Further information on Perths Skindeep medi-spas IPL treatment and results.

At Skindeep we pride ourselves on our equipment, experience, aftercare customer follow up and outstanding results from every one of our 10's of 1000's of treatments we have performed. We were one of the first salons in Perth to do IPL and have been performing IPL for over 8 years and only use the TGA approved Gold Standard Lumenis Quantum IPL machine. We have 1000's of before and after pics on our Visea analysis machine for you to look at of our actual clients and do full consultations with all clients.

Understanding the skin and hair in order to understand how IPL works

IPL Hair Removal & IPL Photorejuvenation Treatments requires indepth understanding of the hair and skin. The skin is an ever-changing organ that is composed of several layers.
Lowest layer- This is known as the dermis. It is composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, nere endings, hair follicles, sweat and oil glands.
Outermost or Top Layer- This is known as the epidermis.  This is the layer of skin we can see. It sits on top of the dermis.
Melanocytes are the cells in the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin, which transfers to the cells within the epidermis or to the hair, creating colour in the skin and hair. Blood and superficial vessels also add colour to the skin.

How Lumenis Quantum IPL works
As light passes through the skin it scatters through the dermis and is absorbed by three of the skins main constituents: blood, water and melanin.
Blood, water and melanin all react differently when subjected to different wavelengths of light. When light is absorbed by blood, water and melanin, heat is produced. The amount of heat generated depends on a complex combination of light’s wavelength, power and pulsed-width.
In the process of hair removal we target the melanin in the shaft of the hair. We want the melanin in the hair to react as much as possible to the energy in the beam of light, convert that energy to heat and disable the hair follicle cells that promote new hair growth.

IPL has a strong light source that attracts the melanin in the hair and has a long wavelength to achieve the required depth of penetration. It also has a sufficient amount of power that is required over an appropriate amount of time.
 
The difference between Lasers & IPL
Laser and IPL have been used to remove unwanted hair for many years with a high degree of success, however, to be actuate we must call it "Permanent Hair Reduction." According to FDA rules manufacturers may not claim that laser and IPL hair removal is permanent unless the FDA determines that there is sufficient data to demonstrate such results.
What this means in practice is that although most hair will be removed over a course of treatment, some hair will remain and some may re-grow, usually much lighter and finer, therefore, occasional top-up treatments may be needed.
Laser and IPL use energy in the form of light to destroy the hair follicle. The energy directed from the handpiece is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, momentarily heating it to around 70 degrees centigrade killing the follicle and thus preventing further hair growth. However to complicate matters most people also have melanin in their skin that also absorbs light energy creating heat in the skin. If this heat is excessive it will cause blisters or burns. For this reason the ideal candidates for these treatments are those who are dark haired and fair skinned like the typical Irish complexion, whereas sun tanned skin with very fair hair are poor candidates.
We always insist that clients stay out of the sun for a few weeks prior to treatment so that the level of melanin in the skin is as low as possible and therefore wintertime is the ideal time for treatments, unless you are like so many people now very stringent in their sun protection efforts everyday.
With care most people can be treated but some may require many more treatments and any white, grey and even some red hairs will respond poorly (or not at all) to light based hair removal treatments. These will require many more treatments at a much lower power level and the operator will have to be extremely careful to ensure that the machine is correctly set to avoid skin damage.
Thankfully, most modern laser and IPL devices make this process much easier but it is still necessary that we  have a highly skilled operator to perform the IPL treatments

Hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth including age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism along with your hair's location, thickness and resilience. Only hair that is in its growing cycle will be destroyed at each treatment session. The number of hairs growing at any one time and the length of time between treatments varies, but generally we allow 4 to 8 weeks.There is sometimes mild pain associated with laser treatments. This discomfort ranges in intensity and has been described from as mild as the snap of a rubber band, to the sensation of a hot pinprick. When treating sensitive areas, (upper lip and bikini areas) we utilise specific protocols to lesson the discomfort and may even elect to use a topical anesthetic cream, which helps to reduce any discomfort such as Emla.( although if you have applied Emla prior to your treatment you must notify your Therapist prior to the treatment)

There are two distinct  differences between Laser and Intense Pulsed Light systems. One is in the area that can be treated in one go and the treatment speed. Generally IPL treatment heads are up to 8 times larger than the small spot produced by lasers and therefore treatments are much quicker.The other difference is the wavelength of light produced. Lasers produce light with one specific wavelength whilst IPL utilise an entire waveband. Different wavelengths penetrate the skin to different depths so using IPL is like using a group of lasers in a single treatment. IPL provides the ability to change the wavelength of the light, making them more versatile in the range of treatments.
IPL is more gentle on the skin than lasers. Skindeeps Lumenis Quantum IPL has a separate cooling system around the sapphire of the treatment head, in addition to the inbuilt cooling system. Therefore, reducing the risk of pigmentary changes.
IPL allows individual selection for different treatments. IPL has pre-configured settings for different skin and hair types. This enhances clinical results.
  
How we determine the correct program and setting for patients
A fitzpatrick skin type graph is used to determine the suitable setting for the client. The graph was developed as a classification system for skin typing, which was based on a person's response to skin exposure in terms of the degree of burning and tanning. Skin types are classified under six catergories. Skin type one is classified as a pale white skin, shin type two is white skin, skin type three is a light brown skin, skin type four is a moderate brown skin,  skin type five is a dark brown skin and skin type six is deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin. For hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments, Skindeep has  a different treatment head that caters for the above skin type, in order to minisise side effects.

What is IPL ?
IPL is intense pulse light. It is characterized as a beam of light which targets the melanin in the shaft of the hair. The beam of light converts energy to heat and disables the hair follicular cells that are responsible for hair growth.
Intense pulsed light (as known by patients as IPL laser, but can't be confused for a laser) systems release precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by melanin, the pigment in hair. This heats up the hair and destroys the cells responsible for hair growth, to achieve long term hair reduction. There are alot of macines marketed as "IPL" machines on the market but majority of those do not utilise the trademark technology of IPL and work on other theories, therefore do ot have the same consistent results.

Who performs the treatments?
Lumenis Quantum IPL is operated by  Experienced Paramedical Therapists, Consultations and all treatments will be carried out by our experienced Paramedical Therapist who have all received their Laser Safety Certificate are Paramedically Trained and then undergo in house one on one training with the Owner for aprox 3 months prior to being able to perform treatment on clients. The benefit to the customer is professional & safe service.

What will it cost me to have treatments?
We offer discount prices for up-front payment for 3 or more treatments, as well as discount offers for groups. For further information on pricing click here
At Skindeep, we strive to provide you with the best possible treatment regime at the most affordable rates. Prices vary depending on the surface area and density of hairs in the area you wish to treat. For example, a client who wishes to treat her legs may have quite a few areas where hair does not grow in, in which we would quote them less than a client who needs us to cover the entire area. Please call us for a complimentary consultation so that we may assess the complete area and be able to give you a  price quote once we know exactly what you would like to treat and what your hair removal goals are.
What type of hair can IPL treat?
IPL can treat all hair types and hair depths. Although dark hair on pale skin is the perfect scenario we can treat all colors of hair ( except white or grey) as long as the hair is darker than the skin color.
Is this safe for all skin types?
IPL is the first hair removal procedure proven to effectively treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals such as those of Black, Middle Eastern, and Asian descent.
Is IPL treatment safe?
Yes, it is very safe. Some people may experience mild reddening of the treatment area for a day or so after treatment, but other complications are rare. The Intense Pulsed Light system delivers energy to the skin very gently.
In Australia the Lumenis Quantum IPL system which is used in Skindeep medi-spas Clinic is TGA approved, and also cleared to market for the treatment of a wide range of vascular and pigmented lesions. (Photorejuvenation)

Dont be tricked into the $49 treatment.....

In the wrong hands IPL can cause burns, permanent scarring and long-term damage (as seen below) or simply wasted money due to ineffective treatments.
IPL machines vary considerably (this is often reflected in the treatment price) and therefore IPL results can vary considerably. Results will also vary depending on experience, knowledge and training of the operator – Skindeep IPL therpaists are trained to  know why, when and how to change the treatment settings for optimal results and safety.
Below are some pictures taken from the internet to demonstrate how IPL and Lasers can burn if used incorrectly- please don’t let this happen to you!

       

How is an IPL Photorejuvenation treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles ( stick on Laser eye shields may be used for facial rejuvenation treatments) to protect your eyes.  A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light into the skin. The area will also be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light guide is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, targeting many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area moisturised.
What happens during a Hair Removal treatment?
It begins by trimming away the hair above the skin ( usually by shaving).( On your first hair removal treatment we may ask that you shave aprox 3 days prior so we may see the area but not have a thick growth of hair to remove )  Then, a cool gel is spread over the treatment area. The IPL handpiece is then applied to the skin and pulses of light a released from the handpiece and begin to disable unwanted hair. When the gel is removed, much of the treated hair is wiped off with it. The remaining hair in the treated area falls out over the next two weeks.
After treatments what precautions should I take?
After treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sun block – SPF 30 or above ( Skindeep recommends a reflective SPF ie True Solutions SPF 30 or Actinic SPF30 to read more about reflective sunscreens click here) . In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleansers, dont use Vitmain A or Glycolic acid products onthe area for aprox 48 hours. The Therapist will also advise you of any additional precautions and you will be given a post IPL care booklet.
Can IPL damage or burn the skin?
Lumenis Quantum IPL as used by SKindeep being more advanced than other systems, has a separate cooling system around the treatment head and also has an in-built cooling system. This provides effective and safe treatments. Treatment being performed correctly will not burn or damage the skin.
What body areas can be treated?
Almost any area of the body can be treated and the most common areas we treat are the legs, back, back of the neck, upper lip, chin, underarms, stomach, bikini line, face, chest  etc.
I have polycystic ovaries, can you treat my facial hair?
Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body) is an unwanted effect of Polyscystic ovaries. Yes, IPL can treat facial hair that is caused by this condition. Please advise your Therpaist  if you have polycysytic ovaries before treatment. Find out more on treatment and results during consultation.
Tell me more about cooling?
The IPL system comes with built in cooling in the IPL hand piece which can be adjusted to suit the patients comfort. Unlike older laser machines which require the patient to hold a seperate cooling hose, Lumenis Quantum HR IPL has a state of the art cooling system which reduces the heat felt by the customer.
How many treatments will I need?
The amount of treatments required will vary from person to person and also the treatment area. For most people an average of four to six sessions are required to permanently reduce hair in the Bikini or Under Arm area and we find that clients are amazed at the results one photorejuvenaiton treatment can do.
Various factors that come into play with the number of treatments such as the color of your hair and skin, as well as factors such as hormone levels, hair follicle size and hair cycles.
What does the treatment feel like?
While you may feel a slight tingling or pinch (similar to the snap of a rubber band) from the IPL hand piece, most people tolerate the procedure very well. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, you may choose to have a topical anaesthetic applied to increase comfort during the procedure. Patients with thicker and darker hair may feel the tingling sensation more.
How long do the treatments take?
We can treat some areas within 15 minutes. Others, such as the back or legs, may require 30-60 minutes. Our experienced IPL Paramedical Therapist can advise you of the approx required time for treatment.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
We want you to be completely confident with the treatment. We are more than happy to have you come to the clinic and have a look at our system as we take you through the process of IPL.
The ideal candidate for IPL hair removal has light skin and dark hair. This does not mean that only people with very light skin and dark hair will have good results. We are able to treat people with at least some melanin in the hair. During the Free consultation the IPL Therapist will determine your skin-type based on the Fitzpatrick skin-type scale and develop a plan specific to your skin-type and hair color.
A a free patch test can de done at our clinic, please contact us more information.
What will I see after the hair removal treatment?
Depending on the individual, hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The hairs will fall out after 1 - 3 weeks. During this period the hairs will seem to 'grow' as they are pushed out by the new epidermis. After treatment the hairs are loose in the follicle and can sometimes be easily pulled out with tweezers or by simply exfoliating.
Most people experience some mild redness and tenderness in the treated area shortly after treatment. This does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day. In some cases, the redness may last longer, but will still be mild and temporary. Is most cases the redness of the skin will subside within 24-48hrs post treatment.
Am I suitable for treatment?
The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair, but there is much evidence to show that through carefully researched settings, results can be achieved for different hair and skin types. The darker the hair, the more easily it is treated, as darker hair contains more melanin it will heat up more easily. Fairer hair contains less melanin and is harder to treat. For Grey or white hair it may not be as effectively in treatment because grey/white hair has no melanin.
Do I have to let the hair grow out prior to the treatments?
No, the area should be shaven clean and this would achieve the best hair removal and hair reduction results from the IPL. Prior to having IPL hair treatments you must avoid waxing, tweezing, and depilatories. During the course of treatments you will be able to shave the area site, so you can remain virtually hair free.
What other equipment do you have in your clinic?
We use a full electric bed which means that that patients will always be comfortable during their IPL hair removal treatment. Our Omnilux LED Light Therapy treatments are popular with clients having the IPL and Fraxel laser as they compliment the treatments assisting in recovery and longevity of the results. And we also have a Fraxel Laser for deep photorejuvenation extremely good for after you have removed broken capillaries with the IPL then wish to have your lines reduced and deeper pigmentation treated.
Do you have free Consultation and patch test?
Yes, we offer patients a free consultation where our Paramedical Therapists will go through treatment options and results. A free patch test can be done as well if the therpaist thinks it is warranted ie if the skin is a fitzpatrick 3 or above the therpaist will usually patch test the area.
Prior to any treatment we will provide a full consultation. The consultation identifies your expectations and provides a complete explanation of the treatment.
A medical history is taken to confirm suitability for treatment and if you wish to proceed a written informed consent is obtained .
I have been waxing for a while now should I consider alternate hair removal treatments?
Traditional hair removal techniques – such as shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams – provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only recognized way to remove hair permanently has been by electrolysis – which can be tedious, time-consuming and uncomfortable. Intense Light hair removal safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes – legs, backs and larger areas can take longer.
Why Quantum IPL? For more information on Lumenis Quantum IPL click here..
 
Before and After Treatment Information and Instruction sheet
Cleaning
Quick, warm showers are recommended. If areas are treated other than the facial are, hot baths and showers are not advised for 24 hours after treatment.
Discomfort
Cold packs, Aloe Vera or any other cooling preparations may be used to ease temporary discomfort.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged sun exposure is to be avoided for 4 weeks before treatment and then for the following 3 weeks. SPF 30+ must be worn during the day at all times.
Blistering
There is a slight possibility in developing a crust or blister. This is superficial, rarely results in any scarring and is treated like sun burn or any other blister.
Swelling
Swelling may occur immediately after the treatment or within 24 hours post treatment. This is temporary and not harmful. Cold packs or an over the counter hydrocortisone preparation such as Egocort or Dermacort may be used to reduce swelling. As a IPL client you have the bonus of being able to have the Omnilux LED light therapy treatment for a reduced price of only $60 after any IPL treatment which will help reduce swelling and speed up recovery. Ask your Therapist about the Omnilux and for more informaiton on the Omnilux click here.
Scarring
Scarring is extremely rare and it is important to follow all of the post treatment instructions carefully in order to prevent infection.
Pigment Changes
There is a slight possibility that some clients might experience pigment change on treated areas. This is generally temporary and will fade within 1-24 months.
Skin Care Use
Please refer to Recommended skin care products section on this page