M22 Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL Skin Treatments
IPL therapy is a versatile treatment for a range of aesthetic issues. It is particularly useful for improving the appearance of photoaged skin, through a process called photorejuvenation, leaving the skin looking less sun-damaged, and more youthful.
IPL can remove brown age spots (sun-induced freckles/solar lentigines/ “liver spots”) and redness caused by broken capillaries.
IPL is ideal for patients with active lifestyles. It has minimal downtime and has a low risk of side effects. The gentle, non-ablative treatments can quickly, and safely improve the appearance of the sun-damaged face, chest, neck and hands—virtually anywhere that sun damage shows.
What is IPL, and how does it work?
The IPL machine generates a powerful broad spectrum of light, in the visible and near infrared range. Cut-off filters in the handpiece change the wavelength range allowing it to be optimized for different applications and skin types. The light energy is transmitted through the handpiece that is gently applied to the skin. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by the target, selectively damaging the target. The target may be blood in blood vessels (when treating vascular/red lesions), or melanin (when treating brown/pigmented lesions). The body’s natural processes then clears the lesion debris, giving the skin looking more even and youthful.
Why Toowong Dermatology?
At Toowong Dermatology, we use the top of the line technology. The M22 is made by Lumenis, who invented, advanced and perfected the IPL. Their long history in IPL technology ensures optimal efficacy, safety, and consistency. The Optimal Pulse Technology helps provides reproducible results as well as gentler, safer and more comfortable treatments.
Of course great technology still needs the right operator. Our dermatologists are medical specialists in all aspects of the skin. They are highly skilled in assessing patient and lesion characteristics, choosing the appropriate treatment modality (which may or may not be IPL) and treatment parameters.
What does it involve?
The IPL treatment is an office-based treatment. Depending on the area being treated, it usually takes about 20 minutes. Treatment comfort can be further improved with prior application of a local anaesthetic cream, and the use of cold sprays during treatment.
For full-face treatments, or for individual brown lesions, usually two treatments sessions are ideal. Areas such as the chest usually require three to four sessions (at 3-4 week intervals) to achieve best results, and ensure the treated areas is blended well into the surrounding skin.