Frequently asked questions
Does IPL get rid of HYPERpigmentation?
IPL is an excellent fast effective treatment for reducing the appearance of pigmentation concerns. Common pigmentation concerns treated are age spots, liver spots, brown spots, sun spots, brown marks on skin, red marks on skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), post-inflammatory Erythema (PIE), birthmarks, freckles and sun damage.
How long does it take for brown spots ON SKIN to fade after IPL?
The most common (and expected) side effect of treating pigmentation is an immediate darkening of the more superficial brown spots. This darkening of the pigmentation will flake off after about 7-14 days and lighten. Treatments are repeated until the pigmentation is gone. Clients usually find this process very satisfying.
Do brown spots come back after IPL PHOTO TREATMENT?
Brown spots that have been removed with IPL treatment may come back months or years later. This does not mean the treatment did not work, it may mean that the client had not been applying SPF every day which would trigger more melanin which is the pigment. Pregnancy, hormonal changes and medications may also cause pigment marks to appear or reappear. Hyperpigmentation can not be cured, it just needs to be managed with top-up maintenance treatments and or skincare.
Can IPL Treatments make brown spots worse?
Hyperpigmentation will get slightly darker post-treatment which is a good sign that the settings have been correct to lift the pigment (this is similar to tattoo removal). This is because the IPL breaks the pigment up and lifts it to the surface of the skin, where it gently flakes off. As long as a thorough consultation is done and medical history is recorded there is no risk of making dark spots worse long term. We definitely would not recommend this treatment to anyone with Melasma. If Melasma is present we recommend Obagi Medical Skincare to achieve the same results in a similar time scale.
DOES IPL GET RID OF HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Absolutely yes! We recommend 3 treatments however we can do up to 6 if the case is severe. This treatment is best done in winter so that there is no risk to sun exposure.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR BROWN SPOTS TO FADE AFTER IPL?
The most common (and expected) side effect of treating pigmentation is an immediate darkening of the more superficial brown spots. This darkening of the pigmentation will flake off after about 7-14 days and lighten. Treatments are repeated until the pigmentation is gone.
DO BROWN SPOTS COME BACK AFTER IPL TREATMENTS?
Brown spots that have been removed with IPL treatment may come back months or years later. This does not mean the treatment did not work, it may mean that the client had not been applying SPF every day which would trigger more melanin to be produced again. Pregnancy and hormonal changes induced by medications may also affect it pigmentation marks gradual return As with all treatments we always recommend top-up maintenance treatments annually.
Are you Suitable for IPL Laser Treatments?
Unfortunately, IPL Light treatments are not suitable for all skin types, its only suitable for Fitzpatrick 1-3. This is why we prescribe Obagi Medical Skin Care as an alternative. This means we can achieve all the amazing benefits of IPL with using prescription skincare. Results are seen in a similar time period of 14 weeks to transform your skin.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE IPL HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT?
You can have IPL once every 4 weeks. you will notice a difference after one treatment but we recommend 3 for significant improvements. You can have up to 6 treatments for more severe cases.
IS IT PERMANENT?
The is no cure for hyperpigmentation marks on the skin. They are there as skin cells are damaged for good. What we can do is manage the release of new pigment so that a client can live day to day with no evidence of brown marks with or without make up.
How does Intense Pulse Light Work?
The Intense Pulse Light (IPL) releases short pulses of light on to the skin. This light is absorbed by the pigmented areas such as freckles, sun spots or liver spots etc. Simply put… its a bit like wearing a blackk t shirt on a hot summer day. The black t shirt absorbs more light/heat than a white t shirt. This is why the darker cells get warmer and get treated and not the light cells.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Most people are suitable for treatment except for very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, raised hyperpigmentation cannot be treated and may need to be assessed by a Medical Advisor. Dark moles should not be treated nor would we advise IPL for melasma, this would be better suited to Obagi Medical Skin Care.
What does treatment feel like?
Treatment is mildly uncomfortable when the IPL Laser Light hits the skin, no numbing cream is required. On rare occasions a mild sunburn may be experienced afterwards with a little swelling. We recoomend to keep the area cool for the rest of the day.
What will I look like after treatment?
The skin may be slightly red and the pigment marks will darken and may appear more obvious before they fade away.
Are there any side effects from hyperpigmentation treatment?
Most people experience slight redness and possibly mild swelling post treatment which usually disappear within hours to a couple of days. Very rarely a small blister may form or temporary lightening or darkening of the skin can occur. We support you the whole way and you will be give written guidance on pre and post aftercare too.