Treatment guide · Wilmslow

IPL vascular-lesion treatment

Learn about IPL vascular-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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Vascular & Thread Vein 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 vascular-lesion treatment.

Read more about IPL vascular-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 Vascular lesions safely and effectively on skin types I-IV. By emitting light in a specific wavelength ranges at Dr Sknn we target absorption peaks in haemoglobin and oxy-haemoglobin resulting in being able to treat vascular lesions at different sizes and at different depths while causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment the damaged vessels are absorbed by the body and little or no trace of the initial lesion remains.

Campbell de Morgan spots / Cherry Angiomas

Port Wine Stains / Capillary Vascular Malformation

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. Over the following weeks the vascular lesions are absorbed naturally by the body so little or no trace of the original lesion remains.

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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 Vascular lesions?
At Dr Sknn by using IPL we utilize light energy, the light is absorbed by the blood vessel which heats them to a point where they go into spasm and/or collapse and seals. Over the following weeks the damaged vessels are absorbed naturally by the body so little or no trace of the original lesion remains.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common inflammatory condition of the skin, which often results in a red facial flush and accompanying telangiectasia / thread veins. It is usually visible on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. It most often affects those aged 30 to 60, especially those of Celtic origin with fair skin and blue eyes. It may be transient, recurrent or persistent. The cause of rosacea is unknown, although several environmental factors are known to aggravate the condition, such as exposure to weather extremes, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine. Rosacea responds well to IPL treatment, but cannot be ‘cured’ as such at Dr Sknn we will work closely with you to provide a personalised treatment plan to help reduce rosacea.
What are Telangiectasia?
Telangiectases (or thread veins) are small dilated blood vessels. They can occur on the legs, and are also commonly seen on the face, especially around the cheeks and nose of adults with fair skin. The predisposition to developing telangiectasia is usually heredity, although they can also be related to such factors as skin ageing and photodamage, steroid use, and pregnancy. Facial telangiectasia usually respond very well to IPL treatment with only one or two treatments. Fine red Leg telangiectasia can be treated with IPL however best results are seen when treating leg vessels of approximately 0.5-2.5mm in diameter. At Dr Sknn we can treat facial and non-facial telangiectasia over the neck, chest and legs.
What are Spider Naevi?
A spider naevus characteristically has a central red papule with feeding capillary legs. If the central vessel is depressed, the lesion will blanch. They commonly occur on the face or on the backs of the hands and forearms. Spider naevi respond well to IPL treatment.
What are Campbell de Morgan spots?
Campbell de Morgan lesions (also known as cherry angiomas) are small, red, raised spots that most often appear on the trunk. They do not blanch when pressure is applied. They appear spontaneously and tend to increase in number in middle age. Their cause is unknown but they respond well to IPL treatment.
What are Port Wine Stains?
A Port Wine Stain (or capillary vascular malformation) usually presents as a large flat patch of pink, red or purple skin with well-defined borders. At birth, the surface of the port wine stain is flat, but in time it may become thickened and darker in colour. The face is most commonly affected although they can occur anywhere on the body. Facial lesions tend to respond best to IPL treatment, while lesions on the hands and limbs are more difficult to treat. Complete clearance is generally only seen in approximately 10% of cases, 70% will see a degree of fading, and 20% of clients will see very little improvement
What is Poikiloderma of Civatte?
Poikiloderma of Civatte is a condition that affects the neck and chest, resulting in mottled pigmentation, dilation of fine blood vessels and a change to the skin texture. Poikiloderma is caused by exposure to sunlight, and characteristically spares the shaded area under the chin. It responds well to IPL treatment.
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. Over the following weeks the vascular lesions are absorbed naturally by the body so little or no trace of the original lesion remains.
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 lesion may become darkened, white or disappear, 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 5 treatments may be required to achieve optimal results. Treatments are spaced apart every 4 – 6 weeks.
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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