Frequently Asked Questions
What is Intense Pulsed Light?
Intense Pulsed Light stands for Intense Pulse Light, it is a filtered and controlled light based treatment that transits to heat, heating the target (the hair follicle, collagen, etc) to make for an effective treatment! In a hair removal treatment, if the hair is connected to the blood supply then it will permanently destroy that hair follicle meaning another hair cannot grow in its place!
What are the benefits of Intense Pulsed Light hair removal?
Light-based hair removal is currently the least painful way to remove hair. It is more comfortable and less expensive in the long term. It also has a number of added benefits, such as removing skin spots caused by frequent waxing. To a considerable extent this system reduces the problems inherent to folliculitis (inflammation of one or more hair follicles) and does not cause damage to the skin, as waxing does. When used for hair removal, Intense Pulsed Light (Intense Pulsed Light) Technology offers a non-aggressive hair removal treatment as well as long lasting results. As opposed to fixed laser waves, the Intense Pulsed Light Method makes it possible to choose the spectrum range and therefore allows:
- Adaptable wave lengths to suit each patient’s skin and hair colour and hair depth.
- Efficient treatment of most hair colours and all hair textures, from thin to thick.
- What are the differences between laser and Intense Pulsed Light?
- Both are light-based hair removal systems (selective photo thermolysis), but Intense Pulsed Light is a more modern technique than laser. Intense Pulsed Light can effectively treat a wider spectrum of skin and hair types than laser -including very fair hair or very dark skin- with long-lasting results. It is innocuous and less painful than laser.
Is it definitive?
In most cases, hair growth is reduced by a minimum of 80% – 90% meaning that any hair that may reappear within a few years will grow more slowly and will be lighter and thinner. Once the treatment is completed, some hair may reappear after 5 to 10 years. However, it will be weak and thin and may easily be removed in just one session.
How many sessions are necessary?
The amount of sessions needed essentially depends on a number of factors such as hair colour and thickness, skin type and type of area to be treated. You can continue removing your hair in between sessions, but always using methods that do not pull the hair out (wax, tweezers, etc.), as with razor blades or hair removal cream.
The length of treatment will depend on the hair growth, which may also vary depending on the area. At first you will need sessions on monthly bases, but these will be spaced out progressively as the follicle becomes weaker and hair takes longer to reappear.
Do I need to shave before starting a session?
For successful hair removal with our Intense Pulsed Light equipment, hair needs to be 1 to 3 millimetres long, to allow for the emitted light to be absorbed by the hair melanin, conducting the light to the follicle.
Can all body areas be treated?
Almost all body areas can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light. The only exception is any area where the light might reach your eyes directly, such as your brow.
How long does each session last?
This will depend on the area to be treated. For instance, legs can take about 40 minutes, underarms around 10 minutes and the area above the lips can take just a few seconds.
Are there any contraindications?
Before beginning the treatment, we will ask you a number of questions to find out any possible contraindications, which may include: diabetes, epilepsy, taking photosensitive drugs, pregnancy, breastfeeding, keloids, tattoos, recently tanned skin, very pigmented or very dark or black skin. Most contraindications can be avoided or temporary.
Does the treatment have any side effects?
On rare occasions, erythema and warmness may appear in the treated area, but these effects will disappear within a few hours. We highly recommend applying aloe vera gel as its soothing, regenerating and hydrating effects are complimentary to your skin after an Intense Pulsed Light treatment.
Is it Safe?
Intense Pulsed Light(IPL) hair removal treatments are safe for the skin as it only works on the hair melanin, thus the skin remains untouched. As it only penetrates some millimetres, it is incapable of causing any damage to other structures.
Is it Painful?
No, if you feel anything it will be a warm sensation and a slight flick of the pulse being delivered. Some people fall asleep!
Is hair removal for men?
Hair removal is becoming more and more popular with men! Popular areas include: the upper cheeks and neck (designer stubble), chests and backs!