Intense pulsed light
Treatment Time
Numbing
Discomfort
Recovery Time
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a versatile light-based treatment used to treat unwanted hair, vascular lesions (red lesions), selected pigmented lesions (brown lesions) and skin rejuvenation treatments. It is also be known as photorejuvenation. At our clinic, we have different types of IPLs, including the Ellipse Nordlys and Cutera Xeo Limelight.
You will consult with our dermatologist who will review the lesion or area to be treated and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. If this is IPL treatment, most patients are able to have their first treatment on the same day. Numbing cream is often applied 1 hour before treatment, with treatment time averaging 15-45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Before your treatment, avoid sun exposure and fake tanning products for a minimum of 2 weeks. Wear no make up on the day.
Immediately after treatment, you’ll be given an ice pack to apply to the treated area, which will soothe the skin and help reduce swelling. It’s recommended that ice packs be applied for up to 10 minutes, every hour or two, for the rest of the day of treatment. The treated area may be slightly red and swollen for 1-2 days. If your face has been treated it is recommended to sleep with your head elevated on the first night. You may bathe, wear make-up and shave as normal. Alcohol and strenuous activity should be avoided for the rest of the day. Pigmented areas may darken for 7-10 days. We recommend applying SPF50+ sunscreen before leaving the clinic, and cover treated areas with a hat or clothing when in the sun.
- Reduces red lesions, such as rosacea, angioma and Poikiloderma of Civatte, port wine stains
- Reduces brown lesions like freckles and lentigines
- Can treat dyschromia and sun damage
- Can improve texture and tone of the skin
What does IPL treatment feel like?
The sensation of the laser varies from patient to patient and also on the area being treated. For most patients, it feels like being flicked with an elastic band. Along with numbing cream, oral analgesia can also be taken. Our goal is that patients feel minimal discomfort during treatment.
What is the cost of IPL treatment?
The cost of your treatment is dependent on the area being treated, but prices start at $550. Multiple treatments are commonly recommended.
What are the possible risks of IPL treatment?
As with any treatment, some risk does exist, and can include:
- Post treatment discomfort, much like the sensation of a mild sunburn tingle, redness and oedema (swelling) are not uncommon. This is normal and temporary.
- Hypo-pigmentation (fading of the colour of skin). This is very uncommon.
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the colour of the skin). May occur in darker skin types. The dermatologist will consider whether this is a risk for your skin during your consult.
- Purpura (bruising). Uncommon, and will fade like any bruise, lasting up to 10 days.
- Blisters. Very uncommon.
- Infection. Very rare.
- Scarring. Extremely rare
- Temporary stripes (rectangles of paler treated areas, with untreated areas in between) can occur after the first treatment. These gaps between treated areas are necessary as it is important not to overlap treated areas for safety reasons. These stripes will be completely removed with the next treatment, four weeks later.
Who is this treatment not recommended for?
This treatment is not generally suitable for patients with very dark skin types.
Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
Other Treatments
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