Intense Pulsed Light treatment gives permanent reduction of unwanted hair. It is non-invasive, treatments are quick, and results are seen in just a few sessions. Treatments also offer a longer term solution for hormone related hair growth or large areas of unwanted hair.
How do Intense Pulsed Light Systems work?
Intense Pulsed Light systems release precisely controlled short bursts of light that are absorbed by melanin, the pigment in hair. This heats the melanin in the bulb of the hair causing permanent damage and destroys the root to achieve long term hair reduction. This is most effective when the hair is in the ‘active’ phase of growth.
a) The melanin in the hair absorbs the light
b) The hair shaft is heated, damaging the cells in the hair follicle
c) The hair falls out and cannot re-grow from the same follicle
Am I suitable for treatment?
The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair, but results can also be achieved for fairer hair and darker skin types. The darker the hair, the more easily it is treated as darker hair contains more melanin it will heat up more easily. Fairer hair contains less melanin and is harder to treat. Grey/white hair has no melanin so cannot effectively be treated with Intense Pulsed Light. Sun tanned skin, including fake tan, is not suitable for treatment.
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| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
How is the treatment carried out?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light into the skin. The light guide is placed on the skin and a short burst of light is released, targeting many hair follicles simultaneously. The light guide is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled. Treatments can take from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the areas being treated.
How does the treatment feel?
No anaesthesia is required and most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. Sensations vary but most describe it as a very short hot pin prick.
Aftercare
Aloe Vera gel is recommended to soothe any treated area.
Sun avoidance is essential. Do not expose the skin to UV (sun exposure or tanning beds) for at least 4 weeks following treatment. Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF 30+ is strongly advised.
Don’t use bleaching creams or perfumed products for 24 hours.
Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas or steam rooms for 24 hours.
What will I see after the treatment?
The skin can become quite red immediately after treatment. However, any skin reaction usually disappears within a few hours. Very rarely the skin may become lighter or darker, or a small blister will form.
The hair follicles are damaged by heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. The hairs fall out after 1-3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this time the hair appears to ‘grow’ as they are pushed out by the new epidermis.
How many treatments are necessary?
Only hair that is actively growing is affected, therefore multiple treatments are needed. The number of treatments required is typically 4-8 and then one off treatments to maintain your result as required.
Daily use of a high factor, broad spectrum sun block SPF30+ is strongly recommended.
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| Before Treatment | After 3 Treatments |
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| Before Treatment | After Treatment |
How long does each treatment take?
Treatments can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated.
