Questions answered

Everything you need to know about preparing for your visit, our treatments, and how our clinic operates.
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Does DWL offer BBL?

Skin

We use Lynton IPL — UK-manufactured, MHRA-registered, clinically equivalent to Sciton BBL for the indications we treat. For patients with a strong BBL brand preference, we'd suggest a Sciton-equipped clinic.

Is BBL more expensive than IPL?

Skin

Typically yes. BBL sessions in UK clinics run £200-£350. Lynton IPL at DWL from £180. The cost difference reflects Sciton's premium brand positioning, not clinical outcome differences.

Is BBL better than IPL?

Skin

They're the same technology category — broad-spectrum filtered light. BBL is Sciton's branded version of IPL; Lynton IPL is a UK-manufactured platform we use at DWL. Both deliver clinically equivalent outcomes for the indications we treat.

Can I take painkillers before IPL?

Skin

Paracetamol is fine. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for 24 hours before and after IPL, as the anti-inflammatory action may slightly reduce treatment efficacy. Avoid caffeine 2 hours before, as it increases pain perception.

What if I can't tolerate the IPL sensation?

Skin

We stop, reassess settings, and discuss alternatives. About 1 in 30 patients discover their tolerance is too low even with numbing — a signal that a different modality may better suit your case. We don't push patients through significant discomfort.

Does the IPL device have cooling built in?

Skin

Yes. The Lynton platform has a chilled sapphire contact tip that cools the skin surface immediately before and during each pulse, reducing both pulse sensation and post-treatment redness.

How long does numbing cream take to work before IPL?

Skin

30-45 minutes from application with cling-film occlusion. We typically apply numbing as soon as you arrive, then complete pre-session consultation during the activation window.

What numbing cream do you use for IPL?

Skin

Prescription-grade topical lidocaine preparations, typically LMX4 (lidocaine 4%) or compounded versions for more sensitive areas. Applied 30-45 minutes pre-treatment, included in session price at DWL for sensitive-area treatments.

What is the least painful area to have IPL?

Skin

Larger areas with thicker skin and lower nerve density — back, thighs, forearms, and stomach. Numbing rarely needed for these areas thanks to the chilled sapphire cooling tip on our Lynton platform.

What is the most painful area to have IPL?

Skin

Upper lip, bikini line, and underarms are the most sensitive areas due to nerve density and skin thickness. Brazilian IPL sessions specifically benefit from topical numbing cream.

How painful is IPL on a scale of 1-10?

Skin

Most patients rate IPL at 3-5/10 without numbing on sensitive areas, and 1-2/10 with topical numbing or on less-sensitive areas. We assess and adjust per patient.

When should I call the clinic after IPL?

Skin

Call us for blistering of any size, open weeping skin, severe pain not responding to cool compresses, redness lasting more than 5 days, significant swelling beyond 72 hours, or any sign of infection.

When can I sun-expose after IPL?

Skin

Avoid direct sun for 2 weeks minimum, ideally 4 weeks, including sun holidays. Sun exposure within the post-treatment window is the single biggest cause of poor IPL outcomes.

When can I restart retinol after IPL?

Skin

Day 10-14 minimum, alternate nights first. For patients who use retinoids long-term, we recommend pausing 5-7 days before the next IPL session as well as the post-treatment window.

When can I wear makeup again after IPL?

Skin

24 hours minimum for facial IPL. Use mineral makeup ideally, with gentle application and no scrubbing on removal. Mineral SPF can go on immediately and is the only exception.

Is mild redness after IPL normal?

Skin

Yes — mild redness for 12-48 hours is expected and normal, along with slight warmth and mild swelling. For pigmentation work, target spots may darken for 5-10 days before flaking off. Persistent redness beyond 5 days warrants a call to the clinic.

What SPF should I use after IPL?

Skin

SPF50 mineral daily for at least 2 weeks, reapplied every 2 hours when outdoors. For darker skin tones or melasma history, extend to 4 weeks and use SPF50 daily as a permanent habit.

When can I go to the gym after IPL?

Skin

24 hours minimum, longer if post-treatment redness is still present. Vigorous exercise raises core body temperature and prolongs the recovery phase. Light walking is fine immediately.

Can I shower after IPL?

Skin

Lukewarm shower yes — no hot showers for 24 hours. Heat compounds the thermal load already delivered. After 24 hours, normal showering resumes but avoid scrubbing or exfoliating the treated area for 5-7 days.

Will my skin sag after fat reduction?

Skin

It can if skin elasticity is already reduced. We assess this at consultation and, where it would help, include skin tightening in the plan so the result looks smooth.

How much is non-surgical fat removal in London?

Skin

At Dental & Wellness London, Islington, ONDA is £300 per session, or £1,020 for a course of four (15% off) including an online personal training session. A body consultation is £65, redeemable in full against treatment, and your full plan is quoted in writing before you start.

Is non-surgical fat removal a weight-loss treatment?

Skin

No. It reshapes localised areas rather than reducing overall weight. If weight loss is the goal, diet, activity and your GP are the right starting point. Our personal trainer and nutritional therapist can help alongside.

How many sessions of non-surgical fat removal do I need?

Skin

Most people have 3 to 6 sessions per area, a few weeks apart. We recommend a number at consultation based on the area and how much change you want.

Can you remove fat without surgery?

Skin

Yes, in modest amounts. ONDA reduces fat in a treated area over a course of sessions, with no needles, incisions or downtime. It removes less than liposuction, so it suits people near a healthy weight with a specific area to refine.

What is the best non-surgical fat removal treatment?

Skin

It depends on the area and your skin. We use ONDA, which heats fat with microwave energy while cooling the skin, and suits well-defined pockets of stubborn fat. We assess whether it is right for you, and we will tell you if another approach would serve you better.