WHAT IS IPL LASER?

IPL works in a similar way to laser therapy. The difference is that where laser therapy delivers a single wavelength of light energy, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths. This means that IPL can treat a larger area of skin in a shorter time. 

IPL uses light energy to target accurately hair follicles. The hair follicle absorbs the light and heats up, destroying the hair and preventing re-growth. 

Laser hair removal is performed by using a laser to vaporize existing hair and damage the hair follicle in order to prevent new growth. The treatment is moderately painful depending upon the area of the body where hair is being removed. Many patients compare the sensation to that of rubber bands being repeatedly snapped against the skin. In some cases, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the area in order to reduce pain during the procedure.

Q: Is IPL it right for me?

A:  IPL is the  photo-epilation technology proven to treat unwanted hair safely on any skin type - from very white to very black. In order to ensure the best outcome, you may be asked

about your medical history and skin type in order to estimate the results you should expect from you customized treatment program.

Q: How does the Intense Pulsed Light Laser work?

A: Highly controlled flashes of light are selectively absorbed by hair-filled follicles lying below the surface of the skin. The absorbed light heats the hair, which damages or destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle all without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Q: How is the treatment carried out?

A: After a consultation and filling up forms you will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light to the skin. The area will also
be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The IPL hand piece is

placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, targeting many follicles simultaneously. The applicator is then moved to the neighboring area of the skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. Then we remove the gel followed by cleaning and moisturizing the skin. 

Q: What does the treatment feels like?

A: Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band. No local anesthesia is required and most people tolerate the treatment well.

Q: Can all hair be treated?

A: IPL unique design offers you customized treatment according to your hair color, texture and body location. Any hair with at least some pigment in it (black, brown and red) can be treated effectively.

Q: Is IPL safe foe all skin types?

A: IPL is the first photo epilation procedure proven to effectively treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals such as those of Ethic descents.

Q: Am I suitable for this treatment?

A: The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair, but there is much evidence to show that through carefully researched settings, results can be achieved for different hair and skin types. The darker the hair, the more easily it is treated; as darker hair contains more melanin it will heat up more easily. Fairer hair contains less melanin and is harder to treat. Grey or white hair has no melanin so it cannot be effectively treated.

Q: Are there any possible side effects?

A: Side effects are rare. You may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the treatment site, but this typically goes away with in hours. On rare occasions, some blistering or bruising may occur, by typically resolves quickly. Also, the skin can become darker or lighter following treatments, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks; this however, is very rare to occur. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimize the risk of complications

Q: How does the treatment feel?

A: No an aesthesia is required but most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable.

Sensations vary but most describe it as a very short hot prick making it the preferred choice for hair removal.

Q: What kind of results should I expect?

A: IPL technology has been proven to create a permanent reduction in the number of re-growing hairs following each treatment in most skin types. The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to your specific kind of hair and skin type. A customized treatment program will be designed for you along with an estimate of cost.

Q: What will I see after treatment?

A: The hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The hair falls out after 1-3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this period the hairs will seem to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: The skin can become red immediately after treatment, however most patients experience no side effects and any skin reaction usually disappears within a few hours.

Q: How many treatments are necessary?

A: Only hair in the active growth stage cycle is affected, therefore, multiple treatments are needed. Treatment is conducted every 4-8 weeks, depending on the site treated, until a satisfactory result is seen. The number of treatments required varies, but typically 6 or more treatments are required for maximum results.

Q: How long does each treatment take?

A: Treatments can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on which area is being treated.

Q: Are the results permanent?

A: Laser hair removal is a method of permanent hair reduction. The results usually last much longer than waxing or shaving, and some patients may achieve permanent hair removal over time with continued treatments.

 · Recent sunburn

· Unprotected sun exposure or solarium use 4 weeks prior to treatment

· Pregnancy

· History of seizures

· Severe dermatitis or eczema (within the treatment area)

· Active infections

· Accutane use in the last 6 months

· Herpes 1 or 2 (within the treatment area)

· Photo sensitive medications are best avoided

 · Most patients will experience a sunburn like sensation that lasts 2 to 5 hours and is often associated with mild to moderate redness. The treated area is generally sensitive to heat for 2 days following treatment.

After hair removal the skin may appear spotty – this is inflammation caused from the heat absorbed in the hair follicle and can last 2 to 24 hours 

  · Discontinue sun exposure 4 weeks prior to your treatment.

· Do not use fake tan 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment.

· Use an SPF 30 daily.

· If having IPL hair removal, do not wax, tweeze or pluck the hair for 4 weeks prior to your treatment.

· Shaving or depilatory creams are fine and you will need to shave the treatment site before your IPL session.

· If you have a history of herpes close to the area being treated, it is recommended that you take antiviral medication before the treatment. 

  · A sunburn-like sensation is expected for about 2-5 hours after the treatment. If this is uncomfortable apply cold compresses to the treated area.

· Your skin may be temperature sensitive for the following 2 days, so do not use very hot water or your shower or bath (no hot tubs, pools, saunas).

· Please protect you skin from the sun - wide spectrum SPF30+.

· Do not exfoliate the skin for 1 week after the treatment.

· Your skin may be more sensitive to certain skin care.

· Do not pick blisters or skin crusting as this may lead to a scar.

· If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.

 Face 6 – 8 weeks

Bikini10 -12 weeks

Under Arms10 -12 weeks

Arms10 -12 weeks

Legs10 -12 weeks

Back10 -12 weeks 

  · The hair will appear to grow (though very slowly) for 2 to 4 weeks and should then fall out; this is the treated hair being pushed out of the follicle, not new growth. Any hair that does not fall out was either too fine, too light, too deeply rooted or possibly not in an active phase.