Laser & Light Based Skin Treatments

Fun fact… Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) isn’t a laser at all, it uses a broad spectrum of light, which allows practitioners to adjust wavelengths to interact with different targets in the skin, such as pigment or blood vessels, depending on clinical indication allowing practitioners to address certain skin concerns in a controlled and targeted way.

During treatment, light energy is delivered to the skin in short pulses. The way this energy interacts with the skin depends on factors such as skin type, the nature of the concern being addressed, and the treatment settings selected by the practitioner. These settings are determined following individual clinical assessment.

IPL may be used as part of a treatment plan for a range of skin concerns. A consultation is required to assess suitability and discuss potential risks and expected recovery.

IPL may be used to address:

- Pigmentation changes such as sun damage or age spots

- Redness and vascular changes

- Uneven skin tone or texture

- Other concerns as assessed during consultation

A consultation is required to determine suitability and to discuss potential risks and recovery.

ResurFX is a non-ablative laser treatment that may be used to support skin remodelling following individual clinical assessment. Treatment is performed over one or more sessions, depending on clinical indication.

ResurFX may be used to address:

- Skin texture changes

- Scarring

- Skin laxity

- Pigmentation concerns

- Other concerns identified during consultation

Photofractional laser treatments combine Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and non-ablative laser technologies. This combined approach may be used to address multiple skin concerns such as:

- Pigmentation changes, including sun damage and age-related pigmentation

- Redness and vascular skin changes

- Variations in skin tone and texture

- Certain types of scarring

- Signs of photoageing, as assessed during consultation

Photofractional treatments are performed over one or more sessions.

We recommend a consultation with us first to assess suitability and discuss potential risks and expected recovery.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair reduction uses light-based technology that may be used to reduce unwanted hair growth following individual clinical assessment. IPL hair reduction is performed over a series of sessions.

IPL hair reduction may be used to address unwanted hair in areas such as:

- Face and neck

- Underarms

- Arms and hands

- Legs

- Bikini and intimate areas

- Chest, back, and shoulders

IPL may also be considered in the management of:

- Excess or unwanted hair growth associated with hormonal or genetic factors

- Recurrent ingrown hairs, where clinically appropriate

- Hair-related skin irritation, as assessed during consultation

A consultation is required to assess suitability and discuss potential risks and expected recovery.

In the context of acne management, IPL may be used following individual clinical assessment, with treatment parameters selected based on factors such as skin type and the nature of the acne being treated.

The way IPL interacts with acne-prone skin is thought to relate to how light energy is absorbed by certain skin structures involved in inflammation and acne pathways.

Light energy delivered during IPL treatment can interact with components involved in acne-prone skin, including blood vessels and pigment-containing structures.

Responses to IPL vary between patients. Factors such as acne type, severity, skin type, and other individual clinical considerations influence suitability and outcomes.

We encourage booking a consultation to asses how IPL could help in the reduction of acne for your unique situation.

Medical laser treatment uses targeted light energy that may be used to address certain superficial vascular skin concerns following individual clinical assessment. Specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by blood within small surface vessels, allowing energy to be delivered in a controlled manner to the affected area. Treatment parameters are selected by the practitioner based on clinical indication, vessel characteristics, and skin type.

This approach may be considered for small, surface-level vascular lesions such as spider veins and broken capillaries. Suitability depends on factors including the size, depth, location, and appearance of the vessels being assessed.

Treatment response, recovery experience, and outcomes vary between patients. More than one treatment session may be required depending on clinical factors. A consultation is required to assess suitability and to discuss potential risks, limitations, and expected recovery.

Understanding spider veins and varicose veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are different conditions and are managed differently.

Spider veins are small, superficial blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin and may appear red, purple, or blue.

Varicose veins are larger, deeper veins that are often raised, may be associated with symptoms such as aching or heaviness, and typically require assessment and management by a specialist vein service.

Medical laser treatment may be used for certain superficial vascular concerns, but it is not appropriate for all vein conditions.

Did you know?

Blood vessels absorb light differently depending on their size and depth. This principle, known as selective photothermolysis, allows practitioners to choose laser settings that interact with superficial vessels while minimising effects on surrounding tissue.

For patients seeking assessment or treatment for varicose veins or deeper venous conditions, referral to a service specialising in venous disease may be recommended. Our neighbours at Melbourne Vein Group specialise in the management of larger and deeper vein conditions.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment for rosacea, using broad-spectrum light to target the blood vessels responsible for redness and flushing. The light energy penetrates the skin, reducing visible blood vessels and overall redness. IPL also promotes collagen production, which can improve skin texture. The procedure is quick, with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results, depending on the severity of rosacea.