What Is IPL Treatment?
targeted light
IPL uses flashes of light to target specific structures within the skin according to the concern being treated.
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, uses controlled flashes of light to target specific structures within the skin. How the light is used depends on the concern being treated. For visible vessels, the energy targets blood within the vessel, while pigmentation treatments target melanin within areas of excess pigment.
At Hart, IPL is used for concerns including facial thread veins, rosacea, pigmentation and acne. Suitability depends on your skin, the concern being treated and factors such as recent sun exposure.
Vascular Concerns
Light energy can target blood within visible vessels, helping to reduce their appearance.
Pigmentation
IPL can target melanin within areas of pigmentation such as sun spots, age spots and freckles.
Patch Testing
We carry out a patch test before treatment to assess how your skin responds.
Facial Thread Veins
IPL can target small, visible blood vessels such as facial thread veins, spider veins and telangiectasia.
Rosacea & Redness
IPL may help reduce visible redness and small blood vessels associated with rosacea.
Acne
IPL is also offered as a treatment option for facial acne as part of an appropriate treatment plan.
Sun & Age Spots
IPL can be used for areas of pigmentation associated with sun exposure, including sun spots and age spots.
Freckles & Pigmentation
Freckles and other areas of visible hyperpigmentation may also be considered for IPL treatment.
Superficial Leg Vessels
Some fine, superficial leg vessels may be treatable, although we need to assess them first.
Before We Recommend IPL
Some Concerns Need a Closer Look
Not every visible vessel or area of pigmentation should be treated in the same way. Leg vessels need to be assessed before laser or IPL is considered, while deeper, widespread or hormonally influenced pigmentation may require a different approach or supporting skincare. We will also consider recent tanning and sun exposure before deciding whether treatment can go ahead.
Vessel depth considered
Pigmentation assessed
Tan and sun exposure checked
Alternative options discussed
Common Questions
What can you treat with IPL?
We use IPL for a number of concerns, including visible facial vessels, rosacea, pigmentation and acne. Pigmentation treatments can include sun spots, age spots and freckles, while some fine superficial leg vessels may also be considered after assessment.
How does IPL treat visible vessels?
For vascular treatment, the IPL light energy targets blood within the visible vessel. Heat from the light is used to affect the vessel, helping to reduce its appearance. Facial vessels tend to be more suitable for this type of treatment than deeper or thicker vessels on the body.
Can you treat pigmentation with IPL?
Yes, we can use IPL for selected areas of pigmentation, including sun damage, age spots and freckles. Common treatment areas include the face, hands, arms, chest, shoulders, back and legs. Suitability depends on factors including the type and depth of the pigmentation.
Can you treat rosacea with IPL?
We use IPL for some of the visible signs associated with rosacea, particularly facial redness and small visible blood vessels. Rosacea can present in different ways, so we will first assess your skin and discuss whether IPL is appropriate for the symptoms you are experiencing.
Does IPL treatment hurt?
Most people describe the sensation during vascular or pigmentation treatment as a brief pinch, similar to an elastic band being snapped against the skin. We pre-cool the skin before treatment and can also use cooling afterwards where needed. How treatment feels will vary from person to person.
Will visible vessels disappear permanently?
Results vary according to the type and depth of the vessel and how it responds to treatment. A vessel may be reduced considerably or, in some cases, no longer be visible. New or recurrent vessels can still develop because they form part of the body’s natural circulatory system.
Your Path to Radiance
We guide you through every stage of your skin health journey with professional expertise and personalised care.
A NEW AND IMPROVED YOU AWAITS
1
Consultation
A relaxed clinical discussion about your goals.
2
Personalised Plan
A bespoke treatment route tailored to you.
3
Treatment
Expert clinical care delivered with precision.
4
Ongoing Support
Continuous wellness guidance beyond your visit.
