Treatment guide · Wilmslow

IPL pigmented-lesion treatment

Learn about IPL pigmented-lesion treatment 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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Pigmentation Treatment 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 IPL pigmented-lesion treatment.

Read more about IPL pigmented-lesion treatment Treatment details and clinical context

At Dr Sknn we use the Lynton Lumina which is a state-of-the-art Intense Pulsed Light System (IPL), which is also used by the NHS and private hospitals across the UK, to treat pigmented lesions safely and effectively on skin types I-IV. By emitting light in a specific wavelength ranges at Dr Sknn the pigmented lesions will absorb the light causing them to heat up. The heat will damage the cells containing melanin, while causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin, the damaged lesion turn darker and may crust, over the following weeks they gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original lesion.

The area treated will also improve the tone and appearance of skin while stimulating the natural production of collagen resulting in a firmer and more youthful looking skin

Some but not all pigmented lesions respond to IPL as such at Dr Sknn we provide a patient centered personalised tailor-made skincare regime that has a possible combination of 57 possible concentrations and 1159 possible combinations that have been dermatologically tested and are evidence based and contain no preservatives to tackle pigmented lesions unresponsive to IPL.

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 IPL work on Pigmented lesions?
At Dr Sknn by using IPL we utilize light energy, the pigmented lesions will absorb the light which causes them to heat up. The heat created damages the cells containing melanin. Following treatment, the lesion generally darkens and forms a thin micro-crust, peeling off within a week or so to leave the treated area without excess pigmentation. The excess pigmentation is removed through the normal skin function.
What are Ephelides (Freckles)?
Ephelides are small, discrete pale brown pigmented specks typically seen on sun exposed skin. They are most common in fair skinned individuals
What are Lentigines / Age Spots?
Age spots can occur due to over exposure to the sun, they are caused by overactive pigment cells and are usually present in areas mostly exposed to the sun have a history of sun exposure or sunburns, they occur commonly in adults over 50 however can be seen in younger individuals that have had overexposure to the sun, also the use of lamps and tanning beds can be a contribution factor.
What are Solar Lentigines?
A solar lentigo is a brown macule occurring as a result of UV (ultraviolet) damage, seen most commonly on the face and the backs of the hands. Multiple lesions are termed lentigines.
What are Seborrheic Keratoses?
Seborrheic Keratoses are benign, wart-like growths in the outer layer of skin. There may be just one lesion, although typically they occur in clusters. They are usually mid to dark brown but can vary in colour from light tan to black. They also vary in size from a few millimeters in diameter to larger than two centimeters.
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.
Are there any Side Effects with IPL?
Post treatment the skin may become red or have a grey colour while the damaged lesion turns darker and may crust, over the following weeks they gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original lesion. The treated area may feel warm for a few hours. Slight swelling may be experienced for up to 48 hours. There is a rare possibility of bruising, a small blister forming, temporary lightening or darkening of the skin. However prior to treatment an outline of all potential side effect and possible complications will be provided.
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?
Suitability is dependent on multiple factors however in general most people, men and women, are suitable for treatment, prior to treatment a consultation will be performed to assess suitability.
How does the Treatment feel?
Generally the sensations vary however it is described as a quick hot pin prick, as the treatment is mildly uncomfortable there is no need for anaesthesia.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of the lesion present however a typical session will take 15 to 45 minutes.
How many Treatments are required?
The required number of treatments varies on multiple factors such as the type and size of the lesion present, small lesions may clear in a single session however typically 1 to 3 treatments may be required to achieve optimal results. Treatments are spaced apart every 4 – 6 weeks. Maintenance treatment may be required as exposure to sunlight and use of fake tan will result in recurrence of lesions.
Every how long can I have a treatment session?
Depending on the wavelength targeted it is recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks in between treatment session however a plan will be discussed in detail during the consultation.
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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