IPL Laser Treatment in Harrogate

Skin Rejuvenation Lynton LUMINA® IPL & Laser System

If you’re suffering with skin conditions like acne and in search of non-invasive solutions, you may want to consider IPL Laser Treatment. 

IPL stands for ‘Intense Pulse Light’, which is administered by a laser in short, intense pulses. An IPL laser will release bursts of filtered light that are absorbed by the high concentrations of melanin that are found in sun spots, freckles and similar blemishes.

The absorption process causes minor (and reversible) thermal damage to targeted parts of the skin, creating a subsequent anti-inflammatory response. This, in turn, produces proteins like elastin and collagen in high volumes, which aid natural healing and tackle conditions such as acne, prominent thread veins and pigmentation.

Here at K Govind, Medical Aesthetics, we use a LUMINA® IPL and Laser System to deliver safe, efficient and non-invasive treatments to patients. But what should you expect when attending a treatment at our Harrogate clinic?

How IPL Laser Treatment Works?

To get started, let’s explore precisely how IPL Laser Treatment works. Here’s a breakdown of the science behind IPL and how it differs from more traditional laser treatments!

The Science Behind IPL

IPL treatments rely on light energy, which can be used to accurately target and remove pigmented or damaged skin cells.

Light energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation, and intense pulsed light can be filtered to specific wavelengths. These are selected for their absorption by certain target tissues, such as oxyhemoglobin (which is a component in the walls of the telangiectatic vessels) when treating rosacea.

In this treatment, the telangiectatic vessels selectively absorb the light, causing minor damage and the vessels to close. 

At this stage, the natural healing process begins, as anti-inflammatory proteins like collagen are produced. Increased volumes of collagen can help in a range of ways, from tightening your skin to healing vascular lesions.

Differences Between IPL and Traditional Laser Treatments

Ok, we hear you ask, but what is the difference between IPL and traditional laser treatments? Well, traditional treatments use a laser that’s monochromatic and non-divergent. So, the light emitted is of a single wavelength and suited to delivering highly specific treatments.

Conversely, IPL treatments can be filtered to different wavelengths and unlock a more diverse range of potential applications. IPL also emits light in shorter, more intense bursts, which is beneficial for sun damage treatment or pigment damage reversal.

IPL vs Laser Hair Removal

When comparing laser vs IPL treatments, one of the key applications is hair removal. Both technologies can be used to remove or reduce hair, with light energy capable of targeting individual hair follicles.

When it comes to IPL vs laser hair removal, much will depend on the colour of your hair. Traditional lasers are more effective when reducing black or dark brown hair (or skin types). Conversely, IPL works best on patients with light to medium skin types with dark hair, or light brown locks.

Overall, IPL is also a more affordable and less invasive treatment, while sessions can be scheduled more flexibly and with minimal recovery time.

Benefits of IPL Laser Treatment

This leads us neatly onto the benefits of IPL laser treatment. Here are some of the key advantages of having this treatment!

Skin Rejuvenation

There are many factors and processes that can adversely affect our skin, from excess sun exposure to ageing. Regardless, IPL lasers can administer effective sun damage treatment and reverse instances of hyperpigmentation, rejuvenating your skin in the process.

The light waves produced by an IPL laser target melanin and haemoglobin in the skin, targeting specific hyperpigmentation spots, blemishes and blotches. As heat damage is caused and collagen released as part of an anti-inflammatory response, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may also be reduced.

Hair Removal

We’ve already touched on IPL laser hair removal, which is one of the main applications for the technology. An IPL device can also be used for hair reduction, as the light emitted is absorbed by the pigment in the follicle (gradually creating a buildup of heat and thermal damage).

This heat then travels down the hair and destroys the cells that create new ones. IPL hair removal is ideal when targeting specific areas of the body, especially if you’re seeking a convenient and cost-effective treatment option.

Treatment of Skin Conditions (Acne, Rosacea, Pigmentation)

In addition to aiding skin tightening and curing vascular lesions, our IPL laser treatments can also tackle a number of chronic skin conditions. These include acne, pigmentation and the aforementioned rosacea, each of which can have a significant impact on your appearance and self-confidence.

With rosacea treatment, the rays from an IPL device can be filtered to target specific tissue types, and alternative wavelengths can be used when dealing with hyperpigmentation and acne scars. So, you can access targeted and effective treatment that can be scheduled around your everyday life.

Before and After Results

While IPL before and after results will vary from one treatment to another, you should see initial improvements and progress within a matter of weeks.

For example, you’ll notice that hair growth will be significantly reduced after four weeks of targeted IPL treatment. After completing a session of 12 weeks or more, your hair growth will have diminished completely, while the underlying skin will be much smoother and firmer.

When looking to rejuvenate your skin or remove fine lines and wrinkles, you may see initial results within a week to 10 days after treatments. After six to eight weeks, you should observe a marked improvement, especially when compared to the images in your before photos!

Our IPL Laser Technology

Here at K Govind, Medical Aesthetics, we use the Lynton LUMINA® IPL & Laser System to carry out a range of non-invasive treatments. But just how safe and efficient is this technology?

Lynton Lumina IPL System

The Lynton Lumina IPL System is an award-winning piece of technology that can administer a diverse range of skincare treatments. These include everything from hair removal and skin rejuvenation to anti-aging treatment and the eradication of acne scars or visible pigmentation.

This advanced technology produces a light that can be filtered to different wavelengths. What’s more, Lyton’s Lumina System is capable of emitting variable wavelengths of light at the same time. Typically, the system emits wavelengths of between 500 and 12-00 nm, while cut-off filters can be used to block out some during specific treatments.

Safety and Efficiency

In addition to its versatility, the Lumina IPL System is renowned for its safety and efficacy. In terms of the former, the technology is FDA approved and considered by many practitioners to be the safest way of delivering non-invasive skincare treatments to patients.

The Lumina also delivers fast and clinically effective treatment outcomes with incredible efficacy, even across a range of skin types. Most treatments will be completed within 30 minutes too, so you can conveniently schedule quick and short appointments without compromising on outcomes.

Treatment Process for IPL

At this stage, you may be ready to book your first IPL treatment! However, let’s first take a look at our consultation and treatment process at KG Aesthetics and the key aftercare considerations.

Consultation and Skin Analysis

When you book in for IPL laser treatment at our Harrogate clinic, we’ll first carry out an initial consultation and ‘patch’ test. 

The goal here is to ascertain your medical history and discuss your precise treatment requirements. A patch test is also conducted to analyse your skin type, with a view to determining whether or not IPL laser treatment is right for you. Skin analysis can also help to create the optimal treatment plan and length. 

What to Expect During IPL Laser Treatment

Assuming that the consultation confirms your eligibility for IPL laser treatment, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form before getting started. Then, your treatment will be carried out as follows:

  • The affected areas of skin are cleaned and prepared. A cool gel is also applied prior to the application of light pulses.
  • The IPL device is then applied, utilising a combination of radio frequencies to the relevant areas of the body.

  • Typically, single treatment sessions will last between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on your precise requirements and the area of skin being targeted. You may also be asked to wear protective eyewear for the duration of the treatment.

  • Including the initial consultation and skin patch test, your first session may last for up to an hour. You’ll then be asked to attend a predetermined number of future sessions depending on your exact treatment.

Aftercare and Recovery for IPL Laser Treatment

The really good news is that there’s no downtime after undergoing IPL laser treatment, so for the most part, you can resume your daily activities immediately. 

However, the affected area of skin may begin to redden a few hours after treatment. You may also notice a warm tingling sensation in the affected area, but this will usually subside within a couple of hours.

Much will depend on your existing level of skin sensitivity, but this will be assessed during your initial consultation. Regardless, you will need to avoid sun exposure and hot water until the skin is fully healed, and we’d urge you to apply sun protection if you’re going to spend time outside immediately after treatment.

If you notice an initial increase in pigmentation, this is temporary and occurs because it is now rising to the surface after the IPL light has been removed. Similarly, a small blister could form on or around the treatment area shortly after treatment, but this is rare and simply part of the initial healing process.

Why Choose K Govind, Medical Aesthetics in Harrogate for IPL?

At K Govind, Medical Aesthetics, we use an advanced LUMINA® IPL and Laser System to carry out a range of non-invasive skincare treatments quickly, safely and efficiently.

Our clinic founder Kate is also a former NHS nurse who has been clinically trained by Derma Medical, which remains the UK's leading educator of aesthetic practitioners. So, she’s fully trained to administer a range of aesthetic skin treatments, from acne scar removal and hair reduction to simple skin rejuvenation.

Operating out of Harrogate, our service is discreet, patient-centric and highly professional. 

Book Your Consultation Today

With all these points in mind, why not book your consultation today? Simply click here and select your chosen IPL laser treatment, before selecting your preferred practitioner and checking their availability.

You can then book an initial consultation and treatment session to suit you! If you have any pressing questions ahead of your visit, you can get in touch with K Govind, Medical Aesthetics using the site’s contact form. We’ve also answered some of your frequently asked questions below!

Your IPL Laser FAQs

What is IPL laser treatment?

IPL laser treatments emit pulsed light to specific areas of your face or body. This is then absorbed by the high concentrations of melanin that are found in the skin, creating reversible thermal damage and triggering an anti-inflammatory response. Subsequently, proteins like  elastin and collagen are produced, healing the skin and aiding several different treatments.

How many IPL sessions do I need?

This will vary from one treatment to another. Typically, your treatment plan will run for between eight to 12 weeks, but this will be discussed and agreed during your initial consultation depending on your precise circumstances.

Is IPL laser treatment painful?

No, IPL laser treatment is completely painless. This is due to the way in which IPL laser technology works, and the application of a cooling gel prior to treatment. You may experience some redness, tingling or minor blistering after the treatment, but this will subside quickly. 

What should I do before and after IPL treatment?

Be sure to provide the requested medical information during your consultation, and allow up to an hour for your first session. After treatment has been completed, avoid hot water and sun exposure until the skin has healed. If you do have to spend time in the sun, be sure to apply ample sun protection.

Who is a good candidate for IPL laser treatment?

Virtually anyone can qualify for IPL laser treatment. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as people with significant active acne (or who are actively taking the acne drug ‘Accutane’) won’t be eligible. Patients suffering from severe scarring or recent sunburn may not be eligible either, while chronic skin conditions like psoriasis may also make treatment impossible.

Are there any side effects of IPL treatment?

Small side effects can include redness around the treatment area and blistering. However, these side effects should be temporary and minor in nature. You may also notice increased pigmentation immediately after the IPL light has been removed, but this will subside and gradually diminish with subsequent treatments.

Start your Skin Rejuvenation Journey Today

Book your consultation...

Book Now

Your IPL Laser FAQs

What is IPL laser treatment?

IPL laser treatments emit pulsed light to specific areas of your face or body. This is then absorbed by the high concentrations of melanin that are found in the skin, creating reversible thermal damage and triggering an anti-inflammatory response. Subsequently, proteins like  elastin and collagen are produced, healing the skin and aiding several different treatments.

How many IPL sessions do I need?

This will vary from one treatment to another. Typically, your treatment plan will run for between eight to 12 weeks, but this will be discussed and agreed during your initial consultation depending on your precise circumstances.

Is IPL laser treatment painful?

No, IPL laser treatment is completely painless. This is due to the way in which IPL laser technology works, and the application of a cooling gel prior to treatment. You may experience some redness, tingling or minor blistering after the treatment, but this will subside quickly. 

What should I do before and after IPL treatment?

Be sure to provide the requested medical information during your consultation, and allow up to an hour for your first session. After treatment has been completed, avoid hot water and sun exposure until the skin has healed. If you do have to spend time in the sun, be sure to apply ample sun protection.

Who is a good candidate for IPL laser treatment?

Virtually anyone can qualify for IPL laser treatment. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as people with significant active acne (or who are actively taking the acne drug ‘Accutane’) won’t be eligible. Patients suffering from severe scarring or recent sunburn may not be eligible either, while chronic skin conditions like psoriasis may also make treatment impossible.

Are there any side effects of IPL treatment?

Small side effects can include redness around the treatment area and blistering. However, these side effects should be temporary and minor in nature. You may also notice increased pigmentation immediately after the IPL light has been removed, but this will subside and gradually diminish with subsequent treatments.