FAQ's

This section contains answers to FAQ's we receive, if there is anything you would like to know we haven't covered please contact us...

Q: What is V.P.L and How Does it Differ From I.P.L?

Quite simply, VPL is the next generation on from the original IPL concept. Where IPL was originally a single Intense flash of light which was then converted into heat on being absorbed into the skin and hair. The effect was also to cause damage to the follicle preventing further hair growth but also tended to cause excessive damage and pain to the surrounding tissue particularly on darker skin types. The intensity of the flash was obviously critical to achieve optimum heat transfer but if this could be applied at a lower intensity but for slightly longer then the accumulated effect would be the same. A flash lamp can not be held on for an extended period but by multiple pulsing within the one flash achieves the same result.

Because the skin is able to dissipate heat faster than the hair, known as the Thermal Relaxation Time, then multiple pulsing, with a slight time delay between pulses, enables the hair to heat up more than the surrounding tissue. This same principle applies when treating for vascular and pigmentation.

The Energist VPL enables the Operator to adjust the number of pulse per flash plus the on and off time of the pulse to cater for almost any skin and hair type. Most machine manufacturers have adopted this same principle to varying degrees

Q: What is Photo-rejuvenation?

It is loosely described as a cosmetic treatment designed to produce younger and healthier looking skin. The term Photo defines rejuvenation by means of light and in this case either Intense Pulse Light or Laser. So by implication, if a client seeks a Photo-rejuvenation treatment they can expect to have improved appearance by reversing much of the damage incurred through aging and then to look younger. This is the belief that many equipment suppliers and clinics promote. If only it was that easy.

Rather it should be termed Skin Rejuvenation which now implies a more holistic approach with IPL/VPL as one of the tools to achieve this end.

Photo-rejuvenation by way of IPL/VPL has 3 specific applications:

• Treatment of facial vascular or thread veins. This is a particularly common affliction, often quite ugly, both visibly and psychologically, and very effectively treated with Pulsed Light.
• Pigmentation such as sun spots, freckles and blotchiness. Also very effectively treated with Pulsed Light.
• Treating sun damage, wrinkles, enlarged pores and general obvious signs of ageing. Pulsed Light treatments have shown improvements in this area by stimulating collagen production and giving the skin a healthier appearance. On its own this is the least beneficial of the 3 applications but probably the most sought after and takes the longest to show any visible signs of improvement.

Q: What is Skin Rejuvenation?

Ageing, sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle factors including nutrition, smoking and alcohol consumption all contribute to aged appearance for which there is no quick fix or single treatment.

Rather a more holistic approach to rejuvenating aged appearance by combining Photo-rejuvenation and minimally invasive procedures such as micro-dermabrasion, use of chemical peels, wrinkle reduction and suggested products for use at home. These combined treatments will enable a far more effective result in giving the client what they are looking to achieve rather than suggesting that Photo-rejuvenation alone will achieve all this.