IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Thread Vein and Dark Spot Pigmentation Treatments In Oxford

A New Generation In IPL Technology

The Etherea MX IPL:SQ is a new generation of IPL (Intense Pulse Light) that reduces and, in many cases, permanently removes unwanted skin irregularities such as thread veins and pigmentation spots.

IPL uses various light energy wavelengths to target certain colours (or chromophores), such as melanin in the skin and hair and oxyhaemoglobin within the blood vessels. When the light finds its target colour, the light is absorbed and turns to heat (similarly to a black car in the sun). When the target in the skin is heated, your body rejects the unwanted cells and removes blemishes, pigmentation or veins you don’t want. Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light, making it adaptable and effective at treating a variety of skin concerns.

Whilst IPL has been in dermatological use for many years, the technology continues to develop and improve. The Etherea MX employs the very latest technology in IPL application, with square pulsed light wavelengths and chilled tip skin cooling. This ensures that an IPL treatment with the Etherea MX IPL:SQ is safer, more comfortable, and provides a more effective treatment than with other IPL predecessors.

Thread Vein and Rosacea Treatment

*indvidual results may vary

Sun-Damaged Pigmentation Treatments

*indvidual results may vary

IPL Treatments | Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS An IPL TREATMENT LIKE?

You will be asked to wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment to protect your eyes from the very bright flash of light used during IPL. A cool ultrasound gel is applied to the skin first, which soothes the surface of the skin and allows for the conduction of the light energy. The handpiece is applied to the skin and delivers a shot of light energy into the skin. In certain areas, this can feel a little uncomfortable but is not generally described as painful. 

Is there anything I should not do before a treatment?

It is imperative that you do not have any sun exposure or tan on the treatment area, including fake or gradual tan, before an IPL treatment. Failure to ignore this could result is harm, injury, or even scarring of your skin. Wearing daily sunscreen throughout your treatment course is a condition of your treatment with us. Heliocare is one of the most effective sun protection products available and can be purchased through our online skincare store.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF IPL?

Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks that are associated with having an IPL treatment, however, most are mild in nature, such as pinkness to the skin for a few hours and a little sensitivity. You may also notice that any dyspigmentation in the skin appears darker, although this is temporary in nature and will be expelled by the skin over the following few days. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on these in more detail, before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our team expertise and experience mean that we are able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. You should plan your treatments around social events in case you do experience any effects that could affect your appearance, such as bruising of any vascular lesions or darkening of dyspigmentation. You will be given your practitioner's out-of-hours mobile telephone number, should you require any urgent advice.

How Many IPL treatments Will i Need?

The answer to this depends upon the concern being treated and the degree of correction required. Generally, you will require 3-6 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart.

WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?

The results of IPL can be noticeable within the first week after your first treatment, however, your final results become more evident following a series of treatments.

HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS Of IPL LAST?

Generally, the results attained are considered permanent and with a good skincare routine and sun protection, should remain so. However, the skin will change over time and new pigmentation or vascular lesions may develop and require additional treatments. Patients with Rosacea may find it beneficial to return for IPL on a regular basis for skin condition management.

Are there any post-care instructions For IPL?

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

-Avoid hot water, heat and saunas for 1 week following your IPL treatment.

-Avoid UV sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or above.

-Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to support your body in its regeneration. Below are some skin-boosting foods that may be useful:

• Water: Drinking 2 litres of water today helps flush post-treatment thermal injury toxins from building within the tissues and assists with healthy skin function and hydration.

• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables: As a natural consequence of inflammation from treatments, the body will temporarily produce higher levels of free radicals. You can help combat this and support oxidative balance by eating more antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, kale and other leafy green vegetables, along with fruits like strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

• Vitamin A-rich foods: Vitamin A is essential for epidermal (skin) growth, aiding in the reproduction and differentiation of cells. It’s also an immune-booster and anti-inflammatory nutrient. Vitamin A-rich foods include kale, spinach, beet greens and other leafy greens, carrots, and squash.

• Vitamin C-rich foods: While you may already know that vitamin C promotes the synthesis of collagen. During wound healing, it also plays an additional role in helping to stabilize the structure of collagen. And on top of this, vitamin C boosts your immune function, sending in special immune cells that can assist with the wound healing process. Vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, mustard spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I STOP HAVING TREATMENTS?

Each treatment is cumulative in effect, therefore it is advised to complete a course of treatments as advised by your practitioner in consultation. Once you have finished your course the results will likely be permanent with lifestyle changes such as wearing SPF daily, but more stubborn veins or pigment may need maintaining with treatments 1-2 times a year.