When cells containing high amounts of melanin or haemoglobin – such as age spots or diffuse redness areas – are treated with the correct type of light, they heat up and are destroyed within a few thousandths of a second.

The safe, visible light emitted treats problem areas to make your face appear smoother and improves your overall skin tone and texture.

As the process works based on light absorption in melanin and haemoglobin, treatments are most effective in patients with light skin tone, who are not tanned at the time of the treatment.

However, the software of the Ellipse system is pre-programmed for different skin tones and can be adjusted to match the requirements of your skin.

Because the Ellipse hand piece which guides the light to the skin is 1cm by 5cm, treatment of a large area can occur in one flash. A full-face treatment will take less than 20 minutes. Expect between one to three treatments.

Pain tolerance varies from client to client, but typically those with fairer skin experience less discomfort.

No anaesthetics are required for the treatment, and many patients describe the feeling as a warming sensation, similar to a mild sunburn.

The light used is completely safe and contains no UV wavelengths, however since the light is absorbed by melanin, it is very important to avoid sun tanning before your Ellipse treatment. If you are tanned, the light will be absorbed by melanin in the skin’s surface, making for a more uncomfortable and less effective treatment.

Generally, no post-treatment care is necessary, but clients with sensitive skin may benefit from applying an ice pack to the treated area. We also recommend you use a sunscreen (SPF 30+) for a few weeks following your treatment.

Your skin may appear slightly discoloured following your treatments, but after a few days will quickly reveal your new, fresher looking skin.

Ellipse treatment works by directing controlled pulses of light into the upper skin layer, which is absorbed by the body’s own natural chemical – haemoglobin – found in the red blood cells. Haemoglobin converts the light energy into heat and transfers it to the wall of the blood vessel, causing permanent damage which the body then removes by its own defence mechanism. This method of converting light and using it to destroy the target without damaging the surrounding tissues is called selective photothermolysis (SPTL).

The visible light produced by the Ellipse system is carefully controlled to ensure the right pulse length and amount of energy is used to destroy the vessel.

The face, neck and chest areas can all be treated. You may need two to four treatments, one month apart for best results.

The glass prism of the Ellipse wand which guides the light is 1cm by 5cm, enabling treatment of a large area in one flash. The procedure is non-invasive and can be performed in 10 – 15 minutes for small areas, or if treating the full face, up to 20 minutes.

You can expect to need two to four treatments for optimal results.

The light is completely safe and contains no UV wavelengths, however, since the light is absorbed by melanin it is very important to avoid tanning before the Ellipse treatment. If you are tanned, the light will be absorbed by melanin in the skin’s surface, making the treatment more uncomfortable and less effective. We recommend that you use a Vitamin C serum to speed up the healing process, and sunscreen (SPF 30+) to protect the skin following treatment.

Pain tolerance will vary for each individual. No anaesthetics are necessary and many clients describe the discomfort as a mild warming sensation.