How does IPL work?

The light energy emitted from the system is selectively absorbed by a target (pigment or haemoglobin in blood). Blood coagulates within a vein, eventually destroying the vessel and is later reabsorbed by your body. Pigment denatures from the surrounding cells, and is brought forward to the surface by the skins natural cell turnover where it is eventually shed.

Who can have IPL?

Due to the wavelength used by the IPL system, only light to medium skin types can be treated as darker skin types present a higher risk of being burnt. Patients who have a skin type that can tan quite easily must prepare their skin on pigment-inhibiting products to reduce the risk of burning. Your therapist will advise if you are a suitable candidate for IPL.

What types of concerns can be treated?

The Cutera Limelight can effectively treat diffuse redness, some small vessels on the face and décolletage, and particular types of pigmentation, such as freckles. These are all factors that contribute to an uneven skin tone.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on what your concern is, you can generally expect to have a course of 3 – 6 treatments of IPL. However, some patients experience effective results even after one treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening, temporary darkening of pigment, and local swelling of the skin. In some rare instances, blistering may occur.

When will I see results?

Pigment that has been treated will generally darken as a result of IPL. You can expect to see pigmentation “flake off” in a time period between 5 – 14 days post-treatment. Treatment for redness can take up to 2 weeks to reduce.

Who will perform my treatment?

IPL can be performed by a trained and licensed Dermal therapist or Doctor.