Laser or IPL and why choose us?

Many people ask us what the difference is between laser and IPL, what is the best option, and when is the best time to have a treatment.

The difference

The main difference between laser and IPL is the delivery of the light source used to target the specific molecule, such as hair, pigment or vessels. IPL stands for intense pulse light and uses a broad spectrum of visible light as opposed to a single beam, like laser.  The light can be specifically controlled to different wave lengths in order to target specific structures such as the melanin in hair, the haemoglobin in blood for vessels and so forth. This light energy is then absorbed and changes the structure of the target such as the hair follicle being damaged and reducing further growth.

Lasers contain a single colour of light and can travel deeper into the pore giving a more concentrated blast of energy to the specific source. Because lasers are more specific they can be better for darker skin types because they have decreased risk of damaging the surrounding skin compared to some IPL machines. This is because darker skin also absorbs more light because of the melanin content and can be heated up a lot quicker than a paler skin tone.

Laser and IPL can be performed all year around. However, because of the heat that can be experienced in the skin post-treatment, we often find our clients choose winter for full face rejuvenation treatments or skin resurfacing. It is also best to avoid the sun prior to any light-based therapies, but in Australia this is virtually impossible to do completely. Choosing a facial rejuvenation treatment in winter reduces the risk of skin damage pre and post treatments.

Here at Complete Skin we used a state-of-the-art IPL Palomar icon machine, which, unlike some IPL machines, can treat ALL skin types and colours. The Icon system offers industry-leading IPL and laser therapies as well as Skintel, the industry’s only live melanin reader. Because IPL uses a broad spectrum of light it covers a great area so treatment times can be less than specific lasers. The main advantage of this broad spectrum of light is that we can also treat more than just hair removal. Our Icon machine is developed with safety and efficacy in mind and designed to treat vessels, pigmentation, hair, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, fractional resurfacing and with our ablation handpiece also remove small lesions once cleared by our on-site doctor. Because of its many different uses, it allows us to offer a wider range of treatment options to our clients all under the one roof. We are also industry-backed, meaning we have a team of experts at the end of the phone at any time should we need to consult. These experts frequently come to our clinic for training keeping us up-to-date with the latest technologies available. If you are considering hair removal, or have any other concerns or questions, please call us today. We can tailor treatment plans to suit your needs, skin types and concerns in a safe and efficient manner.