IPL and AFT Skin Treatments

IPL and AFT skin treatments: what patients ask

IPL (intense pulsed light) treats sun damage, pigmentation, redness and broken capillaries with pulses of light rather than a single laser wavelength. Alma’s version is called AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) and is delivered with the Harmony XL Pro platform, most often through the Dye-VL applicator. Clinics across Australia use it as a “photofacial” for uneven skin tone.

What does an AFT or IPL treatment improve?

Sun spots and freckling, uneven tone, facial redness, broken capillaries, rosacea-related vessels and general dullness, on the face, neck, chest and hands. It is not a resurfacing treatment for texture or deep lines; those are treated with Alma Hybrid, Opus or CO2.

How is AFT different from ordinary IPL?

AFT filters out the shorter wavelengths that heat the skin without treating it, and delivers the energy in an even, square pulse so the whole pulse works at the intended level. In practice that means the practitioner can treat effectively with a more comfortable, more predictable pulse.

Does it hurt?

Most people describe a warm flick, like a rubber band, with each pulse. Cooling gel is used and the sensation eases as the treatment goes on.

How many sessions are needed?

Usually a course of three to five sessions spaced about four weeks apart, then a maintenance session once or twice a year. Your clinic will set the plan after looking at your skin.

Is there downtime?

Pigmented spots darken and flake off over about a week; redness settles within a day or two. You can wear makeup the next day. Strict sun protection is needed before and after treatment.

Can darker or tanned skin be treated?

Light-based treatments carry more risk on darker or freshly tanned skin, so the practitioner will assess your skin type and recent sun exposure and may recommend a laser alternative such as Harmony XL Pro ClearLift instead. Never have IPL on a fresh tan.

What should I do before treatment?

Avoid sun exposure and fake tan for two to four weeks, stop retinoid creams a few days before if your clinic asks, and tell the clinic about any medications that increase light sensitivity.

How much does it cost?

Prices are set by each clinic per area and per session, often as a course. Alma Lasers Australia supplies the equipment and does not set treatment prices.

Where can I find a clinic near me?

Over 450 clinics across Australia and New Zealand use Alma technology. Tell us your suburb and treatment and we will point you to a clinic in your area.

This information is general in nature. Suitability, results and pricing are assessed and set by the treating clinic. Results vary between individuals.