LASER - PIGMENTATION - IPL & AFT
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Technically it is not actually a laser, but it falls in a similar category and most people place it in the same bracket as laser treatments. Lasers emit 1 wavelength of light energy so they are able to focus on targeted areas while IPL emits a variety of wavelengths so can treat a variety of different issues in one treatment.
Our Harmony XL Pro system treats pigmentation using Advanced Fluorescent Technology which uses the light energy in a more efficient way than IPL does. It utilises those otherwise unused beams of energy to produce a more effective treatment. This means, even on lower settings you can see great results.
What can be treated?
IPL/AFT are very well known for treating pigmentation, but it can be used for much more. It is also used for Skin Rejuvenation, which is an extremely popular treatment for dull, lacklustre skin, as it can restore your skins radiance, resulting in healthy glow and smoother, clearer skin. It is an ideal solution for preventing signs of ageing, as it also stimulates Collagen and Elastin production which reduces superficial lines, wrinkles and plumps the skin.
Below is a list of concerns that can be treated by IPL/AFT:
• Pigmentation
• Sun-spots
• Age spots
• Rosacea and red veins
• Birthmarks
• Sun-damage
• Melasma
• Hair removal (we have a different machine specifically for this - see Soprano Ice Laser Hair Removal)
• Lacklustre skin
• Skin texture
• Superficial lines and wrinkles
How does it work?
IPL/AFT works by emitting a pulse of light energy at a particular wavelength. Your laser therapist will adjust the settings according to your concerns. Different concerns require different pulse widths (duration of the pulse) and different fluences (energy level).
When the handpiece is applied to the skin, the light energy emitted is absorbed by a target chromophore, in the case of Pigmentation this would be Melanin and in the case of Rosacea, this would be Haemoglobin (blood). These targeted chromophores heat up and then start to break down, then absorbed by the body and filtered out, minimising the look of the affected area and in some cases getting rid of it completely. It is very effective treatment, but there are some conditions that may be due to hormonal issues which may reoccur, for example, Melasma, which may be better treated with another hand piece. We can also combine with another hand piece to treat concerns like this.
What is the treatment like?
As with all the advanced facial/laser treatments we offer, we will cleanse and assess the skin using our skin scanner prior to treatment so that we are able to monitor your progress throughout your course.
You will be given appropriate eyewear and a cold ECG gel is then applied to the area to be treated. The gel helps to cool the area and provide some slip for the laser applicator if needed. When the IPL light is applied to the skin, you will feel a very quick hot zap, similar to the feel of an elastic band being snapped on the skin. We always do a patch test prior to make sure you know what to expect before going ahead with treatment, this also to provides us with an idea of which settings will be most efficient.
Is there any downtime?
IPL/AFT is a light and heat-based treatment which means that it can feel very warm during treatment. No anaesthetic cream is needed, but the warmth can last for a few minutes after the laser has been applied and there may be some redness in the treated and surrounding areas. The area cools down very quickly and we can apply an aloe vera gel after treatment to help with cooling if necessary. The hand piece also has an inbuilt cooling system which helps to make the treatment more comfortable.
You may have some downtime in the form of pigment darkening before the pigment breaks down and is removed. This usually lasts a few days and is entirely normal, in fact it is an end point that we may look for during treatment. Your laser therapist will make sure you are comfortable throughout your treatment.
How many treatments do I need?
Results can be seen after 1 treatment however we recommend a course of 3 treatments to start. Sometimes pigment may sit deeper in the skin than it first appears and if this is the case then you may need more sessions to get the best result.
We also recommend combining this treatment with another from the Harmony XL Pro platform to achieve the best results possible. For example, we have had great success managing Melasma with AFT and Clearlift combined.
Prices
Small Area - £90
Course of 3 - £210
Half Face - £130
Course of 3 - £330
Full Face - £180
Course of 3 - £480
Full Face & Décolletage - £250
Course of 3 - £660
Décolletage - £140
Course of 3 - £360
Hands - £100
Course of 3 - £240
Full Face, Hands & Décolletage - £350
Course of 3 - £960
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will get you booked in for a consultation with a Laser Specialist.