What is the treatment for?
Depending on the filter and setting, IPL can target pigment or blood vessels. After examination, it may be considered for pigmented areas such as sun lentigines, or for redness caused by visible vessels or rosacea. Fees differ for pigmentation and redness because they require different treatment approaches.
For selected vessels or spots, the Nd:YAG of the Clarity II may also be proposed. The choice between IPL and Nd:YAG is made on examination, according to the lesion and the skin.
For active acne or rosacea, a combination with the ProDeep laser is often proposed: IPL on redness and visible inflammation, ProDeep on texture and skin quality. The indication and pacing are clarified in consultation.
A suspicious lesion, one that changes, bleeds or does not look like a lentigo, is not treated with IPL without prior medical advice.
Who is it for?
For someone whose spots or redness match an IPL indication, with no recent tan and no suspicious lesion. Phototype influences the pigment risk.
Pregnancy, certain photosensitising medications and planned sun exposure may lead to postponing the procedure.
Areas concerned
Possible areas include isolated spots, the cheeks or full face; the sides of the nose and other areas of rosacea-type redness; and ruby spots or angiomas after examination. For sun spots, the hands and décolletage may also be treated when appropriate.
How a session generally unfolds
After examination, the skin is cleaned, a gel is applied and the eyes are protected. The area is treated flash by flash. A sensation of heat or of a rubber-band snap is common.
For an isolated spot, one session can sometimes be enough. For numerous spots or redness, several sessions are often useful. The number depends on the response and is not promised.
What kind of result
A gradual fading is sought. Complete disappearance cannot be guaranteed. Some spots or areas of redness respond better than others, and a spot may return with renewed sun exposure.
How it changes over time
Treated spots may temporarily darken, then shed as fine crusts or flaking after a few days before lightening. They must not be picked. The immediate redness generally fades within a few hours to a few days.
Possible after-effects
Redness, mild swelling, small crusts, and a risk of pigmentation if the sun is not avoided. More rarely, a superficial burn or a pale mark. Report any unusual reaction.
General precautions
Do not tan before or after sessions. Use strict sun protection and avoid sun exposure while the skin heals. Stop irritating cosmetics if advised.
Questions
Does IPL erase all spots?
No. Some fade, others little. An atypical lesion must be diagnosed before any aesthetic procedure.
Can it be combined with ProDeep?
Yes. For active acne or rosacea, an IPL and ProDeep combination is often discussed. It is not systematic: the plan depends on examination.
Why does the spot darken after the session?
It is a common reaction: the spot darkens, then gradually sheds. It must not be picked off. If it does not change or if its look worries you, contact the practice.
Prices
Prices are indicative. The treatment plan and exact quote are confirmed during consultation, according to the clinical indication.