Intense Pulsed Light

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment in Sydney
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About The Treatment

IPL is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses multiple wavelengths of light to target the skin’s surface. It may help improve the appearance of common concerns related to pigmentation and uneven tone, particularly in areas often exposed to the sun.

Common treatment areas include the face, neck, décolleté, arms, and hands. IPL may help improve the visible appearance of:

  • large pigmented spots
  • freckles
  • uneven or mottled skin tone
  • small visible blood vessels on the surface of the skin
  • general surface redness
  • overall tone and texture

Important Information

  • IPL is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the skin.
  • All cosmetic procedures carry risks, including redness, swelling, or changes in pigmentation.
  • Results and recovery experiences vary between individuals, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
  • A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is essential to determine suitability and discuss alternatives.

Disclaimer

IPL is a cosmetic treatment aimed at improving the appearance of the skin. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Results vary between individuals.

IPL and how it compares to other treatments

How does IPL compare to other laser treatments?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, while lasers use a single, specific wavelength. With appropriate settings, IPL can be directed toward visible skin concerns at a more superficial level. Compared to some laser treatments, IPL procedures generally involve shorter recovery periods, although this depends on the individual and treatment settings.

Common Areas Treated with IPL

IPL may be used on different areas of the body to improve the appearance of:

  • Face: uneven skin tone, pigmentation irregularities, and surface redness

  • Neck: visible signs of sun exposure or pigment changes that contribute to uneven tone

  • Hands: pigmentation such as age spots and general skin discolouration

Disclaimer

IPL treatments are cosmetic procedures designed to improve the appearance of the skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary.

What to Expect from IPL

During treatment, brief sensations of heat or tingling are common. Temporary side effects may include redness, swelling, or mild sensitivity, which typically settle within a few days. Less common risks, such as pigment changes, will be explained during your consultation.

At Shape Clinic, IPL treatments are tailored to the individual. Some people may require more than one session, and a course of treatments is sometimes recommended, depending on your skin type and goals. Your practitioner will advise on whether ongoing maintenance treatments may be suitable.

A topical numbing cream may be applied before treatment to support comfort. After your session, it is common for brown spots or pigmented areas to temporarily darken before naturally shedding within about a week. Mild redness can usually be covered with mineral makeup after 24 hours.

Important Information

  • IPL is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the skin.
  • All procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals.
  • IPL is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.
  • A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is required to determine suitability and discuss alternatives.
  • Potential side effects include redness, swelling, pigment changes, and increased skin sensitivity.
  • Less common risks will be explained during consultation.
  • All procedures at Shape Clinic are performed by qualified health practitioners in accordance with safety guidelines.
  • A detailed consultation is required to confirm suitability and to discuss alternative treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

IPL procedures can involve temporary effects such as redness, mild swelling, or increased sensitivity in the treated area. These typically resolve within a few hours to several days, though experiences vary. Less common risks, including pigment changes, will be discussed during your consultation.

The level of discomfort varies from person to person. Some people describe brief sensations of heat or tingling during the procedure. To support comfort, a topical numbing cream may be applied before treatment, and cooling methods can be used during and after.

The interval between IPL treatments depends on your skin type, the area being treated, and your practitioner’s recommendations. Sessions are often scheduled several weeks apart to allow the skin to recover.

Treatment Practitioners

Dr Danae Lim
Medical Practitioner
MB BS (SYD)
MED0001188982

Dr Danae Lim is a cosmetic physician with 16 years’ medical experience.

Dr Emma Kim
Medical Practitioner
BMed MD MPhil (Medicine)
FRACGP
MED0002145269

Dr Emma Kim’s expertise includes lasers, injectables, energy based devices and skin rejuvenation.

Nicky Lurie
Skin Therapist

With 20+ years of experience as a skin therapist, Nicky is passionate about matching the right product to the appropriate indication.

Bernice Ellis
Registered Nurse
NMW0001187542

Bernice has a legion of loyal clients and is well regarded as one of Australia’s leading injectable nurse and laser specialists.

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Risks & Recovery

Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness. Less common risks include infection, pigment change, scarring or an unsatisfactory/uneven result; rare but serious risks will be discussed with you. Downtime varies by individual and procedure. Your practitioner will assess suitability, explain alternatives and provide personalised aftercare. Results vary. If you have severe pain, vision changes, spreading redness, fever, or any urgent concern, seek immediate medical care and contact us on +61 2 8356 2888.

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