Hair removal
Permanent Hair Removal using IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Laser Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light and Laser treatment gives permanent reduction of unwanted hair, destroying the hair root so that it can never re-grow. It is non-invasive, treatments are quick and results are seen in just a few sessions. Treatments also offer a long term solution for hormone related hair growth or large areas of unwanted hair.
Hair removal questions and answers
How does the system work?
The system is an intense pulse light source. The energy from the light is taken up by melanin, the pigment in hair. When the melanin absorbs the light, the light energy is converted into heat energy. Hair removal is accomplished by the generation of this heat, which is then transferred to the hair follicle, leading to destruction of the hair shaft and neighbouring cells responsible for re growth of the hair.
How is the treatment carried out?
It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin prior to treatment to ensure the optimal transmission of light from the applicator to the skin. This also has a cooling effect on the skin making the treatment more comfortable.
The rectangular quartz applicator is placed in contact with the skin surface. The light is pulsed through the quartz and onto the skin. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated. During treatment you must wear protective eye goggles.
Which patients can be treated?
Black hairs are most easily treated due to the large concentration of melanin in these hairs, which gives an optimal absorption and conversion of light energy to heat. Fair hair has less melanin and consequently less heat is produced with less certainty of permanent destruction of the hair follicles. Grey (white) hair has almost no melanin and cannot be effectively treated. The upper skin layer, the epidermis, also contains melanin and the concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light. It is therefore necessary to treat dark-skinned individuals with less energy to avoid generation of heat and discomfort, and we recommend that tanned patients are not treated at all. The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair but the computer has pre-programmed treatment suggestions for different hair and pigment types.
Does it hurt?
As the light energy is taken up by the skin pigments (melanin and haemoglobin), any discomfort depends upon the combined concentration of melanin in the epidermis and the hairs. No anaesthesia is required. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable, and liken it to a rubber band being fired against the skin.
Does the patient need to shave prior to treatment?
Hair should be shaved just prior to, or on the morning of treatment. Plucking, waxing or bleaching should not be carried out. By avoiding epilation or waxing for 4 weeks before treatment, it can be ensured that as many follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can be destroyed by the light.
Why do hairs “grow” after treatment?
Unlike some other systems, the hairs are not evaporated by the treatment. The hair follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. They will fall out after 1-3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed. During this period it will seem that the hairs are growing as they are pushed out by the epidermis.
How can you tell if the treatment has worked when the hairs are not removed immediately?
After treatment the hairs are loose in the follicle and can sometimes be easily pulled out with tweezers. A red ring around each follicle is often seen a few minutes after treatment, along with reddening of the skin. These end points indicate that sufficient heating of the follicles has taken place. However they are not always seen. Many patients have successful treatment results without the post-treatment signs.
What are the side effects?
The visible light is completely safe so no special precautions are needed apart from glasses for the brightness. The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and the described skin reactions usually disappear within hours to a few days. Very rarely hyperpigmentation, hyperpigmentation or blistering may occur.
How many treatments are necessary?
Only hair in the growth phase can be treated. The number of hairs in this phase varies from 10-70%. The length of the growth cycle also varies. After the first treatment, most patients get significant reduction in hair density. Treatment sessions are recommended every 4-6 weeks. The number of sessions needed varies, but the usual number is 8-10.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Patients should avoid tanning and must not use any fake tan 6 weeks ahead of and during the entire treatment period to avoid excessive discomfort from light absorption in the epidermis. Immediately after the treatment the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light, and strong sunlight should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.
How long does treatment take?
A facial treatment usually takes 15 minutes whereas both legs or an entire back takes approximately 2 hours.
Is permanent hair removal possible?
As the technology is only a few years old we do not know for definite how long the treatment is effective, but it seems to be very long term.
Your next step?
Simply telephone 01492 872 442 to arrange your free consultation and discover how this tried and tested treatment can make unwanted hair a thing of the past.