Skin Rejuvenation
IPL Photorejuvenation
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is the new revolution in cosmetic skin rejuvenation. IPL skin treatments are designed to treat the signs of photo ageing and help restore a youthful looking skin. Treatments successfully improve sun damage, age spots (sun-induced freckles), broken capillaries, facial veins, rosacea, acne and numerous other skin imperfections.
The beauty of this non-invasive treatment is that there is virtually no ‘downtime’. Photorejuvenation can achieve a fresher looking skin with a far less intensive procedure than cosmetic surgery or laser. By using a large spectrum multiple wavelength light beam (unlike lasers which use just one wavelength) IPL is able to provide reduction of age spots and uneven skin pigmentation, collagen regeneration and blood vessel destruction.
Also, IPL skin treatments using the photorejuvenation process treats the entire face rather than a single isolated imperfection, imparting an overall revitalised and youthful appearance.
The cosmetic studio believes in providing only the very best treatment for our patients and was the first in Western Australia to introduce the state of the art IPL technology of Lumenis One.
Lumenis One is a true fourth generation Intense Pulsed Light system with superior patented technology which optimises power, pulsing and light delivery to provide maximum results, comfort and safety. Whilst other clinics promote similar treatments with cheaper, lower powered technology, there is a profound and visible difference in cosmetic results.
The advanced technology of Lumenis One is only available at specialised cosmetic medical clinics and must be performed by highly skilled practitioners under strict medical guidance.
How does IPL Photorejuvenation work?
IPL delivers a wide spectrum of multiple wavelengths of light energy, targeting a number of different skin structures simultaneously and enabling minimisation of broken capillaries and pigmentation irregularities in the skin (usually caused by sun damage). Dilated capillaries coagulate, pigmented lesions darken and then slough off and new collagen fibres are laid down, giving the skin a renewed and more youthful appearance.
Who is suitable for IPL Photorejuvenation treatment?
Any woman or man who shows signs of aged or sun-damaged skin is a candidate for IPL photorejuvenation treatments. IPL cannot be performed during pregnancy or lactation, nor can it be done on recently sun-tanned or sun over-exposed skin. Similarly, topical fake tans need to be avoided for one month prior to treatment. After treatment patients will need to avoid sun exposure and use a sunscreen for at least 4 weeks post treatment.
What does IPL Photorejuvenation Treat?
Skin conditions that may benefit from IPL photorejuventation include:
- Pigment discolouration – freckles and age spots
- Mottled colouration
- Broken capillaries
- Red blemishes
- Rosacea
- Fine Lines
- Enlarged pores
- Coarse or rough skin
- Loss of skin tone and elasticity
- Sun damage
How is Photorejuvenation performed?
During treatment, a cold gel is applied to the target area and then a pulse of light which feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band is emitted from the Lumenis One handpiece. Generally no local anaesthetic is required and most people tolerate the treatment well. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes. In general, excellent long term results can usually be achieved with the convenience of no down time.
How many treatments are required?
Initially, we recommend a course of 3 IPL photorejuvenation treatments at monthly intervals as this provides for gradual improvement with a very low risk. To further enhance your cosmetic result an AHA cosmetic skin peel should be performed 2 weeks after you ‘photofacial’ to clear all dead skin cells and debris. This will encourage skin cell turnover and improve skin tone and radiance. A daily protection must be maintained in the first week following the treatment when your skin is more sensitive. Depending on the number of skin conditions you are treating and the severity of each, further IPL skin treatments may be recommended to ensure excellent long-term results.
Chemical Peels
our skin is a living organ made up of millions of cells. Every day thousands of cells die, fall off and are replaced by new cells from below. Unfortunately, as we age, this becomes a slower and more haphazard process, making your skin unable to shed dark blotches, sun damage, or creating a dull, lifeless complexion.
The function of a skin peel is to create an even controlled shedding of several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer of skin with a more even colour and a smoother texture. In addition, the peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin and decreasing wrinkles.
Different chemical peel solutions penetrate to different levels in the skin and so produce different results. The depth of peel required depends on the skin condition to be treated, the skin type and the lifestyle of the individual.
In this clinic a variety of peel solutions are available and vary in the depth of skin peeling produced. There are several types of peels, each using a different chemical to create its peeling effect. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are light or minimal depth Chemical Peels. Whilst Jessner's solution and Trichloracetic acid (TCA) are medium depth peels.
Glycolic acid and Lactic Acid are fruit acids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHA peels may be used to remove brown marks and pigmentation, superficial sun damage, reduce oiliness and acne, improve pore size and generally give the skin a wake-up by removing the dead top layer. It also enables your moisturising creams to work more effectively.
When the AHA peel solution is applied to your face, it will cause a mild to moderate burning sensation. The peel is carefully timed and then removed immediately by rinsing with water. Your face will look flushed and there may be some white blotches. This look will settle after a couple of hours. Your skin will then feel rather dead and dry as this old skin peels off. Peeling usually begins about the third day and is completed by the end of a week. Skin peeling appears as superficial skin flaking and may not be obvious. In fact most people won’t notice it at all. A light moisturiser is recommended for the first two days, then you can recommence your normal skin care routine. If pigmentation is being treated, the peels are combined with the daily use of a ‘depigmenting’ or fading cream. This depigmenting cream or gel should be commenced 2 weeks prior to the peel. Of course a sunscreen should be used every day.
Some people may experience pore clogging and pimples during the peeling period. This settles after the dead skin has peeled off and can be minimised by not using too heavy a moisturiser during the peeling week. Additional glycolic peels will further improve the skin. Usually a series of several peels about 2-4 weeks apart are necessary and the peel can be allowed to penetrate for longer each time.
An AHA peel does not involve any ‘hiding away’ time, and you can often return to work immediately after the peel.
Jessner's Solution is a slightly deeper peel made from a combination of three acids. It is designed to stimulate, firm and tighten the skin. It is ideal in the treatment of skin pigmentation, sun damage and fine wrinkles.
The Jessner's peel treatment usually involves a course of three peels over a treatment period of 6-8 weeks. You may be required to prepare your skin with a ‘depigmenting’ serum or cream for 2-4 weeks prior to the peel. This will acclimatise your skin in preparation for the peel and enhance the final results.
During treatment, the peel solution is painted onto the skin in a number of layers and left on. You will experience a transient burning or stinging sensation which may be uncomfortable but generally not painful. Immediately after the peel your skin will appear shiny, red and taut. The superficial layer of your skin may peel in 48 hours. This peeling resolves in 2-3 days with skin returning to its normal appearance in one week. You must not use scrubs or abrasive products on the treated area during the repair/renewal period. A soothing moisturiser may be applied as often as needed. It is also important to avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks after the peel and always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen.
TCA peel is a medium to deep chemical peel that penetrates deeper into the skin resulting in a dramatic skin shedding and the stimulation of healthy new skin cells and a fresher youthful appearance.
TCA peels are designed for skin with more sun damage and fine wrinkling. Freckles and irregular pigmentation can also be treated effectively. Although it is safest and most effective on the face, other areas of the body can also be treated. These areas include hands, arms, neck and décolletage.
TCA peel can effectively improve many conditions, including:
- Dull, weathered skin
- Freckling
- Sun damage
- Fine wrinkling
- Shallow acne scars
- Blotchy pigmentation, including that resulting from pregnancy and the contraceptive pill.
When the TCA peel solution is applied to your skin it causes a transient burning or stinging sensation which can be painful. The solution causes a mild acid burn to the top layer of skin cells causing them to dehydrate and peel off over a period of several days. When the old skin has peeled off, it exposes a new layer of undamaged skin, which has a smoother and more even colour.
Most people take 5-7 days to heal from an average TCA peel. During the healing process there is no pain, but the skin looks as if it has been sunburnt. Therefore, most patients choose to stay at home during this healing time. However, if you are not too self conscious about your appearance you may be able to work during part of this healing process.
Anyone who has had a TCA peel is more sensitive to sunlight for at least 4 weeks after their peel. During this time it is very important to protect the new skin with sunscreens, hats and the avoidance of strong sunlight. However, most people are anxious to protect their new improved skin from the damage of sun exposure and they continue to wear sunscreen daily even after they have healed completely.
Chemical Peel Cautions:
A skin peel is a complex procedure with certain inherent risks. If you follow your cosmetic doctor or dermal therapist's advice and directions the risk of complications is small. You will be well informed as to what you can and cannot do during your peel. It will be your responsibility to follow this advice as you will be caring for your skin at home.
There are certain conditions which may make you have to postpone your peel. These include:
- Inflamed acne lesions
- Open cuts and/or scratches on your face
- Active cold sores on lips or face
- Any facial surgery within 6 weeks
It is extremely important that you do not pick, scratch, pull or rub your skin during your peel. If you do, you may damage the underlying new skin and cause changes in your pigmentation or scarring. If, despite these warnings, you pick or rub your skin, as you may ruin your peel result.
Chemical Peels are suitable for both men and women. This form of skin rejuvenation can give the skin a renewed and revitalised appearance leading to greater self confidence and a youthful healthy glow.
Laser Resurfacing (Laser Peel)
Cosmetic laser resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the effects of the sun, smoking and aging. It is appropriate for patients seeking treatment for wrinkles, sun damage, smoker's lines and other imperfections in skin appearance.
The laser skin resurfacing procedure involves scanning a beam of light which vaporises the damaged skin cells layer by layer until a smoother, more uniform skin appearance is achieved. As the new skin heals, new collagen formation is stimulated resulting in a smoother, healthier-looking skin with a natural youthful glow. The procedure may also be referred to as laser skin rejuvenation because of its anti-aging benefits or laser peel because the damaged layers of skin are ‘peeled’ away.
The Erbium laser produces less heat injury than its predecessor Carbon Dioxide laser. This results in quicker healing times and less risk of side effects. Erbium laser resurfacing can be used for superficial or ‘light’ resurfacing treatments which heal in a few days (hence the term ‘weekend peel’). This treatment ‘freshens’ the skin removing sunspots, rough scaly patches, freckles and irregular pigmentation. Deeper resurfacing treatments are more appropriate for localised wrinkles and facial lines such as smoker's lines on the top lip.
The ideal candidate for laser skin resurfacing is someone who has realistic expectations and is prepared to be vigilant with sun avoidance for at least 3 months. This procedure should be avoided by individuals with asian or dark skinned complexions due to the high risk of skin pigmentation abnormalities.
Laser resurfacing is a very effective skin rejuvenation treatment in the improvement of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage & irregular skin pigmentation.
See for yourself: Laser resurfacing
