Contraindications to treatment.

• Recent sun exposure if the skin has been altered in any way (at least 4 weeks of no sun exposure prior to and after treatment)

• light-sensitive medications (and there are a lot of them including medications like Roaccutane, St. Johns Wort or ibuprofen)  

• any active cold sores in the area for treatment.  

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• Metal implants under the tissue to be treated

• Diseases stimulated by light ie., Lupus, Porphyria, Epilepsy (although if Epilepsy is not light-induced a doctors letter will allow us to proceed)

• Active skin infection in the area i.e. psoriasis, eczema (Dr's clearance)

• Skin disorders i.e. keloids, abnormal wound healing

• History of bleeding disorders/use of anticoagulants or blood-thinning medication

• Varicose veins in the treatment area

• Sunbeds, spray tans and self-tanning products if less than 2 weeks

• Current history of skin cancer/other cancer/premalignant moles

• Topical medications like hydrocortisone.

There are other "cautions" where we will need a doctors certificate to proceed and this can be discussed at the time of consultation.

 

How does it work?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for hair removal or pigmentation treatment is attracted to melanin, the pigment (colour) found in the hair and skin. For vascular treatment, it attracts to the blood (haemoglobin) and in acne to the P-Bacteria that causes acne.

 

What happens during the treatment?

Your eyes will be covered with goggles/eye pillow or glasses, a cool gel will be applied to the area to help keep the skin cool during the treatment. A flash of light is then applied to the skin area.  Many say it feels like a flick of a hot rubber band, the sensation is slightly warm or a very comfortable tingle.

 

What do I need to do before treatment?

• Ideally, avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to treatment.

• Always use a 30+ sunblock.

• Solariums, spray tans and instant tan products must also be avoided in the area to be treated a minimum 2 weeks.

• Discontinue waxing, sugaring, tweezing, electrolysis and depilatory creams on the area to be treated one month before your appointment.

• Shave or clip the hair to ‘5 o’clock shadow’ length (1-2mm) if your hair is thick as best results are achieved with this length of hair. If your hair is fine and space do not do anything.

 

What can I expect after the treatment?

This is a heat treatment so you may have some slight swelling, not from infection but because of the absorption of heat - this is normal. Most people will have no discomfort at all after treatment, but in rare cases, there may be some redness or a slight sunburn sensation in the treated area, which should ease within a couple of hours (usually within 15 minutes).

Some people may experience some itchiness and goosebump effect (this can be due to a histamine reaction and this is normal too). 

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What should I avoid following the treatment?

• Do not go swimming, use a jacuzzi, sauna or hot spa pool until any redness has settled.

• Do not cause any friction to the treated area this includes intensive exercise or running.

• Avoid extremely warm shower immediately after the treatment.

• It can take anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks for the hairs to shed (do not pull these out).

• Do not remove the hairs from the root by tweezing, waxing, sugaring or electrolysis in between treatments - this is essential to a good outcome!

• Mineral Makeup (Chemical free) can be applied after treatment.

• Exfoliate the area one week after treatment.