We will always do a consultation to ensure this is a suitable treatment for you. Certain medications (such as antibiotics or photo sensitizing medication) can make this treatment unsafe. A consultation is always needed and a patch test will also be carried out.

The level of discomfort will vary from person to person and the best way we describe it is like a hot elastic band flicking of the skin. This is a comfortable treatment and we do not offer numbing cream when performing IPL.

The skin is cleansed and after a clear gel is applied to the skin. Protective eye wear is given as the light is bright. The smooth glass surface of the Ellipse hand-piece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied.

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. A course of treatments (4-6) is often advised, depending your specific concerns. This allows us to perform the treatments safely with minimum down time so you can go back to everyday activities.

You must avoid sun exposure 30 days before and during the treatment programme. This is because a tan can increase light absorption in the skin rather than the hair, thus making hair removal less effective. It also increases the chance of pain and burns to the skin. If you have a suntan (or have used fake tan recently), it is best to wait until the colour reduces to achieve the best hair removal results.

You must use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for 30 days after the treatment and while you are continuing with your treatment. Certain medications can make the skin sun sensitive and will make this treatment unsafe. This is all discussed in a consultation and it is very important that you let us know at every appointment if anything has changed in your medical history.

IPL can be performed on the full face, neck, chest and hands with excellent results.