AESTHETIC TREATMENTS

Energy-based treatments: Laser and IPL/BBL explained

Laser and intense pulsed light/BroadBand Light (BBL) direct light energy into the skin. These treatments can target specific coloured structures or cause a more generalised destructive effect known as ablation.

Medical treatment of rosacea, melasma, pre-cancer sun damage, acne, nail infections
Cosmetic treatment of pigmentation, freckles, angiomas, seborrhoeic keratoses, moles and more

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Laser and IPL can treat medical and aesthetic skin concerns. Each has strengths and weaknesses; we assess your clinical and aesthetic requirements and preferences to tailor the best treatment course.

Effects of laser and IPL treatments

IPL and laser destroy pigment, which fades red and brown structures in the skin, such as pigmentation/freckles, blood vessels and coloured moles, seborrhoeic keratoses, angiomas, hair and tattoo pigment.

They can generate heat, which stimulates cell turnover and increases collagen production, reducing fine wrinkles and tightening the skin. This heat can also kill organisms such as fungi and bacteria, which makes it a effective treatment for acne and fungal nail infections.

Laser can ablate (destroy) skin cells and structures, which can treat scars, solar keratoses and certain types of mole. Ablation can also stimulate the growth of new skin cells for a skin rejuvenation effect.

Differences between laser and IPL

BBL intense pulsed light

Suitable skin types: I-III (fair skin)

What is it good for

Superficial pigmentation and vessels: lentigines (age spots), small angiomas, tiny capillaries.
Generalised facial redness in rosacea.
Sun damage with a mixture of pigmentation and redness.
Large areas, e.g. whole face, chest or arms. We use BBL Hero, which allows us to treat large areas in a continuous gliding motion. This results in an even application of energy and avoids the “stamping” effect seen with other forms of IPL.

What it is not good for

Not for melasma – IPL can make it worse due to heat.
Deeper and thicker structures.
Darker skin types.

Downtime

No to minimal downtime, i.e. can have treatment and then go straight to work.

Discomfort during treatment

Minimal in most cases, unless powerful settings are used (for example, resistant rosacea).

Laser

Suitable skin types: All skin types (as long as the correct settings are used).

What is it good for

Pigmentation deeper in the skin, for example in melasma.
Capillaries and telangiectasia (blood vessels).
Good for skin tone/consistency.
Nail fungal infections when antifungal treatments have failed.
Cosmetic mole removal, flat pigmented moles.

What it is not good for

Treating large areas (this can take a long time and there is a possibility of uneven results).

Downtime

Variable, depending on the intensity of treatment and the size of the area treated.

Discomfort during treatment

Variable, according to the intensity and type of treatment.
Ablative fractional treatment can cause facial redness which lasts over a week.

Note: In some clinical situations, there may be a Medicare rebate for laser treatment of rosacea and facial blood vessel issues.

Before and after laser and IPL treatments

Written by Dr Chris Miller Accredited skin cancer doctor

MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci

Before and after a rosacea treatment course: BBL treatments and oral medication

Before and after rosacea treatment: medication and a course of BBL

Before and after BBL treatment for lentigines

Before and after laser treatment of lentigo (“age spot”)

Before and after one laser treatment of telangiectasia (capillaries) on the nose

Before and 1 month after after laser mole removal

Side effects and warnings

Both laser and intense pulsed light can damage the eyes. Glasses or goggles must be worn at all times.

Intense treatments can cause skin irritation and redness, bleeding, burns, blisters or bruising. Before administering a treatment likely to cause such side effects, we will advise what to expect and provide information about aftercare.

Cold sores are a known side effect of surgical, laser and IPL treatments. You can reduce the risk by taking antiviral medication before treatment, or immediately if you notice the onset of cold sore symptoms after your treatment.

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Redness, swelling, blisters and sores are often a common result of aesthetic and skin cancer treatments. In most cases, they can be managed easily and settle gradually over the following weeks. However, it’s important to notify the clinic if you are very uncomfortable or concerned about your reaction being abnormal.

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Bruising is common after procedures involving bleeding. It appears as a blue or purple patch under the skin and gradually changes colour and fades over 1-2 weeks.

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