Before Your Treatment

A patch test is required before treatment if you’ve never been treated by Dr Rachel Tunney or if it’s been more than 1 year since your last Lumecca IPL treatment. This can be done during your consultation or you can book a separate 15-minute patch test appointment.

After your medical consultation, we’ll provide pre-appointment guidelines to ensure the best results from your treatment.

To prepare, please avoid tanning—both natural and artificial—for up to 4 weeks before your appointment.

We also recommend refraining from using harsh exfoliating treatments and strong active ingredients (such as retinoids and exfoliants) for 2-3 days before your treatment.

For the best possible outcome, please arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.

The treatment typically takes 20-40 minutes, but we recommend allowing extra time for your appointment to ensure a relaxed experience. Feel free to enjoy our comfortable waiting area before or after your treatment.

During Your Treatment

The Lumecca IPL treatment begins with a thorough cleanse of your skin, followed by the application of a clear gel. This gel ensures proper conduction of the IPL energy to the skin for effective treatment.

You will be given a pair of protective blackout goggles to shield your eyes from the intense light during the procedure.

We then apply the IPL treatment to the targeted areas, aiming for the desired results. Your comfort is a priority throughout the process, and most people report the sensation of a “flick” and warmth but no pain during the treatment.

Once the treatment is complete, any excess gel will be removed, and a moisturiser and sunscreen will be applied to protect and nourish your skin.

After the treatment, it’s normal for your skin to appear slightly redder than usual, and pigmented areas or small blood vessels may temporarily darken before improving.

After Your Treatment

Lumecca IPL treatment offers minimal downtime, allowing you to get back to your daily routine quickly.

In the days following the treatment, you may notice that pigmented areas darken and, in some cases, experience slight crusting as the pigment is brought to the surface. Small bruises may also appear where thread veins have been treated.

These side effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few days.

To achieve the best results from your Lumecca treatment, it is essential to protect your skin from the sun for the weeks following the procedure. Sun protection will help ensure you maintain the full benefits of the treatment and promote optimal skin healing.

At Romsey Medical Practice, you can get in touch at any point of your treatment journey if you have worries or concerns.

What is Lumecca IPL and how does it work?

Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to improve the appearance of your skin. It targets pigmentation, redness, and vascular conditions like thread veins, effectively reducing their appearance.

The light energy is absorbed by the skin, where it breaks down excess pigment and blood vessels, stimulating collagen production for smoother, brighter, and more even skin. Lumecca is ideal for treating sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and more, offering a safe and effective way to rejuvenate your complexion without surgery.

Is Lumecca IPL suitable for my skin type?

Lumecca IPL is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for skin rejuvenation, pigmentation issues, and thread veins. This advanced, non-invasive procedure uses light energy to target pigmentation and blood vessels, making it an ideal option for those looking to refresh their complexion without the need for injectables.

Lumecca IPL works best on fair to light-medium skin types (Fitzpatrick type 1-3), as it targets pigment in the skin. However, it’s crucial that the skin is free from any tan—both natural and artificial—before treatment, as the device targets pigmentation and a tan can interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness. To ensure the best results, Dr Rachel Tunney recommends avoiding tanning for at least 4 weeks before and after your treatment.

For optimal outcomes, a consultation with Dr Rachel Tunney is essential to assess your skin type and tailor the treatment accordingly. If you have darker skin tones, additional precautions may be needed, and Lumecca IPL might not be suitable for you, especially if you have a tan.

Are there any risks with Lumecca IPL?

Lumecca IPL is a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by an experienced professional like Dr Rachel Tunney, who follows strict protocols to reduce risks and ensure the best outcomes for your skin.

While Lumecca is generally well-tolerated, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, including:

• Temporary redness, swelling, and bruising
• Temporary darkening of pigmented areas
• Discomfort or mild skin irritation

In rare cases, more serious complications, such as burns, can occur. However, with Dr Rachel Tunney’s expertise and commitment to patient safety, the risk of these complications is minimised. Rest assured, all treatments are conducted with the highest standards of care and safety.

How many Lumecca IPL sessions do I need?

The number of Lumecca IPL sessions required varies depending on the skin concern being treated. Generally, most people need between two and six treatments spaced 4 weeks apart for optimal results.

More severe pigmentation or thread veins may require additional sessions. Dr Rachel Tunney will assess your skin during your consultation and recommend the appropriate treatment plan to achieve your best outcome.

What is the downtime after Lumecca IPL treatment?

Lumecca IPL has minimal downtime, making it a convenient treatment for those with busy schedules.

After the treatment, you may experience temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort, similar to a light sunburn, which usually resolves within a few hours to a few days.

Pigmented areas or small blood vessels may temporarily darken before improving. Protecting your skin from the sun during the healing process is essential to achieve the best results and prevent complications. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.

How long do the results from Lumecca IPL last?

Lumecca IPL offers long-lasting results, with many patients enjoying the benefits for several months. This treatment stimulates collagen production, which continues to improve skin texture and tone over time. However, for ongoing skin rejuvenation, maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain collagen production and maintain a youthful appearance.

While Lumecca IPL permanently reduces thread veins, it’s important to note that it doesn’t prevent new vessels from developing over time. Similarly, while pigmentation can be effectively removed, without proper sun protection and skincare, it may recur. Dr Rachel Tunney typically recommends a course of treatments, followed by maintenance sessions, to ensure the best results and longevity of your refreshed complexion.

To maximise the benefits of your treatment, following a good skincare routine and applying sun protection is essential.

Does Lumecca IPL hurt?

Lumecca IPL is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort during the treatment. The sensation is often described as a light snapping or a rubber band flicking against the skin.

To ensure comfort, Dr Rachel Tunney can adjust the treatment intensity based on your pain tolerance. After the treatment, discomfort typically subsides within a few hours, and most people experience no ongoing pain.

Can Lumecca IPL be used to treat acne scars?

Yes, Lumecca IPL can help effectively improve the appearance of acne or surgical scars. By targeting pigmentation and promoting collagen production, it helps smooth the skin and reduce redness associated with scarring.

While Lumecca isn’t a replacement for deeper scar treatments, it can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan. Dr Rachel Tunney will assess your skin and determine whether Lumecca IPL is the right option for addressing your scarring.

Can Lumecca IPL treat rosacea?

Yes, Lumecca IPL is an excellent treatment option for rosacea. It targets the underlying blood vessels that cause the redness and flushing associated with rosacea, helping to reduce these symptoms over time. Lumecca’s precise light energy also promotes collagen production, which can improve skin texture and tone. With a course of treatments, many patients see a significant reduction in rosacea symptoms, making Lumecca a highly effective non-invasive solution.