Frequently Asked Questions about IPL Hair Reduction
Is it effective?
Yes, the technology is backed by world wide clinical research studies with proven results. The most effective results have been achieved on fair skin and darker hair.
It is not suitable for blonde or grey hair and black or sun tanned skin.
How many treatments are needed?
IPL only destroys hairs when they are in the growth phase. At any one moment 20% of hairs are resting or dormant. Repeated sessions will treat these hairs when they re-enter the growth phase. Treatment ranges from 6 -18 sessions at intervals of 4-6 weeks to achieve effective results.
This depends on many factors including your skin and hair type, ethnic background, hormonal balance and skin sensitivity. It is not possible to categorically state how many treatments an individual will need, however this will be discussed at your consultation.
What parts of the body can be treated?
IPL can treat all external areas of the body and face.
What does a treatment involve?
A cool gel is applied to the area to be treated. The IPL handpiece is placed gently against the skin and pulses of intense light are delivered into the hairs. It can take up to two weeks for all the treated hairs to fall out
The results:
Further courses of treatment may be needed if hormonal changes cause hair regrowth, or if hair follicles which were dormant at the time of the course of treatment become active and grow new hair.
You will need to avoid sun exposure / tanning for the entire treatment!
The risks:
As with all treatments that are effective, there are risks from IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).
Some people have very sensitive skin that can burn. This burn can cause blistering and, in some cases, can even cause a brown discolouration called pigmentation.
It is for this reason that, before a treatment is performed, a full consultation is booked and a patch test is performed. This patch test is a single area that is treated with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) in a part of the skin that is not easily visible. This patch is then left for a few days to check that there is no adverse event. Provided the skin settles down, which it usually does, it is normally safe to proceed with full IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment at the next session.
Although very uncommon, it is possible to cause skin burns. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is not usually regarded as painful but some people have lower pain thresholds than others. In addition, there are other factors that can make one person feel more pain at one time than another. Such factors that have been shown to be effective are feeling low or under the weather, or treatments in women during the time of their period. In these times, the same treatment can feel much more painful to the client.
Rarely also, if a pigmented skin is treated, the light energy can be absorbed by the pigment in the skin and this can result in depigmentation of the area causing a lightening in the treatment patch.
Who should avoid Intense Pulsed Light?
Patients with keloids, dark skin, dark tans or recent tans may not be ideal candidates. Darker skin tones are at an increased risk of side effects, and white hair cannot be treated with Intense Pulsed Light. Intense Pulsed Light may not be recommended for pregnant women or clients taking blood thinners.
