Intense Pulse Light emit light which is readily absorbed by blood vessels, heating them to point where they are destroyed. Following treatment, the vessels quickly clear as they are reabsorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion. For Intense Pulsed Light treatment a thin layer of chilled gel is applied to the skin to aid light absorption by the vessel. The light is then pulsed over the entire area to be treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled. During the treatment, protective eyewear will be worn.

Typically three to four treatments are needed for maximum results, though small lesions may clear in just a single session. For general redness and rosacea five or more treatments may be required. Repeat sessions are spaced every four to six weeks.

Treatment is relatively quick and can be just 10 minutes for a single lesion or up to 45 minutes for a full face. However prior to any treatment a consultation will identify your goals and expectations and will give you an explanation of the treatment process and the likely outcomes. This will be followed by a test patch to confirm suitability for treatment.

Immediately after treatment some thread veins will disappear but may re-occur a few days later, but be less visible. With further treatment these vessels will disappear and are not likely to reoccur. However, once you have a tendancy to facial redness you always will so new veins may appear at some point in the future making further treatment necessary. Maintenance sessions may not be required for several years though as results are long-lasting.

Treatment is mildly uncomfortable but there is no need for anaesthesia and the procedure is actually quite quick. Sensations vary but most people describe it as a very quick, hot pin prick.

A NU U recommends that everyone uses sunscreen 365 days a year to protect the skin.