Light Based Treatments

Intense Pulsed Light

Fraser Clinic has been carrying out IPL treatments for over 22 years. We have treated hundreds of clients during this time and our current level of expertise reflects that experience gained over many years.

What is Intense Pulsed Light?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of the following skin problems:

  • Broken facial veins, facial flushing including Rosacea
  • Freckles, unwanted pigmentation and mottled sun damage
  • Removal of unwanted dark hair

IPL systems work on the same principles as lasersin that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target cells.

The procedure of rejuvenating aged skin is referred to as “Photorejuvenation” and requires a series of IPL treatments to target unwanted pigment and surface capillaries and stimulate the production of collagen.

Photorejuvenation using IPL is a non-invasive treatment that treats skin damage without disruption of the skins surface, hence little or no recovery time.

The procedure gives excellent results in treating all aspects of sun damaged skin. By stimulating new collagen formation, a smoother texture and tone can develop in the skin. The procedure involves up to 3 treatments administered at three weekly intervals. The entire treatment lasts about 30 minutes and whilst not painless, is well tolerated – each pulse described as “like being hit with a rubber band”. Common treatment areas are the face, chest and backs of hands.

Facial Veins

Facial veins and fine capillaries can affect both sexes and can give the face a florid complexion which can be cosmetically unacceptable.  Regardless of their cause, facial veins respond dramatically to treatment with Intense Pulsed Light or laser even after a single treatment.

Most facial veins are thought to be caused by exposure to the sun and wind in genetically predisposed individuals. There are other triggers for facial flushing including: alcohol, stress, caffeine and exercise. Facial veins and surface capillaries are more common in people with fair skin of Celtic origin.

There is an overlap in this condition with Rosacea, a condition characterised by

  • Flushing redness
  • Visible blood vessels on the face
  • Pimples or papules
  • Knobbly lumps on the nose or cheeks

In most people the first sign of Rosacea is a persistent redness of the face, especially the cheeks and nose. In time, the redness becomes more noticeable and permanent. The cause of Rosacea is unknown. Intense Pulsed light is an effective treatment for control of the symptoms of Rosacea but as a chronic condition is seen as a treatment not a cure.