What can I expect from IPL treatment?

Immediately following the treatment some redness will be visible and a mild heat or tingling sensation may develop. This will subside within 20 minutes to a few hours. Cooling of the skin may be necessary following your Pulsed Light treatment. An ice pack can be applied intermittently to ease temporary discomfort.

On average, 1-3 treatments are sufficient to achieve desired results, however, additional treatments may be required to further lighten complex pigmentation. After each treatment, visible improvements can be seen within a few days. We recommend spacing appointments 4 weeks apart, to allow the skin to fully recover from a treatment and to appreciate full results.

Am I a suitable candidate for IPL treatment?

Before having IPL, you will have to arrange a full body skin cancer check, that will need to be undertaken prior to any treatments.

You will require an initial skin analysis consultation prior to this treatment, which will take approximately one hour with one of our qualified Dermal Clinicians/Therapists.

During your consultation your Dermal Clinician/Therapist will:

• discuss your concerns with you
• examine and assess the health and current condition of your skin
• develop a personalised treatment plan including a tailored skin care regime designed to meet your specific concerns, lifestyle and budget
• provide an estimate of costs and time required to complete your treatment program.

To book your skin analysis consultation please call (02) 6282 1155. For further information, you can also email patientinfo@capsclinic.com.au

Learn more about the reasons why your My Genesis booking may need to be postponed.

Is there any preparation for IPL treatments?

This treatment is best done during the cooler months as sun exposure before and after treatment is not recommended. Learn more about the reasons why your My Genesis booking may need to be postponed.

Is there any post treatment care after IPL?

For an hour or two after the treatment, it will feel a little like sunburn. Ice packs or cool compresses can be used to ease any temporary heat related discomfort.

Post treatment instructions:

• Drink plenty of water for the rest of the day following treatment, due to possible dehydration.
• Avoid the use of astringents, perfumes, deodorants, scented lotions on the area until redness has subsided.
• Avoid the use of irritants in the area as well as skincare containing Vitamin A (retinol), Hydroxy Acids, talc based make up and other exfoliating products until redness has subsided. Your dermal clinician will recommend products to aid recovery.
• Avoid direct and constant sun exposure for 4 weeks following your procedure. It is also essential to apply sun block, particularly when outdoors, to minimise further sun damage and prevent the appearance of new spots.
• Avoid fake tans and solariums for the duration for your treatments.
• Ensure sun block is applied if participating in outdoor activities.
• Quick warm showers are recommended.
• Avoid activities that cause excessive perspiration as well as pools, spas and saunas for 48 hours post treatment.
• Avoid tight clothing in the treated area for 48 hours after your treatment.

What results can I expect from IPL?

After each treatment, visible improvements can be seen within a few days. Following treatment the pigment may darken and have the appearance of coffee grounds sprinkled on the skin. Over the coming weeks with the skins natural cell turnover, the pigment will slowly slough off revealing clearer brighter skin. We recommend spacing appointments 4 weeks apart, to allow the skin to fully recover from a treatment and to appreciate full results. On average, clients return to the clinic once a year for a maintenance treatment.

IPL treatment risks

• Some discomfort may be experienced during treatment. Pain may include the feeling of burning, stinging and radiating pain
• Short term erythema (Redness) and oedema (swelling) of the treated area is common and can last for a few hours to a few days. A hive-like reaction may occur with treatment of smaller vessels and resolves on average 4-5 days
• Purpura (bruising) can occur and resolves within 1-2 weeks
• Hair reduction may occur at treatment sites. This is usually temporary but may be permanent
• Laser and Pulsed Light procedures can result in redness, swelling, bruising, blistering, crusting, or flaking of the treated area, which may require one to three weeks to heal. Exposure to sunlight must be avoided 6-8 weeks pre and post treatment, this includes tanning beds. Skin infection is a rare possibility whenever a skin procedure is performed. Once the surface has healed, it may be pink or sensitive to the sun for an additional two to four weeks, or longer in some patients. Itching, Irritation and acne breakouts may also occur
• There is a slight possibility that the treated area can become either hypopigmented (lighter), or hyperpigmented (darker), in colour compared to the surrounding skin. This is usually temporary, but, on a rare occasion, it may be permanent
• Scarring is a rare occurrence, but it is a possibility if the skin’s surface is disrupted. To minimise the chances
  of scarring, it is IMPORTANT that you follow all pre and post-treatment instructions.
• Protective eyewear (shields) will be provided. It is important to keep these shields on at all times during the treatment in order to protect your eyes from accidental laser and pulsed light exposure
• Typically, the treated areas will darken and crusting or flaking will occur for 1 to 3 weeks after treatment.

What is the approximate price range for IPL at My Genesis?

Any area can be treated however the face, chest, shoulders, arms and hands are the most popular areas for treatment, as over the years they have typically had the most sun exposure. The cost ranges from $150 to $465 depending on the area being treated. Our Canberra Dermal Clinicians/Therapists will develop your treatment plan and discuss costs during your initial consultation.