Treatment guide · Wilmslow

IllumiFacial - Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Learn about IllumiFacial - Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) at Dr Sknn, including suitability, treatment planning, the procedure, recovery, material risks, aftercare and frequently asked questions. Your clinician will confirm whether this treatment—or another treatment—is appropriate for you.

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IllumiFacial before and after result at Dr Sknn
Treatment planning

What treatment planning should establish.

These four points support treatment planning. The detailed guide below covers this treatment.

Dr Eddie Shaffu, Medical Lead at Dr Sknn
Dr Eddie Shaffu Medical Lead · Dr Sknn
The treatment explained

About IllumiFacial - Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).

Read more about IllumiFacial - Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment details and clinical context

Due to lifestyle factors and sun damage many people start to suffer from premature ageing which starts from their early thirties. Sun damage can result in lines and wrinkles accompanied with dull, rough skin with enlarged pores, along side mottled skin tone and areas of abnormal pigmentation.

At Dr Sknn we use the Lynton Lumina which is a state-of-the-art Intense Pulsed Light System, which is also used by the NHS and private hospitals across the UK, with specific hand pieces in order to address premature ageing in skin types I-IV by promoting fibroblast activity and subtly restructure collagen within the skin.

Many people from their early-thirties onwards suffer from premature aging largely due to sun-damage and other lifestyle factors. This sun damage often results in dull, rough skin, with enlarged pores and lines and wrinkles. Mottled skin tone and areas of abnormal pigmentation, along with vascular irregularities such as telangiectasias, are also common.

A consultation may conclude that a different treatment—or no treatment—is the safest and most appropriate recommendation.
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What to expect

Before, during and after your treatment.

Your exact experience and recovery are individual. Your clinician will explain what applies to you.

01 · Before Who is unsuitable for the treatment?

Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment Individuals with a Sun tan (up to 4 weeks followingexposure) or use of sun beds (up to 4 weeks following exposure) or fake tan(minimum of 10 days delay) or any other tanning products (minimum of 10 daysdelay) Individuals with Cancer, including any history of malignantmelanoma. Pregnancy or breastfeeding

02 · During A measured, individual route.

If treatment is suitable, the approach and expected course are selected for your anatomy, skin or hair and goals. The safest recommendation may be a staged plan, another treatment or no treatment.

03 · After What should I expect after the Treatment?

Post treatment the area will be cooled and a Soothe Serum will be applied to further cool the area, provide antibacterial effects reduce irritation while stimulating cell regeneration for faster recovery, you should use sun-block and avoid any sun exposure on the treated area for 2 weeks in addition to avoiding perfumed protects, hot baths, hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms for 48 hours. Results are not immediately visible. Following treatment, the damaged lesions turn darker and may crust, over the following weeks they will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original lesion.

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Questions before booking

Frequently asked questions.

Preparation, treatment, recovery, suitability and aftercare guidance to support your consultation.

How Does the IllumiFacial Work?
Dead Skin Cells & IPL Penetration: Dead skin cells on the surface can have pockets of air between them. These pockets reflect light and can reduce the penetration of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments. Lynton Tri-Fruit Acid Peel: Purpose: This peel effectively removes dead skin cells and the pockets of air. Lynton 650 IPL: Purpose: After removing the superficial barriers, the Lynton 650 IPL is more effectively absorbed within the dermis. Result: It enhances skin texture by inducing mild erythema and causing reversible damage to the collagen network. Lynton 585 IPL: Purpose: This can be applied subsequently to 'spot treat' individual areas showing broken thread vessels and pigmentation. Alternative Use: When used on lower settings, it can serve as a full-face treatment, potentially in place of the 650 IPL.
What should I expect after the Treatment?
Post treatment the area will be cooled and a Soothe Serum will be applied to further cool the area, provide antibacterial effects reduce irritation while stimulating cell regeneration for faster recovery, you should use sun-block and avoid any sun exposure on the treated area for 2 weeks in addition to avoiding perfumed protects, hot baths, hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms for 48 hours. Results are not immediately visible. Following treatment, the damaged lesions turn darker and may crust, over the following weeks they will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original lesion.
How can I maintain my results?
First and foremost the avoidance of lifestyle factors and sun exposure in addition to using sun protection factor will prolong the results and reduce further age and sun related ageing. By utilising skin care regimes – by performing a skin analysis at Dr Sknn we are able to provide you with a patient-centered personalised tailor-made skincare regime that has a possible combinations of 57 possible concentrations and 1159 possible combinations to maintain results Maintenance Sessions
Are there any Side Effects with IPL?
The illumiFacial is a completely non-invasive treatment, using safe, medical-grade equipment to minimise side effects. Your skin may be red and slightly swollen immediately after treatment, but this will subside very quickly. You may also have some patches of dry skin and in very rare cases, a small blister can form with some temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. However, most people experience absolutely no side effects and any reactions usually disappear within a few hours, leaving the skin feeling and looking radiant.
Who is unsuitable for the treatment?
Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment Individuals with a Sun tan (up to 4 weeks followingexposure) or use of sun beds (up to 4 weeks following exposure) or fake tan(minimum of 10 days delay) or any other tanning products (minimum of 10 daysdelay) Individuals with Cancer, including any history of malignantmelanoma. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Who is suitable for the treatment?
Treatment is perfect for anyone whose skin exhibits congestion, discolouration and visible signs of ageing, however, a full consultation is carried out prior to treatment to ascertain your suitability and individual treatment needs. A full treatment plan will then be tailored to treat your specific concerns, all aiming to improve the appearance, feel and health of your skin.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The length of each treatment session is typically 60 minutes.
How many Treatments are required?
In order to achieve optimal results a course of two to four treatments is recommended however less may be required depending on your initial consultation.
Every how long can I have a treatment session?
Depending on the wavelength targeted it is recommended to wait 4 weeks in between treatment session however a plan will be discussed in detail during the consultation.
How does the Treatment feel?
illumiFacial is a very quick, comfortable treatment which is designed to provide you with ‘optimum skin health’. Some people will feel a slight tingling sensation when the fruit peel is first applied, but it very quickly subsides. The IPL aspect of this treatment can sometimes be mildly uncomfortable - most people describe the discomfort as feel- ing like a ‘quick pinprick’ and ‘warm feeling’, which is very tolerable.
Is there any downtime following treatment?
The treated area may feel warm for a few hours. Slight swelling may be experienced for up to 48 hours along side redness. There is a rare possibility of bruising, a small blister forming, temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. Hair loss may occur in the treated area such as the beard.
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