Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive, medical-grade treatment used at The Wessex Skin Clinic to improve uneven skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and minimize the appearance of broken veins. By delivering controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light into the skin, IPL targets specific chromophores—primarily melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (blood vessels)—without damaging the surrounding tissue. The result is clearer, more even-looking skin with minimal downtime.
How IPL Works
Unlike lasers, which emit a single wavelength, IPL uses a range of wavelengths that can be selectively filtered to address different skin concerns. When the light energy is absorbed by excess pigment or dilated blood vessels, it is converted into heat. This heat breaks down the unwanted pigment or coagulates the targeted vessels, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to gradually clear them away.
Because IPL can be customized for different indications, it is particularly effective for patients who present with both pigmentation and vascular concerns in the same treatment area, such as the face, neck, chest, or hands.
Treating Pigmentation
IPL is commonly used to treat benign pigmented lesions caused by sun exposure and aging, including:
- Sun spots and age spots (solar lentigines)
- Freckles
- Uneven skin tone and discoloration
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (in appropriate candidates)
Following treatment, pigmented areas may temporarily darken before flaking off or fading over the course of 1–2 weeks. With a course of treatments, the skin appears brighter, clearer, and more uniform in tone.
Treating Broken Veins
For vascular concerns, IPL targets hemoglobin within superficial blood vessels. It is effective for reducing:
- Facial telangiectasia (broken capillaries)
- Diffuse facial redness
- Mild rosacea-related redness (where clinically appropriate)
The treated vessels gradually collapse and are reabsorbed by the body, leading to a reduction in visible redness and broken veins over several weeks.
What to Expect During Treatment
An IPL treatment is typically well tolerated. A cooling gel is applied to the skin, and protective eyewear is worn. Patients often describe the sensation as a brief snap of warmth against the skin. Treatment sessions usually last between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the area treated.
There is little to no downtime. Mild redness or swelling may occur immediately after treatment and usually resolves within a few hours to a couple of days. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day, with strict sun protection advised.
Treatment Course and Results
Optimal results are achieved with a series of treatments, typically 3–5 sessions spaced several weeks apart. The exact number of sessions depends on the type and severity of pigmentation or vascular lesions, skin type, and individual response to treatment.
IPL delivers gradual, natural-looking improvement rather than instant results, making it an excellent option for patients seeking progressive skin rejuvenation.
Safety and Suitability
IPL is a medical aesthetic treatment and should only be performed following a comprehensive consultation, and this specific treatment is only performed by Dr Fairris. Not all skin types or conditions are suitable for IPL. A thorough assessment ensures appropriate settings are selected and risks—such as burns or post-inflammatory pigmentation—are minimized.
At The Wessex Skin Clinic, every IPL treatment plan is tailored to the individual, combining advanced technology with clinical expertise to deliver safe, effective, and predictable outcomes.
