Intense Pulse light (IPL) can be an effective treatment for spider veins. It can help reduce facial vascular blemishes like the fine thread-like veins found on the cheeks and around the nose. It can also treat sun damage around the neck and decolletage.
What is IPL?
Although it is sometimes referred to as laser treatment, IPL is not a laser, but produces light over a broader spectrum, which can be filtered to select the wavelength for different treatments. IPL technology uses light that is UV-safe and has no known side effects. (Pregnant women and people with photosensitivity should first consult with their physician).
How Effective Is It?
The results of this treatment will vary. Very occasionally only minimal results may be obtained, but most people will see a significant improvement in the condition.
What’s Involved in the Treatment?
For spider vein removal, often at least four sessions are needed to obtain optimal results. These should be 4 to 6 weeks apart. Treatment of the face is performed in stages rather than the full face in a single session.
At your first consultation, I will:
- Take a photo.
- Get you to sign a consent form.
- Take a test shot.
I will then book you in for your first treatment, with a minimum of two days required between the test shot and your treatment.
What Do I Need to Do?
Before and during your treatment you should:
- Protect your skin from the sun.
- Don’t use fake tans or solariums for six weeks prior to treatment.
- Stop taking Omega 3s, fish oils, herbal preparations and blood thinners 10 days before your treatment.
- Stop topical Retin A’s and AHA 2 weeks before treatment.
What Happens After Treatment?
After each treatment you should:
- Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows for two days to help reduce swelling. (There may be some swelling for up to five days.)
- Take care to prevent trauma to the area for five days after treatment.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, chlorinated pools, vigorous exercise and alcohol for three days after treatment, as any of these will make the facial blood vessels re-dilate.
- Wash your face as usual, but avoid scrubs, masks, astringents, Retin A or glycolic acid products for one week after treatment. After washing, gently pat the area dry.
- If stinging persists, apply a soothing gel and a cool pack. (Do NOT use ice.)
- If applying makeup, apply lightly and remove gently.
- If any flaking of the skin occurs, do NOT pick at the scabs. Keep the area moist and wear 30+ sunblock at all times.
- Do not fly for one week after treatment, as cabin pressure can escalate swelling.
- Do not take Aspirin or Aspirin combinations for two days after treatment, as this may increase the risk of bruising.
If you have any concerns after your treatment please contact
Mary from Mary’s Skin Care in Launceston on 0438311297.
IPL can also be used to treat brown sunspots.
Click here for information on pigmentation treatments.