IPL stand for Intense Pulsed Light, it is a device based system that utilises light waves to reduce hair growth.

The treatment is pain free but of course everyone's pain thersh hold is different. We describe the sensation as an "elastic band flick" to the treated area. The sensation will only last for a few moments and by the time you leave you've alreaedy forgotten!

IPL is designed to destory the blood supply that attaches the hair follicle, it does this by targeting the pigmentation of the HAIR and sending the light waves down into the hair follicle to cut off the hairs blood supply.

This means that we are not able to treat those with blonde, white, grey or red hairs as their is no pigmentation within these hairs.

It is also important to keep in mind that if the pigmentation of your skin is as dark as or darker then your hair we are treating, you would not be suitable for IPL treatments. This is because the light waves will not be able to target the hair pigmentation over your skins pigmentation.

There are a few factors to keep in mind when looking at IPL treatments as this is a light based treatment, they are as follows:

• No light sensitive medications e,g some anti-depressants, roacuttane, st johns wart..just to name a few. (If you are unsure about your medications please speak with your doctor first.)
• Darker pigmented areas within the area you are wanting to treat
• Grey, white and blonde hairs will not respond to treatment
• Finer pigmented hairs may struggle to respond
• Not suitable for those who are pregnant or trying to conceive
• No spray tan for 4 weeks prior to each treatment
• No excessive sun exposure or heat a week prior to treatments

This leads us into the pre and post care

Pre Care:

• Avoid tanning and incidental sun exposure, including tanning beds/booths for 4 weeks before treatments (including between treatments). The area needs to be covered and protected from the sun for safe and effective treatment.
• Avoid the use of fake tan and gradual tanning creams in the area to be treated for 4 weeks prior to treatments.
• Wear SPF everyday in the treatment area especially if it is being exposed to sun.
• Avoid benzyl peroxide application in the treatment area 1 week prior.
• Avoid any active cosmeceuticals for 3 days prior, these include Retinol, Vitamin C, AHA & BHA ingredients.
• You will be required to shave the area 24 hours prior to treatment.
  

Post Care:

• Wear SPF everyday
• Avoid sun exposure to the treated area daily 
• For 24hours post treatment (or until redness and swelling subsides) you must;
  • Avoid extremely hot showers and baths.
  • Avoid the use of pools, spas and saunas.
  • Avoid exercise and activities that increase perspiration and body temperature.
  • Avoid the application of deodorant in the treatment area.
  • A cold compress every hour for five to ten minutes may be soothing to the skin. Do not apply ice directly to the skin
  • Apply chilled medi-soothe gel up to 3 x per day.
• For up to 5 days post treatment you will need to avoid;
  • Scented lotions and soaps
  • Use of pools, spas and saunas
  • Avoid active cosmecuticals such as Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin C, AHA & BHA ingredients.
  • Avoid activities that are going to generate excess heat within the body such as exercise.
• You will also need to wait 2 weeks before any Cosmetic treatments.

What to expect after treatment

Immedietly after and up to 5 days post treatment it is normal to experience mild redness and warmth to the treated area, this could be described as a mild sunburn like feeling.

You may also experience a dry itchy sensation as well as swelling of the hair follicles
(peri-follicular oedema) which can occur and appear as small, raised, red bumps. This is a normal histamine reaction (Urticaria).

The appearance of “stubble” will occur, this can be anywhere between 1-4 weeks post treatment. This is not hair re-growth. It is the remnant of treated hair being expelled from the follicle. Allow this hair to fall out on its own, or encourage it with a gentle exfoliation. DO NOT pluck or tweeze. You may shave during this period.

How many treatments do you need and how far apart are they?

For most areas your hair will need 8-10 treatments, this number can vary depending on your hair growth and the circumstances surrounding things like hormones. 

We will space your initial treatments at 4 weeks apart and the further your get into treatment the less hair that is coming back means we can start to push those appointments further apart. This is so we can catch the hair in its growing phase to treat appropriately.

Once your hair does not seem to be returning or there are very minimal hair growth occuring we will class you into maintainence level. It is important to remember that although these treatments have been successful, the body and hair are amazing organs and will still need a little reminder as they start to re appear over time. This is why a maintenane appointment every 6-12 months is highly recommended to keep the hair growth away.

How do you get started?

If everything here seems perfect for you then all you need to do is book an IPL Hair Removal Consultation with one of our amazing team so we can go over the ins and outs before you begin your journey. From here we will book you in for your very first treatment!

You will also be offered our package deal of pre pay 5 and get your 6th treatment free as a thank you for starting your journey with us.

 

Book your consult today