What is IPL?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. IPL delivers a series of short, rapid pulses of light which results in minimal side effects & minimal discomfort.What does it feel like?
Clients describe the sensation as a snap of a rubber band against their skin. Some IPL systems hand piece has a built-in surface cooler which cools the treated area, increasing patient comfort and minimizing any adverse reactions. Topical anesthesia is rarely needed, but is available when IPL hair removal treatments are performed on more sensitive body areas.How many treatments are needed?
Because hair follicles are in an active growth cycle at various times, multiple treatments are necessary to achieve optimal results. On average, 6 sessions are recommended. However, the number of treatments needed for optimal long-term benefits depends on many factors such as hair thickness, your hair’s growth cycle and the body area being treated. No hair removal system available is able to get rid of 100% of a person’s hair. 90% reduction in hair is typical.Does it work on all hair colors?
Blonde or red hair will be difficult to remove using IPL or laser due to minimal pigment in the hair follicle. Hair removal with IPL or laser does not work on gray or white hair due to lack of pigment
Before your IPL treatment:
- Do not apply self tanners or spray tans for 4 weeks prior treatment.
- Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as any products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, or astringents for 1 week before your treatment.
- Do not wax or use a depilatory on treatment areas for 1 week prior to your treatment.
- Before each treatment, please inform us if you are taking any new antibiotics, medications, or supplements as they may make your skin photosensitive and we may not be able to treat you for 1 to 2 weeks after completion of the medication.
- If you have a history of fever blisters notify us so the medical director or your primary care doctor may write you a prescription for prophylactic antiviral therapy to start on the day of treatment to prevent a flare up.
After your IPL treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds to treated areas. Daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is vital to maintain your improved skin.
- Keep the area clean. Wash gently and avoid aggressive scrubbing or use of exfoliants, scrub brushes, and loofa sponges until the sensitivity and color of the treated area has returned to normal. Be careful with hot water and do not bathe the area with very hot water until healed.
- A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours or more. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, but it usually resolves in 2-3 days. Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or 100% aloe vera gel may ease redness or inflammation.
- Treated dark spots usually darken after treatment and crusting begins to form within a few days. This crusting usually resolves in 1 to 3 weeks. It should be allowed to naturally flake off.
- If significant crusting occurs beyond the normal flaking of the treated lesions, an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin or Bacitracin may be recommended.
- No hot tubs or exercise for 48 hours.
- Avoid any irritants to your skin, such as any products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic & salicylic acids, or astringents for 1 week after your treatment.
- Do not wax, tweeze or use a depilatory to the treated areas for 1 week after your treatment.
