Intense Pulsed Light offers a very effective treatment for pigmented marks such as age/liver spots and freckles that appear on the face and hands.

b) The pigmented skin darkens initially and renews over the next 5 days

c) The excess pigment can continue to fade for several weeks afterwards.

CASE STUDIES

Before Treatment                                           After One Treatment   Courtesy of Dr Conal Peret, Eden Clinic, Windsor

Treatment was performed on only the patients’ right hand   Courtesy of Dr. Ann Pickworth, Perth Laser Clinic

Prior to any treatment the qualified specialist will provide a full consultation. The consultation identifies your expectations and provides a complete explanation of the treatment. A medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment and if you wish to proceed a written informed consent is obtained and a test patch is performed to confirm there are no adverse skin reactions to the light.

TESTIMONIALS

“I’m extremely happy with the results, my skin also feels much smoother”

“After just one treatment the condition of my sun damaged skin has really improved. Fantastic!”

How do Intense Pulsed Light and Lasers work?

Intense pulsed light systems release precisely controlled very short pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by the melanin in freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The pigmented area absorbs the light and is heated, and is removed by skin renewal. Following treatment, the pigmented area turns darker and may crust. Over the following weeks the pigmented area will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark.

How is the treatment carried out?

You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. In Intense Pulsed Light treatments, a layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide light into the skin. The area may also be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled.

Am I suitable for treatment?

Yes, almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, large, dark, mottled or raised pigmentation cannot be treated and may need to be checked by a dermatologist. Not all pigmented lesions can be treated, large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. The pigmented marks that respond the best are superficial lesions such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles.

How does the treatment feel?

Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthesia is required. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very short hot pin prick.

What should I expect after the treatment?

The area will be tender for several days after treatment. After Intense Pulsed Light treatment the lesion will darken and may appear more obvious, but will gradually fade and 'flake' off over the following weeks. After laser treatment an initial whitening of the area is seen which quickly fades and the pigmentation will fade over the following few weeks. It is important that any crusts are not picked and the skin is allowed to heal naturally.

Is it safe?

The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister may form.

How long does each treatment take?

The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take 15 to 30 minutes.

How many treatments are necessary?