Light treatment for sun damage and redness
IPL (intense pulsed light) uses flashes of light to treat brown spots, sun damage, redness and small visible veins. The light is absorbed by the pigment in brown spots and by the blood in small vessels, while the skin around them is left alone.
Your treatment is given by one of our aesthetic doctors in a private suite at 9 Queen Anne Street, inside a CQC-registered hospital. We assess your skin first to check that IPL is suitable for you.
How it works
Intense pulsed light
The light turns to heat when it reaches pigment or small blood vessels. Brown spots darken and then fade as the body clears them, and small veins shrink and are gradually absorbed.
This is a medical device, not a home light therapy. It needs a skin assessment and a trained practitioner to use safely.
Aesthetic medicine
How the treatment works
We apply a cool gel and give you protective glasses. The handpiece is moved over your skin, giving short bright flashes. Each one feels like a quick snap of warmth, which most people find easy to tolerate.
You may have some redness and mild swelling for a few hours. Most people return to their normal routine the same day. You will need to protect your skin from the sun for at least four weeks.
Afterwards
What to expect afterwards
Brown spots usually darken over the next few days and then flake away, which is a normal part of the process. Small veins may look stronger for a short time before fading.
Some people need one session, and others need two or three, about four weeks apart. Results vary, and wearing sun protection helps them last.
Treatment areas
What IPL treats
Lumecca is an IPL device that can treat brown spots, redness and uneven skin tone on the face and body.
Sun damage and age spots
Flat brown sun spots build up on the face, chest, hands and arms after years in the sun. They often respond well to IPL, though results vary from person to person.
Redness and rosacea
IPL can reduce general redness and flushing on the face, including the small visible blood vessels that come with rosacea. It is a well-established treatment for this kind of redness.
Thread veins
Small thread veins on the face can be treated. The light shrinks the vessel, and the body gradually absorbs it.
Uneven tone and dullness
As well as treating spots and redness, IPL can encourage collagen and improve overall skin tone and texture.
Chest, hands and body
Sun damage and redness on the chest, hands, arms and neck can also be treated. We adjust the strength and spacing of sessions for these areas.
Aesthetic medicine
Is IPL right for me?
IPL suits fair to olive skin and most adults with brown spots or redness. It is not suitable if you are tanned, have very dark skin, or take medicines that make your skin sensitive to light.
You will see one of our doctors for an aesthetic consultation first. It costs £350, which is credited against your treatment. Book a consultation and your doctor will tell you whether IPL suits you.