Is IPL permanent?
Even if IPL is not defined “permanent” by FDA, its results can be rightly defined semi-permanent. In fact, on some parts of the body the hair will disappear for ever, while in some others there will be a regrowth of very thin and light hair that can be treated once in a while to ensure a perfect look.
Does IPL work on all types of skin and hair?
The IPL hair removal process (unlike the laser hair removal one) can be “configured” to work with different light colors and frequency so to ensure the best possible treatment according to the characteristics of the patient’s skin. This means that people with dark skin and/or light hair can be treated too, with reasonably satisfactory results.
Why patients with dark hair and light skin are the best candidates?
IPL, when applied, interacts with melanin. The more melanin is present in the hair, the more the treatment is effective. The light is attracted by this “dark matter” and when it hits the hair is converted into heat energy that destroys the follicle and prevents the regrowth of the hair.
Which are IPL hair removal side effects or contraindications?
There are no major side effects or contraindications with IPL. You may experience a little reddening and feel a little hot when the light flashes ans pinches you, but it’s perfectly tolerable. However if you wish so you can apply a calming gel or cream. The most used ones are chamomile, aloe vera or witch hazel. The contraindications are the same for any other aesthetic treatment, if you’re taking in any drugs or suffer from a disease you must talk to a doctor first thing and you must inform the aesthetic center’s staff if you’re given the OK from your doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not undergo IPL hair removal, since there is no feedback about how IPL can affect babies.
Can you apply IPL on all parts of the body?
Thanks to the accurate handheld used, it is possible to apply IPL also on small parts of the body, such as the upper lip or the eyebrows. However there are some parts where IPL hair removal can be applied for security reasons, that is the breast and nipples which are too sensitive areas.
What is recommended to do before and after IPL hair removal?
- Before:
You should not get tanned, because you could make the hair removal process more difficult (tanning is related to melanin, also).
You can shave but you can’t use wax. Wax removes the hair from the root and we want the hair still in the root at the beginning of the process, to destroy the follicle. - After:
You should not expose to direct sunlight.
You should not take hot baths or saunas (and/or sweat in general).
Which is the difference between IPL hair removal, laser hair removal and electrolysis?
Laser hair removal is effective only on patients with light skin and dark, coarse hair. Electrolysis is the only treatment defined as “permanent” by FDA but it’s extremely slow (it treats one follicle at a time) and expensive. IPL hair removal is more effective and versatile than laser hair removal and gives results comparable to electrolysis in a faster and cheaper way.
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