this is very rare.

As we are a nurse led clinic with Dr oversight, we can have medications prescribed and use our medical knowledge to help manage any complications in the unlikely event that they occur. It is very important that you follow all pre and post care instructions including sun avoidance and prepping your skin using our medical grade skincare prior to treatment.

IPL is not suitable for those with darker skin types due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Please see our Tixel Resurfacing treatment or DermaFrac micro needling treatments instead which are suitable for all skin types. Below is a list of further contraindications:

• Melasma.
• Recently tanned skin.
• Keloid scarring.
• Those who suffer from PIH (Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
• Medical conditions such as Epilepsy.
• Certain medications such as Roaccutane (you will need to wait a minimum of six months after Roaccutane to commence treatments).
• Active skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal or bacterial or viral infections such as HSV.
• If you have any suspicious lesions in the area these will need to be cleared by a Dr first.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Recent or upcoming surgery on or near the treatment area.
• Use of tanning products in the treatment area in the past two weeks.
• Those with very sensitive skins, allergies or certain immune conditions may not be good candidates and we will need further information to determine suitability.

If you spend a lot of time outdoor over the summer months, it is strongly advised you delay treatments during this time. We top treatments over the warmer months when treating areas that have a lot of sun exposure such as the face.

IPL and laser are an advanced industry. The knowledge required to treat people is more advanced than people sometimes realise. There are huge variations in devices used and the training of operators in New Zealand, so it is vital that you go to a reputable clinic and to someone who has the qualifications and experience to perform the treatment. We are very transparent about this.

Our Registered Nurse and cosmetic nurse Jaime has over 13 years of experience working with IPL and has completed numerous training programmes over the years including her Laser Safety Certificate which she renews regularly. As we are a nurse led clinic with Dr oversight, this allows us to have medications prescribed and use our medical knowledge to help manage any complications in the unlikely event that they occur.

Our IPL machine is the CBL2 and was purchased from the reputable company Cryomed Aesthetics (aesthetic device supplier to Australia and New Zealand). The device is well maintained and serviced regularly.

IPL can help manage active acne and overactive sebaceous glands. It can significantly reduce the number and severity of active lesions. This in turn helps to lessen inflammation and the frequency of break outs. Typically most patients will do a course of treatments followed by maintenance treatments to maintain results. LED or red light therapy (see the Healite II) can assist with the inflammation and healing associated with acne and can be done as an add on treatment.

IPL photorejuvenation treatment can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with other services to further enhance your treatments and meet your aesthetic goals. A personalised treatment plan can be created at your cosmetic consultation. Treatments typically combined with IPL photorejuvenation include:

Medical grade skincare - prescribed for your individual skin care needs to improve skin health and quality improving the overall result of your treatments and aiding recovery time.

Botox and Xeomin (Anti-wrinkle injections) – to reduce muscle contraction and smooth out the overlying skin, softening lines, and wrinkles, and preventing the formation of deeper lines.

Profhilo (bioremodelling) - used to provide deep hydration and improve mild to moderate skin laxity. Profhilo also works well as a preventative treatment as it stimulates fibroblast cells to increase collagen and elastin formation and has been shown to preserve fat stem cells under the skin lost with aging. This is not a volumising product like dermal fillers.

Dermal Filler - to volumise areas that have lost volume over time and fill deeper lines where reduced muscle contraction is not recommended. Dermal filler is also used for definition, volumisation and hydration to the lips.

Tixel Resurfacing – Tixel is an energy-based skin resurfacing treatment used to reduce lines and wrinkles, improve pigmentation, skin texuture, scarring and stretchmarks including scarring from acne and in the treatment of active acne. Unlike other treatments it can be used safely around the delicate eye area, an otherwise difficult area to treat. Tixel bridges the gap between microneedling and fractional ablative laser, but with less downtime than laser.

DermaFrac (microneedling with serum infusion) - combines collagen induction therapy with needling, suction to aid in lymphatic drainage and serum infusion in a quick, low pain, low downtime, and effective treatment. Used to improve skin texture, hydration, brightness and reduce the appearance of pigmentation, dark spots and acne.