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| Raj Acquilla > FAQs, Laser & IPL |
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- What is Laser & IPL?
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- LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulation of Radiation) is
monochromatic (single colour) light, which is coherent (rays run
parallel) and collimated (linear)
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is broad spectrum light (like a rainbow)
which non-coherant (diffuse rays) and divergent (spreads)
- How does Laser & IPL work?
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Laser & IPL produce various wavelengths of light, which selectively target:
- Haemoglobin – found in blood (eg. thread veins)
- Melanin – found in hair and pigmented skin lesions (eg. freckles)
- Ink & Dye – found in tattoos
Once the correct wavelength is selected, the light energy is absorbed by
the target and converted to heat. The target (eg. thread vein / skin lesion /
hair / tattoo) is subsequently destroyed and removed, with the surrounding
tissue left unaffected.
- What can be treated using Laser & IPL?
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Pigmention problems :
eg. Lentigo (age spots), actinic keratosis, melasma, poikiloderma, postinflammatory
pigmentation (eg. acne scarring)
- Vascular (blood vessel) problems :
eg. Rosacea, thread veins, haemangiomas, telangectasia, port wine stains
and superficial varicose veins
- Hair removal
- Tattoo removal
- What does Laser & IPL treatment involve?
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- Medical history to assess skin type and suitability for treatment
- Informed consent, pre treatment photographs and skin patch test
- Any residual hair in the treatment area is shaved
- Protective eye goggles are worn and cool gel applied to skin
- Laser / IPL handpiece applied to small patches of skin at a time
- Each laser shot feels like an elastic band flicking the skin
- Target is disrupted immediately and surrounding skin can be red
- Procedure takes 30-60 minutes to complete
- How many treatments sessions will I need?
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This largely depends on the type of problem. Hair and tattoo removal usually
requires treatment to be repeated at least 6 times at 6 weekly intervals.
However, photorejuventation for pigmented and vascular problems (eg lentigo
and thread veins) may only need 2-3 sessions.
- What are the rules for Laser & IPL aftercare?
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Laser & IPL can lead to pigmentation if the inflamed treated skin is exposed to
UV sunlight. Therefore sun avoidance and SPF >30 are advised for 4 weeks.
- What are the side effects of Laser & IPL treatment?
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- Redness and warmth at treatment site (COMMON)
- Blisters, crusting and swelling at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
- Burning and itching at treatment site (LESS COMMON)
- Post inflammatory pigmentation changes (RARE)
- Infection and scarring (VERY RARE)
- Who should avoid Laser & IPL treatment?
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- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- History of diabetes or immune suppression
- History of skin cancer or keloid scarring
- Recent or planned sun exposure / tanning within 4 weeks
- Concurrent use of photosensitising drugs
- How much does Laser & IPL cost?
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Prices range from £60-300 per session and total cost depends on the area
treated and the number of sessions required.
- Who should avoid Laser & IPL treatment?
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- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- History of diabetes or immune suppression
- History of skin cancer or keloid scarring
- Recent or planned sun exposure / tanning within 4 weeks
- Concurrent use of photosensitising drugs
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Click here for more information or to arrange a free consultation with Dr Raj Acquilla
Alternatively call 01606 882115 |
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