Thinking about trying Laser Hair Removal but not sure if it’s for you? Here is some great information on IPL Laser Hair Removal that may help you decide if this service is something you want to peruse!
So how exactly does Laser Hair Removal work and what is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light and this refers to the type of laser we use here at spectrum to perform hair removal. IPL creates a photo-thermal reaction in which light energy is turned into heat energy. This heat/light then depletes the hair follicle of moisture, burning the hair at the root. IPL lasers are able to target this hair without damaging any of the surrounding healthy skin which is why we love this method of hair removal in our clinic.
What Can I Expect From Each Laser Session?
Because of the cool tip technology, treatments done with an IPL laser are relatively pain free. You may feel a quick “snapping” feeling (almost like a rubber band being flicked on your skin) but this sensation only lasts a second. A minor sting sensation may last for a couple of hours to days after a laser treatment however most people leave without any lingering sensations. Mild redness is common post laser and will diminish in the coming hours/days.
When Can I Expect to See Results?
Each laser session typically results in a reduction of hair and you may experience some fallout anywhere from 2-4 weeks post treatment. Results from Laser Hair Removal can greatly vary from person to person but we find a lot of clients notice a reduction after just one treatment! After each session, any hair that does regrow will be much finer/thinner than it was before and you will start to notice more bald patches in the area being targeted. This makes shaving less painful and irritating, so the more sessions that you do the better the results you will see. An exact number of sessions required is not something we can predict. Hair growth can be affected by a number of factors and it depends on the person. It is also important to note that Laser Hair Removal is not always permanent. While many clients to achieve 100% of the hair gone and permanent results, it is not unusual for clients to return for touch up appointments in order to maintain results. An average of 70%-100% reduction in hair growth can be expected. (which is pretty good odds if you ask me!)
When Can I Come Back Again?
It can take 6-12 weeks for a hair to grow from the root to the surface of the skin. Every hair in our body goes through three stages of the hair growth cycle; Anagen (active), Catagen (transitional/middle), and Telogen (resting/dead). The Anagen stage is the best time to target as the hair is well situated in the follicle for the IPL to seek and destroy. Because there are different cycles we space out treatments according to the growth cycle. Different areas of the body will have different cycles so the area you are having treated will depend on how frequent treatments are.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe and What are the Side Affects?
IPL for Laser Hair Removal is very safe and there are no long term risks associated. Side effects are rare but important to be aware of, they include, but are not limited to, mild discomfort, blistering, redness, or mild follicular swelling. Pigment changes are very rare but can occur if sun exposure and photosensitive medications are not avoided leading up to and following a treatment. It is crucial to wear SPF 30 or higher on the treatment area when undergoing laser treatments. We recommend Hydropeptide Solar Defense Non-Tinted or Hydropeptide Solar Dew.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
- Shave the area 24 hours before your appointment
- If possible, arrive without creams or make-up on the treatment area. Otherwise, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment in order to clean the skin. Cleansing products are available for your convenience.
- Just prior to treatment, you will be given eye shields to wear to protect your eyes.
- It is imperative that you avoid sun exposure and tanning beds and tanning creams for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment for sun tanning, 8 weeks for tanning bed and 1 week for tanning lotions. This is a must and no exceptions will be made.
- No waxing, threading, tweezing or use of any chemical depilatories or bleach the area before and while undergoing the treatment sessions.
- No use of glycolic or Retinoic acid, AHA products for 2-4 days before and after treatment.
- Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment.
- History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment.
Post-Treatment Instructions
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and tanning lotions and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen.
- Redness and perifollicular edema (looks like a rash/bug bites) are common and resolve with time.
- Bruising and swelling are less common but may occur and will resolve with time.
- Hair may take a few weeks to fall out.
- Avoid heat – hot tubs, saunas, working out, hot showers or baths etc. for 1-2 days.
- Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment – Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.
- Do not wax or pluck between treatments.
- Notify clinic of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.).
- Hair removal requires a series of treatments. The number of treatments depends on body location and type of hair.
- Consult with clinic about when to resume skin care regime.
Happy Lasering!
