IPL & Laser Treatment for Acne and Rosacea
What is acne?
Small sebaceous glands lie just under the skin surface. These glands make the 'oil' (sebum) that keeps the skin supple and smooth. Tiny pores (holes) on the skin allow the sebum to come onto the skin surface. Hairs also grow through these pores. When these pores get blocked whiteheads and blackheads occur. Bacteria can get trapped within the pores causing inflamed spots containing pus.
What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is light energy delivered by a number of rapid pulses, which ensure a more controlled treatment while minimising side effects. It can be used to treat large areas quickly. Depending on the treatment being carried out, light emitted by the IPL is absorbed by structures in the skin. Dr Gilani currently only offers this treatment at the Vinery Rooms in Shoreham and the Sussex Medical Chambers in Hove.
IPL/laser treatment for active acne
IPL or laser treatment kills the acne bacteria that cause the infection leading to spots. The laser light gently heats up the skin around the spots, producing collagen that boosts the healing process causing the spots to disappear.
IPL/laser treatment for acne scarring
Laser light heats up the lower layers of the skin producing collagen that stimulates a healing response. This acts as a new foundation for the skin, reducing scarring and improving skin tone. It is unlikely that IPL can 'remove' the scar; it may improve it's appearance.
What are the alternatives?
Traditional treatment for active acne included topical antibiotics and benzyl peroxide, oral antibiotics and more recently, topical and oral retinoids (retinova cream and isoretinoin).
What is a treatment procedure?
A full medical history, including any medication (prescribed, herbal or homeopathic) that you are on, is taken by the doctor. Then a comprehensive treatment programme is written up for your exact needs. A test patch is needed 24 hours before a full treatment can be carried out. During the treatment the area is prepared and then the applicator head is applied and moved across the area in steps to ensure full coverage. The applicator head is large therefore treatments can be carried out quickly.
How many treatments are needed?
A series of 2 to 4 treatments is recommended at monthly intervals. Following this, it is envisaged that further 'top up' treatments may be required at 6 monthly intervals.
Are there any side effects?
In rare cases redness and irritation of the treated area may occur (like sunburn). There is also a small risk of pigment change following treatment. A small minority of patients develop bruising and blistering. This settles within a few days.
Can all areas of the body be treated and does skin colour make a difference?
All areas of the body can be treated. All skin types can be treated and skin colour makes little difference to the benefits of the treatment.
What about acne scars?
Scars after acne come in different shapes and sizes. If you have pink or red marks that are left after a spot has settled down, it is very likely that the redness will gradually fade, although this can take weeks to months. Sometimes red, lumpy scars are left which do not settle - these can often be softened with a combination of a trichloroacetic acid face peel (TCA peel) and treatment with a pulsed dye laser (IPL).
Dips in the skin that can result from deep acne spots can sometimes improve with injection of a collagen or hyaluronic acid filler. Sometimes IPL or laser resurfacing might improve the skin texture. Deep narrow dents in the skin (known as 'ice-pick' scars) can be best treated by cutting that little piece of skin out. There is a chance that this might leave a different sort of scar.
What about chicken pox scars - what can be done for these?
Small dents in the skin left as a result of a chicken pox blister can sometimes persist for years after the rash. In children, the dents can smooth over very slowly. Removal of a persistent scar is not easy but individual scars can be removed by cutting out the area. This will of course leave a line scar rather than the round dip of a chicken pox scar. Sometimes the dent can be 'filled in' to a certain extent by injection of collagen just beneath the surface of the skin.
What do I need to do after my treatment?
- 1- 2 days after your skin treatment: You may wish to avoid vigorous exercise and swimming, as these may cause irritation. You may prefer not to use any make-up and avoid perfumed products. In case of any irritation, we recommend using a lotion containing Aloe-Vera.
- 1- 5 days after your skin treatment: You may find that hot baths, showers and saunas can cause irritation. You may wish to avoid contact sports while your skin is more sensitive. We advise you to avoid tanning during and after treatment. When sunbathing we recommend a sunscreen with a UVA 5* rating and a UVB protection factor of SPF 30 or more.
Please check the IPL/laser price list for IPL and laser treatment costs.
Contact us for more information on using Intense Pulsed Light or laser treatment, or to book a consultation.