Hair removal by Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPLs and laser give similar permanent/prolonged hair reduction of unwanted hair. Complete permanent hair loss with lasers or IPLs is not common but can happen in some individuals and is more likely in some locations of the skin. The aim of a course of treatment is to down regulate the severity of hair growth from severe or moderate to mild. A course of six treatments is recommended. After, that, patients may choose to have one or two top-up treatments per year or continue with other forms of hair removal –but usually much less frequently. The hairs that does re-grow after laser or IPL removal are usually softer, finer, blonder and slower growing.
How does IPL work?
A powerful beam of ordinary light is released as a single or series of short pulses. The light destroys brown or black hair shafts and damages hair follicles.
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on some goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to cool the skin during treatment. A pulse of light is delivered into the skin which last for less than a second. A feeling of warmth or skin pricking is felt with each pulse of light. About 40 pulses may be required to treat the whole lower face.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Dark-skin or sun-tanned skin (including fake tan) cannot be treated. All make-up must be removed. Certain skin or medical conditions, skin treatments and medicines may exclude a person from treatment. White, ginger and blond hair cannot be treated (no matter what you may have read or heard about IPLs or lasers). Grey hair may have a mixed response.
Is it safe?
The area is usually red immediately after treatment. This settles in a few hours. Blistering may occur if the light pulse is set too strong or if make-up is left on the skin, or if the skin is too dark or sun-tanned. This may lead to lighter or darker areas of skin.
How long does each treatment last?
A treatment session can last between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the area requiring treatment.
How many treatments are necessary?
Typically a course of six IPL treatments with each treatment every 6 weeks are needed.
Aftercare
Sun tanning after IPL treatment will delay further treatment until settled and may cause temporary skin darkening.
