Hair Reduction & Photorejuvenation

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT PHOTO REJUVENATION

WHAT IS PHOTO-REJUVENATION?

Photo rejuvenation is a non-invasive way to improve skin damage without disrupting the skin surface. The treatment improves texture and complexion, producing smoother, even-toned skin with low risk and allows normal activities to resume immediately. It is used to treat uneven pigmentation, age spots, benign brown pigmentation or spots. Some blood vessels and birthmarks and generalised redness of the skin may also respond to treatment. Photo rejuvenation may also improve course, rough skin, reduce the appearance of large pores, fine lines, wrinkling and sun damage.

Photo rejuvenation works by emitting a light that breaks up the pigment in lesions causing little discomfort. A temporary reddening that lasts a few hours may occur. Pigmented lesions will darken slightly after treatment and then fade away after approximately 10-14 days. An accurate diagnosis by a physician of brown spots prior to treatment is necessary before a treatment session. It is important that all patients understand that there may be coincidental hair loss in regions exposed to this treatment.

A treatment plan will be designed by the Registered Nurse. This plan will encompass appropriate treatment intervals, and expected number of treatments according to the lesions, pigment, skin condition or vessels that are to be treated. It is imperative that you are prepared to attend according to this treatment plan to ensure maximum efficacy and reduce costs associated with added treatments which may be necessary if a treatment is missed or the interval between treatments is prolonged.

PREPARATION

Pre-treatment recommendation include:

Discontinue sun tanning and use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams four (4) weeks before and throughout treatment course. This will reduce the chance of skin colour changes and development of new lesions.

• Always use a SPF 30 Sun Block on all exposed treatment areas and re-apply every two (2) hours during the day.
• Wear protective, light-occluding hats and clothing.
• Discontinue use of exfoliating creams such as Retin A and other skin exfoliating products two (2) weeks prior to and during entire treatment course.
• If you have a history of Herpes outbreaks in the area of treatment, consult the primary care provider prior to treatment.
• An accurate diagnosis by a physician of brown spots prior to treatment is necessary before treatment commences.
• Be aware there is the possibility of coincidental hair loss when treating pigmented lesions in hair-bearing areas.
• All patients must wear an SPF 30+ for at least three weeks prior to test patching.

THE PROCEDURE

Intense pulsed light is performed in our rooms at Aesthetix by our Registered Nurse. The procedure can be tolerated without the need for pain medications or sedation. Initially, the skin is cleansed twice and then further prepared with alcohol to remove all oils, products and sunscreen from the skin. A light gel will be applied to the skin which aid in good light absorption and ensuring the skin remains cool.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT

Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Apply cold packs or cool, wet clothes to these areas. Lesions may darken; the perimeter may rise and appear red. This will subside over the following days and is easily covered with make-up if necessary. The lesions will continue to lighten over the following weeks.

In any untoward side effects occur, please contact the office on (07) 3720 8788.

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT HAIR REDUCTION

WHAT IS INTENSE PULSED LIGHT?

Pulsed-light systems work by emitting pulses of intense lamp light into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat which destroys the hair follicle. Most hair removed will not grow back for months; some may not grow back at all. Hair that does grow back may be thinner and lighter in colour.

Treatment duration is short and any area can be treated except around the eyes. A wand-like hand piece is moved over the area to be treated. The handpiece emits the light that treats the hair follicles. Most people perceive the treatment as a “snapping” sensation and there is a level of discomfort involved. Some patients describe the sensation as being like having an elastic band snapped against the skin.

A treatment plan will be designed by the Registered Nurse. This plan will encompass appropriate treatment intervals and expected number of treatments according to hair growth phases, hair colour and skin colour for each treatment area. It is imperative that you are prepared to attend according to this treatment plan to ensure maximum efficacy and reduce costs associated with added treatments which may be necessary if a treatment is missed or the interval between treatments is prolonged.

PREPARATION

Pre-treatment recommendations include:

• Shaving the area to be treated before the first and any subsequent treatments.
• No tweezing, waxing, electrolysis or other epilation methods for at least 4 weeks, but preferably 8 weeks, prior to treatment and for the duration of treatments.
• Discontinue use of exfoliant creams such as Retin A and alpha hydroxy products 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Sun, tanning bed and self-tanning cream avoidance 4 weeks before and throughout the treatment course is recommended – this reduces the chance of skin colour changes, burns and blistering. SPF30 should be applied on all exposed treatment areas daily even if there will be no direct sunlight.
• Inform the registered nurse of any antibiotics or topical skin care products including essential oils.

On average, after one treatment, hair growth delay is between 1 and 3 months. Some hair may never return.

THE PROCEDURE

Intense pulsed light is performed in our rooms at Aesthetix by our Registered Nurse. The procedure can be tolerated without the need for pain medication or sedation. Initially, the skin is cleansed twice and then further prepared with alcohol to remove all oils, products and sunscreen from the skin. A light gel will be applied to the skin which aid in good light absorption and ensuring the skin remains cool.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT

Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Apply cold packs or cool, wet cloths to areas. There may be small raised pink bumps present around some of the hair follicles. This will subside over the following 4 days and is easily covered with makeup if necessary. It is important to note that the hair treated will not fall out immediately after each treatment. The hair is gradually purged from the skin over the following month.

It is also important to note that the hair is only affected by the light in one of the three growth phases. This explains why multiple treatments are performed and why hair reduction may not be evident until after the second treatment.

If any untoward side effects occur, please contact the office on (07) 3720 8788.