Pigmented Lesion Removal Using Intense Pulsed Light
A Fast and effective treatment for the removal of sun spots and liver spots
- How does Intense Pulsed Light work?
- How is the treatment carried out?
- Am I suitable for treatment?
- How does the treatment feel?
- What should I expect after the treatment?
- Are there any side effects?
- How long does each treatment take?
- How many treatments are necessary?
- Consultation Procedure
- Pics before - after. IPL: Pigmented Lesion Removal
How does Intense Pulsed Light work? (Top)
Intense pulsed light Systems release precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the melanin in freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The pigmented area absorbs the light and is heated, and is removed by skin renewal. Following treatment, the pigmented area turns darker and may crust. Over the following weeks the pigmented area will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark (Top).à
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How is the treatment carried out? (Top)
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide light into the skin. The area may also be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighboring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area moisturized (Top).
Am I suitable for treatment? (Top)
Yes, almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, not all pigmented lesions can be treated. Large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. The pigmented marks that respond the best are superficial lesions such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles (Top).
How does the treatment feel? (Top)
Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anesthesia is required. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very short hot pin prick (Top).
What should I expect after the treatment?(Top)
Redness and a slight warming sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. The lesions will darken after treatment and may appear more obvious at first, but gradually the marks will 'flake' away (Top).
Continued sun exposure may result in recurrence of the original mark and sunscreen should be used to prevent this happening (Top).
Are there any side effects? (Top)
The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days (Top).
How long does each treatment take? (Top)
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take 15 to 30 minutes (Top).
How many treatments are necessary? (Top)
The length and number of treatments will depend on the type and size of pigmented mark present, but typically 1-3 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 4 to 6 weeks (Top).
Consultation Procedure (Top)
Prior to any treatment we will provide a full consultation. The consultation identifies your expectations and provides a complete explanation of the treatment.
A medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment and if you wish to proceed a written informed consent is obtained and a test patch is performed to confirm there are no adverse skin reactions to the light (Top).
Pics before - after. IPL: Pigmented Lesion Removal |
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Before Treatment |
After One Treatment |
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4 weeks after one treatment (right hand only) |
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