FAQs
How does IPL work?
How does it feel? Is it painful and how safe is it?
Are there any side effects?
How many treatments will I need?
Am I suitable?
Skin Patch Test
Is it permanent?/What kind of results should I expect?
Major benefits of Laser and Light hair removal?
Does the practitioner need to be qualified?
How does IPL work?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology has come of age since its inception over 15 years ago. IPL targets the pigment in the hair and either damages or destroys the hair follicle, thus preventing future hair growth. It provides a safe, convenient and permanent solution for the removal of unwanted hair. It treats a much larger area of skin per light pulse than laser hair treatment, which means treatment can be faster and cheaper. You can now experience a reduction in hair growth without the side-effects of traditional treatments such as shaving, plucking, waxing, hormonal treatment or chemical and electrosurgical depilation.
How does it feel? Is it painful? How safe is it?
IPL is a non-invasive treatment. Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band. No local anaesthetic is required and most people find the treatment comfortable due to the hand piece’s sophisticated cooling system.
Are there any side effects?
Like with just about every other non-surgical cosmetic treatments there are a few side effects that can occur. In reality, intense pulsed light (IPL) side effects are rare and generally only short lasting. Furthermore, during your consultation prior to the treatment, your practitioner will be able to tell you how likely you are to experience any side effects based on your skin type etc. Generally speaking darker skin types are at a higher risk of developing side effects;
It is normal to have slight redness and swelling after the treatment. This typically only lasts a few hours but can last longer for some people
Some people can experience a slight sun burnt type sensation for a few days following treatment.
Hyper or Hypo pigmentation can appear which results in lightening or darkening of the skin of the area being treated
Rare blistering can occur
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required depends on the individual’s hair growth. On average hair should expect to be treated at least 8 – 12 times for complete removal.To provide a lasting reduction in hair will take repeated sessions depending on the area and hair growth characteristics. In our experience it would be wise to budget for 6 treatments after which some patients especially those with PCOS require additional maintenance treatments.
You must have the treatment on a regular basis to get the maximum benefit.
Am I suitable?
Most people are suitable, but IPL does not work on all hair colours or all skin types. In simple terms the greater the contrast between your hair colour and your skin colour the better the results. You are always required to attend a consultation and a patch test before following a course of treatments
Skin Patch Test?
A ‘patch test’ should always be performed; this is normal and required to determine how sensitive your skin is to the treatment and also to establish the right IPL energy settings. We will also check some basic details and explain a few simple requirements to ensure you are well informed about the procedure. You may be advised specific requirements regarding your desired treatment area such as to avoid the sun and sunbeds for up to 4 weeks prior to the treatment, however the therapist will discuss these in more detail upon your personal consultation.
Is it permanent? / What kind of results should I expect?
The heat and light destroy the follicle so it can no longer grow. However, hormone changes and different medicines can cause other hair follicles that were previously dormant to start new growth, as with any permanent hair removal system
Major benefits of Laser and Light Hair Removal?
They do not cause the irritation that other hair removal methods may cause.
Larger areas may be treated at one time than with electrolysis, waxing or tweezing.
They combine the speed of shaving with the lasting results promised by electrolysis.
They are effective on almost any area of the body where smoother, younger, hair-free skin is desired.
Does the practitioner need to be qualified?
You should always check that the specialist or practitioner has the relevant training and indemnity insurance to cover aesthetic procedures