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Goodbye, Unwanted Hair

IPL hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure for individuals seeking smooth, hair-free skin. IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses a broad spectrum of light to target and destroy hair follicles, resulting in long-term hair reduction. Unlike traditional methods such as shaving or waxing, IPL hair removal offers a more permanent solution, making it a popular choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance beauty routine.

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What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal uses light energy to target and destroy hair follicles. The IPL technology uses intense pulses of light to target the melanin in the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by melanin, which converts it into heat, which damages the hair follicle, inhibiting its ability to grow hair in the future. The process of IPL hair removal typically requires multiple sessions, as hair grows in cycles, and not all hairs are in the same phase of growth at the same time. This means that some hairs may not be affected by the treatment in one session but will be targeted in subsequent sessions.

How It Works

The treatment area is pre-shaved. The device (appropriate for the size of the area being treated) is passed over the area. Permanent hair follicle destruction is only possible if enough heat (thermal) energy can be delivered to the hair bulb and for long enough (wide pulse width of the light flash). It also requires enough melanin to absorb this heat energy in the hair bulb.

For this reason, the area is pre-shaved – so that the heat is delivered only to the hair bulb and does not burn the skin. The combined effect of destroying the deep melanin pigment in the base of the hair follicles and the feeder blood vessels makes IPL superior for permanent hair reduction.

It is important to note that IPL hair removal is most effective on individuals with dark hair and light skin. This is because the melanin in the hair absorbs the light more readily than the melanin in darker skin tones. Individuals with darker skin tones may still be able to undergo IPL hair removal but may require more sessions or lower energy settings to avoid damaging the surrounding skin.

What Areas Can It Treat?

All areas of the face and body are treated with intense pulsed light hair removal. Sensitive areas such as the bikini, chest, and back are now quick and relatively pain-free with state-of-the-art IPL equipment.

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Laser Hair Removal Treatment: What to Expect

Before the procedure, the skin is cleaned, and the hair is removed by shaving or using a depilatory cream (do not wax). Our medical provider will apply a cooling gel to your skin to protect it from the heat generated by the light pulses. The IPL device is then placed on your skin, and the light pulses are delivered. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.

After the procedure, the skin may be red and slightly swollen. This is common and should subside within a few hours. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure and to use sunscreen on the treated area for at least a week after the procedure. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results, and maintenance sessions may be necessary to maintain the results.

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FAQ

Does it hurt?

Is IPL safe?

How many treatments will I need?

How long does the treatment take?

Is there any downtime?

When do I see results?

How long do the results last?

Who can have this treatment?

Does it hurt?

IPL hurts less than waxing. Effective cooling ensures that the maximum destructive power gets only to the deeper layers under the skin. This is where the melanin and blood vessels need to be destroyed in the base of the hair follicles. Better surface cooling means the least pain and discomfort of all the IPL machines and is far superior to laser hair removal, especially for sensitive areas.

Is IPL safe?

The treatment is very safe – the latest technology equipment in the hands of an experienced operator offers a very safe experience with outstanding outcomes.

How many treatments will I need?

Four to six treatments are likely, but our clinician will be specific at your consultation as your skin and hair type will determine the final treatment plan. Treatments commence at four weekly intervals, for the first four treatments, for maximum benefit. A fifth and sixth treatment is usually added at one to three monthly intervals, depending on whether there is further hair growth.

How long does the treatment take?

Our equipment is technologically superior and provides a speedy and comfortable result.

Is there any downtime?

No, this treatment has no downtime required.

When do I see results?

You will see results with your first treatment. The 30% of hair in the growth stage treated at your first appointment is destroyed and will not grow back.

How long do the results last?

This treatment works because the intense light absorbed by the pigment in the follicles is converted into heat. This heat loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for new hair growth. This affects 30% of hair in the anagen or growing stage. Most of the hair destroyed will not grow back at all. The remainder may be lighter and thinner when it does grow back. IPL is superior for long-term and more significant destruction of hair follicles due to the increased power, the longer pulse-width of the light beam, and the more significant skin surface cooling.

Who can have this treatment?

All skin types and hair colors can be treated, but the lighter the skin color and the darker the hair color (with more melanin), the more permanent hair follicle destruction is possible.

Avoid Cheap Imitations!

A photo-waxing result can be obtained with any machine by heat simply burning the hair in the hair shaft. This is temporary, as the hair grows back if the hair follicle in the base of the deep-lying hair bulb is not entirely destroyed. It is also essential to note that multiple treatments with equipment that is not effective (pulses that do not generate enough heat or maintain heat for long enough) will damage the hair sufficiently to remove the pigment but not stop the growth. The result will be thick hair, lighter in color which will then be very difficult to treat. In these circumstances, less advanced equipment at lower treatment prices is not always a bargain, as the hair will not be removed, and treatment will have to begin again.

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Why Choose Skin Care Doctors?

The medical providers at Skin Care Doctors are board-certified and trained to operate the highest quality state-of-the-art hair removal equipment to ensure the safest and most effective outcomes. Knowing that you are in the hands of a professional with expertise in cosmetic dermatology, you can trust that your skin will experience the ideal results in a comfortable environment. Contact our office today to get started on your hair removal journey, and receive top-quality care from our qualified medical team.

Better skin health starts here. Schedule your appointment today.

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