I.P.L. treatment of Rosacea

What does IPL mean?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. The machine contains a flash lamp, this is an extremely bright light source. The shorter dangerous wavelengths are filtered out. A computer is used to set the length of the flash and calibrate the machine. IPL is used to treat a wide variety of conditions apart from Rosacea such as red birthmarks, pigmented skin lesions, thread veins and unwanted hair. There are several different manufacturers of IPL machines, all with different names. We use a Vasculight Quantum machine manufactured by Lumenis. This is an improvement on their earlier Photoderm machine.

What is Photorejuvenation?

Photorejuvenation is the process of using light to treat facial redness and flushing from rosacea and discoloration from aging and sun damage. Treatments result in consistent, visible improvement of the skin with no downtime, little discomfort, and minimal risk.

How does it work?

It is believed that the IPL has two actions that help in Rosacea. Firstly red thread veins absorb the light energy, this makes them hot. This damage encourages the body to reabsorb them, improving the appearance. Secondly the light energy warms the collagen fibres in the skin this stimulates new collagen and collagen remodeling, this improves the support of the small blood vessels which helps to delay the development of more thread veins.

What are treatments like?

A treatment generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may appear more visible. Brown spots may appear darker, but these disappear gradually in a matter of hours.

What areas can be treated?

Treatments can be applied on any part of the skin, but are especially effective in improving the appearance of the face, neck, chest, and hands.

How soon will I see results?

After your first treatment, your skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone. Best results are achieved after 4 or 5 treatments, depending on the condition of your skin.

Who should GET the IPL treatment?

  • People who suffer from rosacea and experience flushing and redness of their skin.
  • People with early aging changes and sun damage who want to recover the youthful glow of their skin.
  • People who do not want to take the time off to heal from laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

Who should not use this service?

Patients with light sensitivity should not have IPL treatment. Its effects during pregnancy are unknown and it is safer to avoid the treatment when pregnant. You should not have IPL treatment if you have any suntan however mild. You should not have IPL treatment whilst taking Accutane (Isotretinoin) or for 12 months afterwards.

Alternate procedures

The inflammatory part of rosacea causes spots, these should be treated with antibiotics, either by rubbing them on as a lotion or taking them by mouth as tablets. If the inflammatory type of rosacea is left untreated it will cause more thread veins. Lasers can be used for treating the thread veins and these are an alternative to IPL. The pulse dye laser has been used for many years for facial thread veins, it leaves dark bruises for a week or two. We have a pulsed dye laser in the department. The KTP laser is also used this leaves less bruising but there is a slightly increased risk of scarring.

*Individual results may vary.