IPL Treatment (Intense Pulsed Light Treatment)

You may experience skin sensitivity, mild discomfort or pain similar to a sunburn, or skin redness. In rare cases, some risks to IPL treatment include:

Scarring around the treated area

Eye damage from exposure to laser light (eye protection should always be used during treatment)

Permanent darkening or lightening of the skin

Burning or blistering

Always receive treatment from a qualified, experienced practitioner to ensure the correct method. It's also important to follow post-treatment instructions given by your practitioner to ensure optimal skin recovery.

Multiple factors affect the results and longevity of an IPL photofacial, including genetics, age and sun exposure. Generally speaking, with a good skincare routine and daily sun protection, you can expect results to last around six months to a year.

IPL treatments work on deeper layers of skin to activate the skin’s natural repair process, so it can take a week or more for visible changes. Although a singular session can provide results, it’s generally recommended that you have around 4-6 IPL session treatments spaced around four weeks apart (to allow the skin to recover). Further treatments depend on lifestyle and skincare habits, and should be decided on by consulting with your practitioner.

Immediately following IPL, you may experience a sunburn-like sensation for a few hours. Redness and swelling is also possible, and can last up to a week post-treatment. In addition, pigmented areas of the face can darken or scab over, but this will naturally shed within 7-10 days. These are all signs of the natural skin renewal process. Applying an ice pack on the treatment area can help with swelling or discomfort. If you notice more severe side effects, such as blistering or signs of infection, speak to your practitioner for monitoring and recommended treatment.

It’s important to note that reaction differs from person to person, depending on age, medical history and lifestyle, but IPL treatment generally has no downtime and you should be able to resume a normal lifestyle — excluding strenuous workouts and direct sun exposure — immediately after treatment.

An IPL treatment sends thermal heat energy to the lower layers of skin. This heat energy triggers a response that produces new collagen and causes existing collagen fibres to contract, all which accounts for the skin “tightening” you may notice following treatment.

Additionally, IPL breaks up concentrated pigment areas that cause uneven skin tone as we age. This addresses some of the skin concerns associated with ageing, which is why it may be recommended for anti-ageing treatment.

A fractional laser sends a single, concentrated energy source at one specific wavelength to an area being treated. Because it’s a single, concentrated light energy it can be used for treatments like tattoo removal that require a more powerful, localised laser. IPL treatment, on the other hand, sends a broad, “scattered” spectrum of light energy at varying wavelengths, making it more versatile and customisable, but less localised. As such, IPL works for more surface level pigmentation like freckles, dark spots and visible sun damage.

IPL is administered with a topical numbing or cooling cream to minimise discomfort. IPL treatment has been described as a “popping” sensation on the skin, somewhat akin to a rubber band snapping on the skin surface. This may be uncomfortable but it shouldn’t be intolerable. If you experience intense pain, communicate with your practitioner so appropriate measures are taken. The practitioner can reduce the energy output to minimise discomfort.

*Always consult your physician before undergoing this procedure.