Vascular therapy
Gently target visible veins, rosacea, and redness with our advanced Intense Pulsed Light technology. Restore clear, even-toned skin.
Vascular Therapy using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive, clinically-proven photo facial treatment designed to safely reduce the appearance of superficial vascular lesions. It uses broad-spectrum light to target haemoglobin—the pigment in red blood cells—within visible blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface.
The light energy is selectively absorbed by the haemoglobin, converting to heat. This heat gently coagulates and seals the targeted vessel walls. Over the following weeks, your body’s natural healing process absorbs the defunct vessel, leading to a significant reduction in visible redness and a more uniform, clearer complexion.
Our treatment is highly effective for a range of common vascular concerns, including:
- Facial Telangiectasia: Those small, thread-like veins often seen on the cheeks, nose, and chin.
- Rosacea & Persistent Facial Redness: To calm generalised flushing and reduce background redness associated with this common skin condition.
- Broken Capillaries: Isolated or clusters of fine red lines, often caused by sun exposure or environmental factors.
- Cherry Angiomas: Small, bright red moles composed of clustered capillaries.
- Spider Naevi: Central red spots with extending capillaries, resembling a spider’s web.
- Generalised Redness & Uneven Skin Tone: To improve overall complexion clarity and tone.
- Non-Invasive & No Downtime: No needles or incisions. You can return to most daily activities immediately, with only minor, short-lived redness.
- Targeted & Precise: The advanced technology selectively treats vascular lesions without damaging the surrounding healthy skin.
- Proven & Effective: A gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for superficial vascular issues with predictable, visible results.
- Quick & Convenient: Most facial treatments are completed in 20-30 minutes, making it an ideal lunchtime procedure.
- Improves Skin Texture & Tone: Many clients notice an overall improvement in skin clarity, brightness, and texture following a course of treatments.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Consultation: A thorough skin analysis and medical history review with a qualified practitioner to ensure IPL is suitable for you and to plan your treatment.
Preparation: Your skin will be cleansed, and you will be provided with protective eyewear. A cool gel may be applied.
The Procedure: The practitioner will glide the IPL handpiece over your skin. You will feel a quick, warm sensation, often likened to the gentle snap of a rubber band, with each pulse.
Aftercare: The treated area may appear pink or flushed for a few hours. A calming cream or cool pack will be applied. Strict sun avoidance and daily use of a high-SPF (50+) broad-spectrum sunscreen are absolutely essential.
Treatment Course
Vascular lesions vary, and your body needs time to absorb the treated vessels. We typically recommend a course of 2-4 sessions, spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal, gradual clearance. Stubborn or deeper vessels may require additional sessions.
Essential Aftercare Advice (To Ensure Best Results & Safety):
- Sun Protection is Paramount: You must avoid sun exposure and sunbeds for at least two weeks before and after each treatment. Use a minimum SPF 50 daily.
- Avoid Heat: For 48 hours post-treatment, avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and vigorous exercise.
- Gentle Skincare: Use mild, non-abrasive cleansers and moisturisers. Avoid retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and scrubs for 5-7 days.
- Do Not Pick: Allow any tiny, darkened spots (a rare but possible sign of a treated vessel crusting) to shed naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most clients describe the sensation as mild and very tolerable—a quick, warm flick. Advanced systems include cooling technology for enhanced comfort.
A: Initial fading can be seen within a week, but the full result develops over 3-4 weeks as your body clears the treated vessel. Multiple sessions provide cumulative improvement.
A: IPL is safest and most effective on lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-III) where there is a good contrast between the red vessel and the skin. It is not suitable for tanned skin or darker skin tones (IV-VI) due to the risk of pigmentation changes. Your practitioner will assess your suitability during consultation.
A: Lasers use a single, precise wavelength, often preferred for deeper or larger individual vessels (like on the legs). IPL uses a broad spectrum of light, making it exceptionally effective for treating diffuse redness and clusters of finer vessels, such as those common on the face. We will recommend the most appropriate technology for you.
A: The treated vessels are permanently destroyed and will not reappear. However, new vascular lesions can form over time due to genetics, ageing, or sun exposure. Maintenance treatments may occasionally be desired.
A: Yes. IPL is one of the most effective medical treatments for managing the persistent redness and visible blood vessels associated with rosacea. It can significantly improve skin appearance and comfort.
Before & After Treatments
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