Medical Grade IPL - Permanent Hair Reduction

There are many people who suffer from unwanted hair growth. This may be because they feel their hair is excessive, noticeable or it may be in an undesirable location such as on the face in women. Hair growth can be influenced by a number of factors such as ethnic or genetic background, and hormonal or endocrine influences. Cultural or social factors can strongly influence people’s opinion and what is considered acceptable may vary between different cultures.

We use a treatment based on the theory of “selective thermolysis”. Melanin is the pigment in the body that commonly causes the brown or black in many body structures. Moles, brown or black hair and brown eyes all have relatively high concentrations of melanin. A Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device is used to produce intense light of a specific (or narrow range) wavelength. This wavelength selectively targets and heats up the melanin in the hair which in turn severely damages the hair follicle. The goal is to damage the follicle so that that it doesn’t grow another hair or is only able to grow a hair that is much finer and lighter.

 

Light-based hair removal systems should not be considered as permanent hair removal. Instead, they should be considered as permanent hair reduction. While it is unlikely that the treated hair follicles will grow thick dark hair again, the body has a remarkable ability to regenerate. After time, some hair may re-appear but it will usually not be as thick or dark as it was prior to treatment.

The effectiveness of hair removal is dependent on a number of factors including the type and colour of the hair to be treated. As mentioned earlier, the target is melanin. The thicker and darker the hair is, the more melanin it contains and the better the response is likely to be.

 

At the other extreme, fine, light coloured hair contains lower concentrations of melanin and thus may not respond as well.

 

The ideal candidate for hair removal is someone who has very pale skin and dark thick hair. Darker skin types (and those with sun tans or “fake tans”) have more brown pigment (the target) in their skin. Thus, some of the light energy is directed away from the hair and into the skin. This can result in less effective hair removal and has the potential for increased side effects. Additional care is required when treating those with darker skin types.

 

Most patients don’t experience the treatment as painful. The sensation has been described as being similar to that of having a rubber band snapped against the skin. Ice packs can be used after treatment to cool the skin.

 

On average, a minimum of 4 treatments are required with a 6 to 8 week interval between treatments. Periodic maintenance treatments are usually required to control ongoing hair growth. The frequency of maintenance is variable and depends on the location of the hair and the individual person. In some instances, people have not required maintenance treatments for some years.

 

The final result and the number of treatments required depends on a number of factors including the type, location, size and colour of the hair, the skin type, the degree of sun tanning, and the phase of growth the hair is in.

 

All hair is subject to a hair growth cycle. Individual hair follicles can be in different phases of growth, from the actively growing (anagen) phase to the resting (telogen) phase. Hair in the anagen phase responds most effectively to light based treatments. The growth phase of hair follicles is not synchronised and some hair follicles may be actively growing while others are in the resting phase. This is the main reason why multiple treatments are required.

 

Common side effects include redness, swelling and discomfort. These reactions are temporary and usually disappear within a few hours. Less commonly, these reactions may be more severe with prolonged redness, swelling, discomfort and blistering and may take longer to heal.

 

Shave the area to be treated 1 to 2 days before treatment. Arrive early for your appointment and remove any make up, sunscreen or moisturiser containing sunscreen.

 

To improve the treatment outcome avoid waxing, plucking, depilatory creams, bleaching, solariums, sun bathing and “fake tan” products for at least one month prior to treatment.

 

Use ice to minimise side effects. A broad spectrum, high SPF sun screen is recommended. Avoid the sun and solariums for at least one month following treatment. The longer this period is the better the result.

  

Treatment should be discussed in detail with your doctor, if you have a dark skin type, are prone to increased pigmentation, have a deep sun tan, or intend to spend time in the sun or solarium soon after treatment.

 

Depending on the colour, permanent make up or tattoos may absorb the light and increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

 

 

Costs are based on the area being treated and the desired outcome, and is difficult to provide an accurate quote unless we actually see the area. Therefore, we suggest you book in for a free consultation with one of our consultants who can explain the procedure in more detail and provide you with a price for a treatment plan.