IPL Vascular Treatment uses carefully controlled pulses of light to improve the appearance of facial redness, visible capillaries and selected vascular lesions.
It can help create a calmer, clearer and more even-looking complexion. IPL may improve the visible signs associated with rosacea, but it does not cure the underlying condition.
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BEST FOR
• Persistent facial redness
• Red or flushed-looking cheeks
• Visible facial capillaries
• Small broken blood vessels
• Redness around the nose
• Selected vascular lesions
• Visible signs associated with rosacea
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NOT SUITABLE FOR
Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided if you have:
• Recently tanned or sunburnt skin
• Active rosacea inflammation or a severe flare-up
• Active infection, cold sores or broken skin
• Suspicious or undiagnosed skin lesions
• A light-sensitive medical condition
• Photosensitising medication
• Current or recent isotretinoin use
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• A medical condition or medication that may affect treatment safety
IPL is not suitable for every skin tone or every type of redness. A professional consultation and skin assessment are required.
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Ellipse SPT+ system delivers controlled pulses of filtered light into the skin.
The light is absorbed by haemoglobin within visible blood vessels and converted into heat. This causes the targeted vessels to gradually collapse and become less visible while limiting damage to the surrounding skin.
BEFORE
Your skin, medical history, medication and redness will be assessed. The treatment area will be cleansed and protective eyewear will be provided.
A test patch or consultation may be required before your first treatment.
DURING
A cooling gel is applied before the IPL applicator is placed against the skin. You may feel a brief warm flick, sting or snapping sensation with each pulse.
AFTER
The treated skin may appear red, warm or slightly swollen. Some vessels may initially look darker or more noticeable before gradually fading.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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Treatment time: Approximately 30–75 minutes Downtime: Usually minimal Recommended course: Often 3–5 treatments Treatment interval: Usually 3–4 weeks Results: Develop progressively Maintenance: May be required to manage recurring redness
AT A GLANCE
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• Nose
• Chin
• Cheeks
• Nose and Cheeks
• Full Face
TREATMENT AREAS
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Some vessels may respond after one treatment, but widespread redness and rosacea-related concerns usually require a course of treatments.
Improvement develops gradually as the targeted vessels are naturally cleared by the body. Results vary according to the type and depth of the vessels, skin tone, lifestyle, rosacea triggers and consistency with the recommended treatment plan.
New vessels and redness can develop over time, particularly when rosacea triggers are not controlled. Maintenance treatments may therefore be recommended.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
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• Avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure
• Do not arrive with sunburn or recently tanned skin
• Stop self-tanning products before treatment
• Avoid strong exfoliants and retinoids as advised
• Tell Sandra about all medication and supplements
• Mention any medication that causes light sensitivity
• Inform Sandra about recent aesthetic treatments
• Do not stop prescribed medication without consulting your doctor
• Arrive without makeup where possible
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
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Nose or Chin — R380
Nose and Cheeks — R600
Cheeks — R620
Face — R820
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
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Targeted light treatment for visible redness and small facial vessels.
Advanced Skin Treatments
IPL Rosacea & Vascular Lesions
IPL Treatments
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It uses controlled pulses of light that are absorbed by specific targets in the skin, such as pigment, visible blood vessels or melanin in the hair. At Esthetiek, IPL is performed with the Ellipse SPT+, and the treatment is selected according to your skin, concern and suitability.
Depending on your skin and suitability, IPL can be used for skin rejuvenation, pigmentation and sun damage, certain visible vascular concerns and unwanted hair. Not every concern or skin type is suitable for IPL, which is why appropriate assessment is important.
They have different targets. Skin Rejuvenation focuses primarily on visible pigmentation, sun damage and overall skin appearance. Vascular IPL targets suitable visible redness and superficial vessels. IPL Hair Removal targets pigment in the hair follicle to progressively reduce unwanted hair growth.
Most clients describe the pulse as a brief warm or snapping sensation. Comfort varies depending on the treatment area, individual sensitivity and type of IPL treatment being performed.
This depends on what we are treating and how your skin or hair responds. IPL is generally performed as a course of treatments rather than relying on one session. Your treatment plan and intervals will be recommended according to your individual concern.
Downtime is usually limited, but it depends on the treatment. Temporary warmth, redness or mild sensitivity can occur. Pigmented areas may temporarily become darker before gradually clearing, while treated vascular areas can also change in appearance as they respond.
IPL may help reduce suitable visible vascular redness and superficial vessels, including some redness associated with rosacea. However, rosacea is a chronic condition and IPL does not cure it. Your skin needs to be assessed to determine whether IPL is appropriate, particularly during periods of active irritation or flare-ups.
IPL can be effective for certain superficial pigmented lesions and sun-related pigmentation, but not every type of pigmentation should be treated with IPL. Pigmentation first needs to be assessed because conditions such as melasma require particular caution and may be better managed differently.
No. IPL suitability depends partly on the amount of melanin in the skin because melanin also absorbs light energy. Some darker or recently tanned skin types carry a greater risk of burns or pigment changes. I will assess your skin before deciding whether IPL is an appropriate option.
IPL should not be performed on recently tanned or sunburned skin. This includes significant sun exposure and artificial tanning. Please tell me about recent sun exposure before your appointment, as your treatment may need to be postponed for safety.
The light is absorbed by pigment in suitable hairs and converted to heat, which damages the hair-producing structures within the follicle. Because hairs grow in different cycles, several treatments are required to target hairs during the appropriate growth phase.
IPL is best described as long-term hair reduction rather than a guarantee that every hair will disappear permanently. A successful course can significantly reduce hair growth, but maintenance sessions may occasionally be required as hormones and other factors can influence future growth.
IPL relies on pigment in the hair to absorb the light. Grey and white hair do not contain enough melanin to respond effectively, and very light blonde or some red hair may also respond poorly. Darker, more pigmented hair generally provides a better target.
Yes. You will normally be asked to shave the treatment area before your appointment. Do not wax, tweeze or epilate beforehand, as IPL needs the hair follicle and its pigment to remain present beneath the skin.
No. Avoid methods that remove the hair from the root, such as waxing, tweezing or epilating, during your IPL course. Shaving or trimming is generally the preferred method between sessions.
Hair follicles are not all actively growing at the same time. IPL is most effective when suitable hairs are in the active growth phase, so repeated sessions are needed to progressively target different follicles as they enter that stage.
Follow the specific aftercare given for your treatment. Generally, protect the area from sun exposure, use appropriate SPF, avoid unnecessary heat or irritation while the skin is sensitive, and do not pick or exfoliate areas of pigmentation that temporarily darken after treatment.
There are several possible contraindications, including certain medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, recent tanning, active infection and conditions that increase sensitivity to light or affect healing. Your consultation information must be accurate and up to date so I can determine whether treatment is appropriate.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 every day
• Avoid direct sunlight and tanning
• Keep the skin cool, calm and hydrated
• Use gentle skincare products
• Avoid retinoids, exfoliating acids and scrubs until the skin settles
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, steam and excessive heat
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
• Do not rub, scratch or pick the treated skin
• Avoid known rosacea triggers where possible
• Follow the personalised aftercare instructions provided
AFTERCARE
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Book your IPL consultation so we can assess your skin and create an appropriate treatment plan.
No. Rosacea is a recurring skin condition. IPL may reduce visible redness and vessels, but it cannot remove the underlying tendency to develop rosacea.
Ongoing skincare, sun protection, trigger management and maintenance treatments may be needed.
