IPL for facial veins and redness
What is IPL?
IPL is a commonly used abbreviation for Intense Pulsed Light.
At Tristram Clinic Deborah uses Quantum® IPL to treat vascular concerns. This includes red veins on the face, neck and chest, and other vascular conditions like rosacea and spider naevi. IPL can also be used to treat pigmentation and for hair removal.
How does it work?
The IPL produces light of all wavelengths, and therefore colour. A filter is attached to remove the wavelengths not required for a specific treatment, as the machine is multipurpose. Once the desired filter is applied, the light is directed at its target colour, e.g., brown for melanin and red for blood vessels. When the light reaches its target, it is absorbed and converted into heat, effectively destroying the target cells. Wavelength also determines the depth of penetration – this is very superficial for pigment, slightly deeper for red vessels and deeper again for hair follicles.
When treating vascular lesions, i.e., anything red, the light travels through the skin without damaging it. This means normal skin care and make-up is appropriate immediately following a treatment.
Aftercare
Immediately after a treatment there will be variable redness in the areas treated, which can be severe. This lasts from 2 to 24 hours. Some degree of swelling is possible, especially for women, for a few days and up to one week afterwards. This varies from localised lumpiness around treated vessels, noticed when applying products the next day, to significant swelling and puffiness particularly around the eyes, lasting for several days. Swelling is dependent on skin type, intensity of treatment, number of pulses used and proximity to the eyes.
NOTE: Clients with rosacea are more likely to get significant redness and swelling, as there is already an active inflammatory process.
If there are freckles or brown spots in the area to be treated, some of the light will be absorbed by these and they will darken over the next few hours. Very fine scabs (similar to a minor scald) will develop. These flake off over the next two to seven days, taking some of the colour with them. Before treatment, Deborah will discuss whether you are uncomfortable about these being removed, and will adjust the treatment accordingly. When there are more brown freckles than red veins it is necessary to treat the freckles first, as all the light will be absorbed by these before reaching the red veins deeper in the skin.
Other side effects
There is also some chance of bruising after IPL for vascular lesions. The bruises are localised but can be very dark and difficult to hide with make-up. Certain areas of the face and/or types of lesions are more prone to bruising than others.
If it is inappropriate to have either swelling or bruising because of impending social commitments or work demands, this is taken in to account and settings adjusted accordingly. It may mean an extra 1 to 2 treatments overall, but does not detract from the end result. Treatments are done at 4 to 6 weekly intervals.
Sun protection
Sun protection is the most important after-care. If melanin producing cells are "upset" by the treatment and then the area is exposed to the sun, overproduction of melanin occurs resulting in brown marks. I recommend SPF30+ sunscreen is applied to treated areas for thirty days, regardless of weather or season. If someone is about to go on a beach holiday then it is best to postpone treatment. It is also inappropriate to treat sun-tanned skin at any time, so again treatment should be postponed for six weeks and SPF30+ sunscreen used during that time.
How many IPL treatments are required?
For vascular lesions, 2 to 5 IPL treatments are necessary. Do not budget on less than two or you will be disappointed. Skin that has generalised pinkness, with or without visible vessels, will need more treatments to improve than distinct veins. Different sized blood vessels are treated using different settings.
Cost
IPL treatments for vascular problems cost NZ$260 to $390 per session.
For small lesions or extremely minor treatments such as spider naevus on children, the cost is at the nurse's discretion. Generally there will be an initial charge and then no further costs after that, but this will be discussed at the time of the first consultation.
Safety
The Tristram Clinic's Quantum™ is considered a very predictable and effective IPL machine. Tristram Clinic therapists are registered nurses trained and experienced in the device. Because extreme heat is involved, the main risk is burning the skin, which can leave temporary or permanent pale or dark marks. The side effects and risk will be discussed more fully at the time of consultation and/or first treatment.
Patients are asked to sign a consent form prior to treatment, which outlines the side effects and risks. IPL can damage eyesight so shields are placed over the patient's eyes, and anyone accompanying them will be asked to wear safety goggles. It is therefore not suitable to take young children to your treatment.