IPL Therapy

IPL therapy is generally safe when performed by trained professionals using appropriate equipment, however it’s not without risk. Burns, blistering, scarring, and skin pigmentation changes can occur from improper use, inappropriate or poorly maintained equipment, or patient ineligibility. If used carelessly near the eyes, or without appropriate protection, IPL can cause permanent eye damage.

Patients with certain conditions such as recent sunburn, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or a history of Herpes Simplex Virus are not suitable for IPL therapy. 

Seeking treatment from qualified and trained professionals is crucial to minimise these risks, as they can perform proper patient diagnosis and assessments, assess your skin’s biochemical response and select the appropriate wavelength, filter, and energy settings to safely and effectively address your specific needs.

Common IPL therapy side-effects include mild redness, tenderness, discomfort and swelling in the treated area which usually subsides within a few days. Patients can also experience a mild sunburn-like sensation after the procedure and the skin may also develop a crusty appearance. These side-effects are temporary and resolve quickly with appropriate aftercare including the application of sunscreen.

Less-common but more serious IPL complications include blistering and burns, scarring, pigmentation changes and infection – particularly if the skin barrier is compromised. If used carelessly near the eyes or without appropriate protection, IPL can cause permanent eye damage. In rare cases, IPL therapy can lead to increased hair growth in certain areas.

Key factors influencing the risk of more serious side-effects include the experience and qualifications of the person administering the treatment, and quality and cleanliness of equipment used. 

For these reasons, it is crucial to consult a qualified aesthetics professional, such as those at our Cosmetic Doctors clinics, before commencing any IPL treatments. 

IPL therapy can cause mild discomfort, with sensations described as a rubber band snapping against the skin, a light pinch, or sunburn feeling.  Often patients find it painless or experience very mild sensitivity. Discomfort levels vary by individual and treatment area.

At Cosmetic Doctors, our medical-grade IPL devices have integrated cooling systems and we apply a cooling gel to maximise your comfort throughout the treatment process.

IPL therapy has numerous skin rejuvenation benefits including addressing pigmentation issues by breaking down excess melanin; reducing redness and minimising the appearance of broken blood vessels and vascular lesions to provide a more even and balanced complexion; and improving overall skin texture, tone and tightness by stimulating collagen and elastin production. IPL therapy can also be used to treat mild to moderate acne and is a safe and effective long-term hair removal treatment if performed correctly.

Other benefits include its versatility in that IPL therapy can be used on various areas of the body such as the face, neck, chest, and hands, and can address multiple skin concerns in a single treatment.

The specific conditions being treated, such as pigmentation or redness, or fine lines and wrinkles, impacts how quickly you will see results. Initial results, typically visible in the first few days to 3 weeks, include reduced redness from conditions like rosacea, vascular lesions and damaged blood vessels, reduced pigmentation, and improved skin tone.

IPL therapy has a cumulative effect over time gradually increasing collagen and elastin production. Accordingly, the most significant and optimal results for certain conditions such as acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores typically appear over several weeks or even months. To achieve the best outcomes for more significant concerns it may be necessary to follow a periodic treatment plan, with sessions typically spaced a few weeks apart. 

At Cosmetic Doctors, we will discuss and agree a treatment plan tailored to your unique skin type, concerns and goals, keeping you fully informed at every stage of the process.