Photorejuvenation
Type 1 photorejuvenation refers to the treatment of small dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) and irregular superficial pigmentation (dyschromia). Treatment over three or more 30-60 minute sessions can give excellent long term results. At Shropshire Skin Clinic these treatments are carried out with one of our IPL treatment heads.
IPL treatment may also have a beneficial effect on skin quality including fine lines and pore size, however, this effect (Type 2 photorejuvenation) is far less reliable. Unless blood vessels and pigmentation are a problem we would generally recommend other approaches to type 2 rejuvenation including Lux1540 fractional laser, skin care products, prescription only retinoid creams, microdermabrasion and skin peels.
Before Treatment After 3 full face IPL photorejuvenation treatments 
The following is some general information that may answer some questions you might have with regard to IPL phtorejuvenation treatments
Sun Exposure
The risk of side effects, especially blistering and pigment changes is much higher if treatment is performed on tanned skin. High factor sun protection creams (SPF20+) must be used regularly and exposure to strong sunlight avoided for at least 4-6 weeks prior to treatment. We stock the Sun Sense range of creams at Shropshire Skin Clinic including SPF 60 products for face and body. Fake tan products must also be avoided for 4 weeks prior to treatment. Exposure to strong sunlight should also be avoided for one month after treatment.
Pain
Most patients feel discomfort during treatment. The pulse of light lasts a fraction of a second and patients report that the treatment feels like a rubber band snap. A full face treatment generally takes about 100-150 pulses of light. Most patients tolerate the treatment well without any form of anaesthetic, however, where necessary we can use an anaesthetic cream to lessen the discomfort. A mild burning sensation may last for up to one hour after the treatment and we recommend use of a cold compress, ice pack or cold aloe vera gel.
Swelling may occur immediately after treatment, especially if the face has been treated. This is temporary and not harmful. It is rarely excessive and it will usually settle in 1 – 3 days. Cold packs and sleeping with an extra pillow may reduce the swelling.
BruisingTreatment with our Starlux 500 treatment heads very rarely results in bruising. It is however a common side effect of many other IPL treatment systems. If you have experienced bruising following IPL treatments in the past, including treatment with with the Quantum, our first IPL system please do not be put off seeing us with a view to this treatment. For patients who do experience bruising following this or other treatments we recommend the use of Auriderm XO Gel to speed it away.
Healing
It is unusual for IPL to break the surface of the skin and the healing phase is, therefore, just a matter of allowing any swelling or redness to settle.
Test pulse
We usually start with a test area to see how patients react to treatment. If the tests are satisfactory, a treatment session can follow.
Costs
The cost of the test patch (where necessary) is included in the consultation fee. The costs then depend on the area being treated and you will be advised at the time of consultation.