Limelight IPL Photorejuvenation
Cutera Limelight IPL photorejuvenation is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulses of light to target pigment, redness and broken capillaries, visibly improving the effects of sun-damage and aging. IPL doesn’t affect the surface of the skin and therefore has significantly less discomfort and downtime than laser resurfacing treatments.
Limelight IPL photorejuvenation is very effective at treating:
- Uneven pigmentation and skin tone
- Brown spots (Freckles, solar lentigines, age spots)
- “Broken” capillaries and dilated blood vessels
- Redness (including acne rosacea and poikiloderma)
- Sun-damage
It is most commonly used on the face, neck, décolletage, arms and hands, but it can be used on any area of the body.
There are multiple brands of IPL / BBL machines on the market, and they are not all equal. At Elysium™ Skin Centre Brisbane, we have invested in the top of the line Cutera Limelight IPL. These are sophisticated, medical grade IPL devices made in the USA. Limelight IPL photorejuvenation is unique in being able to choose three different wavelength spectrums to accurately tailor the treatment to your skin type, and to target either red, brown, or red and brown pigments.
FAQ’s
What is photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation refers to any method which uses light to rejuvenate the skin (including intense pulsed light (IPL), broad band light (BBL), laser, LED light (LLT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT)). Limelight IPL differs from laser, in that a laser produces just one specific wavelength of light while the Limelight IPL can cover a broad range of wavelengths (from 520nm to 1100nm).
How does Limelight work?
Limelight deposits pulses of light energy into the superficial layers of the skin where it is absorbed by specific targets (red and brown pigments) such as fine broken blood vessels that cause redness, and melanin pigment in brown spots. This process destroys the target and eliminates it from the skin, restoring the normal skin tone and complexion.
Can tanned skin be treated?
IPL is absorbed by brown pigment, including an active tan, spray-on tan and self-tanning agents. As such, the area to be treated should not have had excessive sun-exposure for 4 weeks, or fake tan applied for 4 weeks prior to the Limelight procedure. Sun-exposure and tanning will be discussed with you prior to treatment.
Treatment of red spots (vascular lesions) and brown spots
Isolated red or brown lesions should not be treated by a nurse or beauty therapist without prior medical assessment and guidance. These lesions could be pre-cancerous or cancerous (including melanoma) and must be examined by a doctor. At Elysium™ Skin Centre, all patients with red or brown spots are assessed by Dr Csilla who has 4 years’ of dermatology training and more than 25 years’ experience in treating skin lesions. If your red or brown spot is atypical you will be referred to an experienced skin specialist for its removal.
What happens during the Limelight procedure?
You will be given eye shields or safety glasses to wear during the procedure.
A gel will be applied to the skin for better contact, and to protect the surface of the skin by cooling it.
The Limelight handpiece is placed on the skin and a series of “shots” are performed over the area to be treated. With each shot you will briefly feel a warm sensation and a slight sting (like a rubber band snap) as the light energy is absorbed by the target. This indicates that the treatment is working. Usually no anaesthetic cream is necessary, but it might be used in more sensitive areas.
Treatment takes from a few minutes to half an hour depending on the area and condition to be treated.
After the procedure you will be given a cold pack to briefly cool the area.
What to expect after Limelight?
This is a non-invasive procedure with virtually no downtime. Your skin may be initially a little red and swollen immediately after the treatment but this should resolve in a couple of hours. In most cases you can apply makeup and return to work or resume your normal activities straight away.
Pigmented areas and vascular lesions will darken and will gradually flake off and fade over the next 7-10 days. Your skin tone will become more even, and your skin will often feel smoother with some reduction in fine lines and pores.
Sun protection is essential after Limelight IPL therapy, and you will need to use a good SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Are there any side effects?
The risks of unwanted side effects such as burning, blistering and subsequent scarring with loss of pigmentation, or hyperpigmenation are higher in darker skin types. Great care is taken to minimise these risks, and a “test patch” (which may be hours or days prior to the actual treatment) is sometimes necessary to find the correct level of IPL energy for the individual patient.
Expected side effects include:
- Redness and slight swelling, which settles over 1-2 days
- Darkening of the pigment, with the skin having a “dirty” appearance or looking like it’s been sprinkled with cocoa powder; this will disappear over 7 – 10 days
- A “stripey” appearance can occur where the skin has not yet been treated and this will be tidied up on review over the following week with a subsequent treatment
- Sometimes hormonal pigmentation, known as melasma or chloasma, may paradoxically darken after IPL treatment
- Recurrence of red or brown lesions will occur if the post treatment guidelines are not followed
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient and the condition being treated. Dr Csilla will personalize a treatment plan based on your skin condition, skin type and the level of improvement you desire.
Dr Csilla may also suggest other treatments that may be combined with IPL to maximise the benefit.
What is the cost of Limelight IPL photorejuvenation?
Elysium™ Skin Centre is specialised cosmetic medicine and laser clinic, not a beauty salon. The cost of IPL photorejuvenation depends on the size of the area treated, the condition being treated and who performs the treatment. Dr Csilla will provide you with an accurate quote at the time of consultation. Alternatively, please call the clinic to get an up to date price guide or to arrange a consultation.
The last word on Limelight IPL photorejuvenation by Dr Csilla
IPL is a well tolerated therapy and an ideal first step in treating mild to moderate signs of sun-damage and aging without the downtime and discomfort of more intense laser treatments. It is an excellent treatment for pigmentation, redness and “broken” capillaries. As a bonus effect, after multiple treatments with IPL, there may also be a noticeable improvement in the plumpness and tightness of the skin.
Why choose Elysium™ Skin Centre for your Limelight IPL photorejuvenation treatment?
Elysium™ Skin Centre is a specialised laser and light facility. Dr Csilla has more than 20 years’ experience in all forms of laser skin rejuvenation, and more than 10 years experience with Limelight IPL. She is focussed on providing you with the highest standard of care and expertise, while also ensuring your comfort and overall positive experience.