What is IPL -Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?

IPL is a non invasive medical technology that uses light therapy for permanent hair reduction, eliminating age spots, sun spots, freckles and other unsightly discolourations of the skin, superficial capillaries, port wine stains and other benign vascular lesions. It is also particularly effective for a high percentage of people with rosacea.

How does IPL work?

The treatment is applied by placing a hand-held treatment unit on your skin. This generates an intense pulse of light into the skin which is absorbed by elements with colour in the skin. The IPL also eliminates hair, employing a method known as selective photothermolysis. This involves disabling hair growth mechanisms by raising the temperature of the hair follicle high enough to damage the follicles germinative cells without damaging the skin and surrounding surface.

The chromophores include melanin- brown (in pigmented areas) and haemosiderin- red (in blood vessels). Once the photons from the light hit the chromophore it turns to heat energy, destroying these abnormal areas, but leaving the healthy skin unscathed.

What can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light systems  IPL?

Little Escapes offers a range of cost effective and professional treatments including:-

• Permanent Hair Reduction
• Reduction of pigmented lesions (sun spots)
• Reduction of vascular lesions
• Skin rejuvenation
• Acne treatment

Who is suitable for IPL?

Most people may be treated with IPL; however your doctor should determine if your condition is suitable for IPL treatments. People with dark skin types, are more prone to risk of hypo and hyperpigmentation, and therefore may not be suitable candidates.

Do Intense Pulsed Light Treatments hurt?

You may feel a slight pinch such as that of a snap of a rubber band, but no local anaesthesia or pain medication is required.

With hair removal, the level of pain reduces with each treatment as there is less hair to treat.

With pigmentation treatments, again the level of pain reduces with each treatment as the amount of pigment is reduced.

Are there any side effects from Intense Pulsed Light treatments?

You may experience some short-term effects. This may include slight redening of the skin or local swelling which goes away within a few hours.

Is there any down time or restrictions on activity after IPL?

You can return to work the same day and resume all regular activities. Treated areas must be kept protected from the sun for six weeks after treatment.

How many IPL treatments are required?

Permanent Hair Reduction - 6 to 8 treatments

Reduction of pigmented lesions (sun spots) – 2-4 treatments

Reduction of vascular lesions - up to 4 treatments

Skin rejuvenation - 4 - 6 treatments are recommended

Acne treatment - up to 4 treatments

Why do I need so many treatments?

Light is used to gently remove unwanted hair for long-lasting results. The light targets the pigment in the hair follicle in its active cycle and in a fraction of a second, all of the treated growing hair follicles are destroyed so that no more hairs are produced. The result is smoother, younger-looking skin. Because not every hair follicle will be in the active cycle (Anagen phase- see picture below) at the time of your treatment, you’ll need more than one treatment to ensure optimum results.

Because hair growth is not synchronised – with different hairs at different stages in the growth cycle, we recommend a minimum program of 6 to 8 treatments. More or less treatments may be required depending on your skin type, hair type, ethnicity, hormone levels and medication. At your free consultation, your therapist will tailor a treatment program to suit your individual needs. We won’t make any false promises: if our treatments are not right for you, we’ll tell you.

Permanent Hair Reduction

Little Escapes offers permanent hair reduction. This means that in most cases the majority of hair will not return after a short series of treatment. This course of treatment varies from person to person, but will usually be about 6 - 8 regular sessions possibly about a month to three months apart.

The hair that is going to disappear for good will usually stop growing within this initial course, with any residual hair growth being finer, softer, lighter in colour and regrowing at a dramatically slower rate. This residual hair growth can be left alone, or you can have occasional maintenance treatments, which can vary from a few months apart to once a year.

The degree of hair loss and the time taken to get results will vary from person to person as there are many factors that can influence hair growth.

For maximum results you need to follow the initial course regularly as recommended by your therapist.

Pigmentation Treatment

Little Escapes offers a treatment to reduce the colour of pigmented lesions caused by sun damage, using Intense Pulsed Light technology.

A doctor's letter confirming that no skin cancers are present is required before commencing treatment.

One treatment is often enough to see stunning results, but 2 or 3 may be needed for optimal results. Treatments are performed at 4 to 6 weekly intervals. Results will vary. Not all pigmentation will fade.

Sun damage typically seen on backs of hands, forearms, decolletage and face will respond well.

We recommend you avoid sun exposure and solariums on the treatment area for at least 6 weeks pre and post treatment. At all other times use a 30+ sun block.

 

Vascular Treatments

Little Escapes offers a treatment which will reduce facial vascular blemishes like the fine thread-like vessels found on cheeks and around the nose. Also general diffuse redness can be significantly reduced.

Results will vary, occasionally minimal results may be obtained, but most people will see a significant improvement in the condition.

Often at least 4 sessions are needed in an area to obtain optimal results. Treatments should be 4 to 6 weeks apart. You may need to come into the clinic for periodic assessment between treatments.

Treatment of the full face is usually performed in stages rather than the whole face in a single session. Your technician will advise on how to best treat the area.

We recommend you avoid sun exposure and solariums on the treatment area for at least 6 weeks pre and post treatment. At all other times use a 30+ sun block.

Rejuvenation Treatment

Little Escapes offers an anti-aging treatment which will improve skin tone, texture, refine and refresh the skin by increasing the production of collagen in the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften. Also general diffuse redness can be reduced.

Results will vary, but most people will see a significant improvement in skin condition, especially if they combine treatment with Vitamin A, C, E and anti-oxidant skin care and supplements.

Often at least 4 sessions are needed in an area to obtain optimal results.

Treatments should be approximately 4 weeks apart.

We recommend you avoid sun exposure and solariums on the treatment area for at least 6 weeks pre and post treatment. At all other times use a 30+ sun block.

Acne Treatments

Little Escapes are able to offer an acne management program for clients.

Results will vary, but most people will see a significant improvement in skin condition, especially if they combine treatment with Vitamin A, C, E and anti-oxidant skin care and supplements, along with appropriate acne skin products.

A series of regular treatments are needed in an area to obtain optimal results along with peels and other associated treatments as advised by your therapist.

Treatments should be approximately 1 or 2 weeks apart.

We recommend you avoid sun exposure and solariums on the treatment area for at least 6 weeks pre and post treatment. At all other times use a 30+ sun block.