IPL Hair Removal

Encorė Cosmetic Clinic’s Premium IPL Hair Removal Service

Should I get IPL or Laser Hair Removal?

This is a very confusing area when reading the pitch from various companies and practitioners. Some of the most misleading comments are along the lines of “IPL is better than Laser” whereas other sites will tell you that “Lasers are better than IPL”.

These are very misleading statements because the implication is that all IPL or Lasers are the same – THEY ARE NOT! Hence statements like this should be paid no attention. A high-grade IPL machine will be better than a low-grade Laser machine and vice versa.

“The reality is that high quality IPL machines and high quality Lasers are both very effective at hair removal IF an experienced, well qualified operator is performing your treatment.“

---

Background

Waxing, shaving and the use of depilatory creams are well-established methods for hair removal. However, they do not result in any permanent hair removal.

Electrolysis is also a well-established method for hair removal. However, it is often very time consuming, painful and not without complications. It is nowhere near as effective as modern treatments such as IPL and it is generally accepted that IPL hair removal is several times more effective than electrolysis.

With rapid technology and development, the most popular and effective method for permanent hair removal is the use of either lasers or IPL ( which stands for intense pulsed light). These modern treatments are designed to damage and destroy many hairs at once. Treatment is delivered in a brief period of time with reduced side effects. People are interested in laser or IPL hair removal because the end results are consistent and predictable within a reasonable time frame that fits their lifestyle.

Who should do my treatments – a Technician, Aesthetician or Registered Nurse?

In the majority or hair removal facilities, you will be treated by a medically unqualified “technician” or an “aesthetician”. At Encorė Cosmetic Clinic we believe it is crucial you have a medically trained (doctor or registered nurse) treating you.

This is because despite various clinics claims, there is no absolutely safe Laser or IPL and it is common in our industry to see significant complications such as scarring, permanent pigment changes…that have resulted from a medically unqualified operator using a powerful IPL or Laser incorrectly.

Summary:

• Choose a clinic with a high-quality IPL or Laser – do your research. In regards to IPL here is an independent review of IPL machines that will confirm we have the best IPL available.
• So long as it is a high-quality machine the most important thing is who is operating it – NOT whether it is a Laser or IPL machine.
• Choose a clinic where the person treating you is a Registered Nurse or Doctor. You are likely to get better results and fewer complications.
• Having 5-10 treatments spaced at regular 5-7 weekly intervals is much more effective than intermittent ad hoc treatments.

The Hair Follicle Cycle of Growth

Hair grows in three stages, and when hair is in the anagen (growth) stage it is most vulnerable to IPL hair removal. Sciton® BBL™ selectively heats the full length of the embedded hair follicle cutting off its supply of nutrients, thus disabling its growth. Because all hair is not always in the anagen stage at one time, multiple treatments must be given over time to treat as many hairs as possible while they are in the anagen stage. Our registered nurses will design a treatment series to reflect your desire for hair reduction in particular body locations.

How does Sciton® BBL™ Hair Reduction work?

The Sciton® BBL™ hair removal system uses multiple wavelengths of light, transmitted in a broadband of light form through the laser. Laser or light energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin in hair follicles and converted to heat, diffusing to and injuring the hair follicle. The BBL is able to target the hair at its roots. By selecting the appropriate wavelength for hair reduction (e.g. 590 nm, 640 nm or 695nm), we are able to tailor the treatment to your skin type in order to achieve optimal results.

Effective hair reduction can only be achieved during the growth phase and hair reduction is considered permanent when a significant amount of hair does not return for a period of time longer than the complete growth cycle. After a series of treatments, most hair is permanently reduced in size, quantity and colouration. However, if hair does regrow it should be finer and lighter than before. We generally recommend 5-10 treatments, spaced 6-7 weeks apart for the best results. Thereafter, maintenance treatments may be required once or twice a year.

Permanent Hair Removal versus Hair Reduction

No provider of Laser or IPL hair removal will be able to guarantee complete and permanent hair removal in the treated area. What is achievable in most patients is the permanent removal of some of the hair and permanent reduction in the amount, colouration and size of any remaining hair.

To minimise any hair regrowth maintenance treatments may be needed once the initial treatment course is completed.

What areas can be treated?

BBL hair reduction offers patients a safe, fast and effective alternative for dealing with unwanted hair. Whilst facial hair removal is the most commonly requested procedure BBL can be used on any part of the body. Other commonly treated areas are the neck, underarms, bikini line, legs and arms.

Can any colour hair be treated?

In general, we can treat any hair with pigment in it (light brown, brown, red or black). Because the system relies on using the melanin to do its work for it, it is most effective on lighter skin patients.

However, patients with darker skin tones can still be successfully treated with Sciton® BBL™. Because people with darker skin have a higher degree of melanin pigment in their skin, they run a risk of their skin “overheating” with this treatment and causing skin discolouration. The added safety features incorporated in the Sciton® BBL™ ( eg sapphire skin cooling and adjustable wavelengths, a consistent band of light) make these side effects much less likely than with other IPL machines.

Treatment of blonde hair is not as successful as darker coloured hair.

Can tanned skin be treated?

An active tan from the sun or tanning beds is not appropriate for treatment with BBL. Tanned skin has a lot of pigment or melanin that may also absorb the BBL light energy intended for the hair follicles. It is recommended that a person does not have sun exposure in the area to be treated for a period of 2 weeks prior to treatment with BBL. Self-tanners must be faded from the skin for at least a week to 10 days prior to treatment. Discuss with our nurse the possibility of tanning during your course so that a safe regimen can be created.

Is there anything I should or should not do before my treatment?

Avoid getting a tan or using products on the area to be treated for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.

Shave the area to be treated within 24 hours of your appointment.

Do not wax or use depilatory creams in the treated area for 2 weeks prior to your treatment.

How long will it take to recover?

Your healing time will depend upon your actual treatment. In most cases, there is virtually no downtime and you may resume daily activity immediately. You may experience some redness after the procedure.

How many treatments will I need?

As previously mentioned hair grows in 3 different stages. Hair can only be affected by light energy when it is in anagen stage. Additionally, hair located on different body parts has different growth cycles and percentages of anagen hair at any one given time. Due to this physiology, a series of 5-10 treatments must be given over a period of time, usually 4-8 weeks apart to address the growth cycle of the hair.

What will happen during the procedure? Will it be uncomfortable?

Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. You may briefly feel a warm or “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. Your procedure may take a few minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of procedure performed. The procedure is gentle, non-invasive and safe. The thermoelectrically cooled sapphire plate on the Sciton® BBL™ handpiece provides continuous cooling, even at maximum power to keep the skin cool and comfortable before, during and after treatment.

Generally, there is no need for a topical anaesthetic but you can choose to use some on more sensitive areas if you prefer. Our nurses will discuss all of your options with you.

What should I expect after the treatment?

You may experience some localised redness in the area that was treated that should resolve within a few hours. Results depend on your skin condition, the number and consistency of treatments and the area treated. Our nurses will provide you with information about the post treatment care and results.

What aftercare do I need?

It is important to follow your aftercare instructions. You may be given skin care products and instructions on how to use them. If you must go outdoors it is recommended that you cover your treated skin and use sunblock of SPF 30.

What about home-based IPL systems?

Cheap home based IPL devices have become available on the market in recent years. Whilst there are some reports of success with these types of devices you should be very cautious. These devices are cheap because they do not have the technology and componentry to make them as safe or effective as a medical grade IPL machine.