Can you do IPL or laser hair removal over a tattoo?
Phototherapy treatments such as IPL or LASER hair removal cannot be done over tattoos. This is due to the fact that phototherapy targets the melanin (pigment) cells in the hair bulbs. As it happens, the tattoo contains pigment as well. Therefore, IPL or LASER hair removal is going to blast those pigment cells as well. This could cause adverse reactions and side efefcts such as burns.
Also, phototherapy over a tattoo can diminish the pigmentation or even partially remove the tattoo. While laser is used to remove tattoos, the laser equipment used to remove hair does not use the appropriate forms and levels used in tattoo removal light treatments.
Phototherapy around a tattoo
If you are getting IPL or LASER hair removal around a tattoo, it is always recommended that you stay within a centimetre of the border of the tattoo. If there is a faded effect on the tattoo, stay about 2 cm away . The reason for this is that when the light penetrates into the skin we get an effect called ‘scatter’. Although the light pulse is going straight to the target, a bit of light literally scatters on to the surrounding tissue.
How long does IPL take to remove hair permanently?
Plan ahead! Depending on the area being treated, it can take anywhere from 12- 24 months. This is because different areas of the body are treated at different cycles. For example, facial areas are treated on a 4-6 week cycle, whereas body areas are treated on an 8-12 week cycle. The reason for that difference in treatment cycles is because the face has a different growth rate than body hair.
Safe Methods of Hair Removal After Tattoo
If you’re looking for safe hair removal methods after getting a tattoo, shaving and waxing are the most popular methods.
What about hair removal creams?
Epilation creams are typically made of corrosive material that interacts with the keratin protein in the hair which is also found in the skin. In addition, some epilation creams can cause irritation which can distort the pigment in the tattoo.
Trends change throughout the years, from the 70’s low-maintenance shag to the 90’s thong-th-thong-thong-thong landing strip. Whether you’re booking waxing or laser hair removal, knowing what to request when making your appointment is important to prevent confusion.
French, s’il vous plait..
French bikini hair removal offers more options for shaping and further removal. Most of the hair is removed from the front leaving a small patch of hair, this includes removal from underside, and excludes the backside. The flattering little v-patch will bring the hairline down 2-3 inches from the bikini line, and give you most coverage at the top and taper neatly into the back. Opt for the symmetrical strip down the centre for a little more coverage. This look will bring the hairline straight down toward the underside, giving you a clean underside.
Brazilian
Contrary to popular belief, the traditional method of Brazilian bikini hair removal does NOT leave you free of all hair below the waist. The traditional method leaves only a small strip down the centre. This look was modeled after the thong bikini bottom worn in Brazil which leaves little to the imagination, but still leaves a “little”. So for you thong sporting ladies, a Brazilian bikini wax will give you the same flexibility with shape and coverage that the French bikini wax offers, but also clears any unwanted strays from the backside leaving you confident from any angle.
Once upon a time in… Hollywood
Who needs hair down there anyway? If this is your motto then opt for Hollywood bikini hair removal and liberate yourself from pubescent hair growth. The name is influenced by the adult industry associated with the provocative nature of the famous city of fast cars, bright lights, fame, and fortune. This method will clear all existing hair from front to bunny tail leaving you G-string ready all around. Many spas will refer to this technique as a Brazilian, so make sure to clarify with your technician.
Medical history information is gathered to confirm that your waxing service can be performed safely.
Is Waxing Safe?
Waxing has contraindications and therefore we must take precaution to ensure your waxing service goes smoothly. Your waxing technician will gather some medical history information to confirm that your waxing service can be performed safely.
Waxing Contraindications- Medications
ACCUTANE– you must wait 12 months after last use before your waxing service.
Prescription acne medications– consult with a physician before booking your waxing service. Skin may remain compromised for 6-12 months after use.
Prescribed topical Retinols or Vitamin A– consult your physician before booking your service.
Waxing Contraindications- Health Conditions and Allergies
Some health conditions pose risks to waxing. As a result, certain health conditions will be treated appropriately.
Before proceeding, your service provider will review your health history. This form informs your service provider of allergies to ingredients that may be present in the wax. Typically, we use warm honey or pine resin-based wax.
First time waxing?
Don’t worry, here is what you can expect. Your esthetician will first prep the area by disinfecting and applying a protective barrier to the skin. Next, warm wax is then applied using a wooden spatula and covered with a cloth strip; this is referred to as strip waxing or soft waxing. The strip is then quickly pulled off parallel to the skin and voila your skin is left smooth and hair free!
Prior to booking a wax service ensure your hair is at least ¼ inch long, and has not been sunburned, treated with AHA/BHA, or prescription acne medications. Avoid caffeine for a couple hours before your appointment to reduce sensitivity. Results are visible for about 2 weeks, with 4-6 weeks before you are ready for your next visit. After care for waxing includes: avoiding heat, sun exposure, strong/fragranced, lotions, and washes for 24 hours and frequent skin exfoliation.
What can I expect when doing IPL Hair Removal treatments?
How many treatments do I need before I see results from my IPL Hair Removal treatments?
Results are immediate!
Although your hair may require 8 – 12 sessions, you will experience lasting results with each treatment including your first.
In fact, your initial treatment will give you the most noticeable reduction. Clients report an average of 20-60% less hair growth following their initial treatment. Not only do they experience less hair growth, but the texture of the hair also becomes finer and delayed in growth rate.
Now don’t get too comfortable as this effect is not permanent just yet.
Within the first few days following your session, your hair may appear to have stopped growing. Your hair will resume growth by week 2 and at this point you might think your treatment was unsuccessful. Keep in mind that this resumed growth is a combination of active hair bulbs and inactive hair now shedding from its follicle post-treatment. Once the shedding process has ended, we are able to measure the effects of the treatment.
Your next treatment will be scheduled within 4 weeks after your first session.
Each treatment following your initial session will increase the amount of reduction by approximately 10% to maximum of 80-98% overall reduction.
Depending on the number of sessions to date, your recorded progress, and expected sun exposure, we may reduce the frequency of your treatments. You will start off with a 4 week pause between treatments, later increasing to 5 weeks, then 6 weeks until you reach your treatment goal.
Your feedback is key when tracking progress AND making progress.
At every visit your technician will be asking a series of questions in order to measure the number of sessions required to achieve your desired results. Additionally, your feedback can also used to make accurate adjustments to the intensity level of your treatment.
After each visit please ensure to track the following to share with your technician at your next visit:
How much of a reduction have you experienced?
Has the texture/ thickness of the hair changed?
Has the colour of the treated hair changed? Is the hair light, medium, or dark tone?
How long did it take for your hair to grow back after your last session?
How frequently are you shaving the area?
If there was a reaction, how long did it last, and what type of reaction was it?
Be patient and realistic with your results
Although we would love to promise maximum results after 1 session, technology is not quite there yet! For now, expect to have up to 12 sessions over the span of 1-2 years. In the meantime, you can enjoy NOT having to deal with ingrown hairs, itchy razor bumps, embarrassing 5 o’clock shadows, daily shaving routine, or painful waxing!
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA BEFORE BOOKING ONLINE.
PLEASE ARRIVE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH AREA SHAVED FLUSH TO SKIN.
Time frame: Dependent on size of area being treated.
Recommended sessions: 8-12
Downtime required: 24 hrs
Pre-treatment protocols:
Must not currently be on or have used Accutane or any other oral prescription acne medications in the past 12 months
If currently using any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated, you must discontinue usage 2 weeks prior to procedure
Must wait a minimum of 4 weeks (or up to 6 weeks for darker skin types) from last tanning (artificial or natural) AND/OR waxing session
If currently on any prescription medications, check with your physician regarding possible photosensitivity
Contraindications:
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Disorders stimulated by light
Cancer (remission under 2 years)
Epilepsy
Use of photosensitive medication and herbs
Active infection of Herpes Simplex in treatment area
Use of anticoagulants
Potential side effects:
Discomfort
Fragile skin
Edema (swelling)
Erythema (redness)
This special is not valid with any other offer/promotion. Offer valid from May 1-31, 2017. No pre-purchasing. Multiple sessions allowed; to take advantage of this offer, book one session on the first week of May, and your next session on the last week of May.
Shop professional skincare products recommended by Dérmica!
Try our Home Care Selection Guide to choose the right products to target your skin type and concerns!
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
Dérmica MedEsthetics
(780) 885 7108
dermica.ca
Throughout December, we are offering a Holiday Beauty package to help you prep for holiday parties and get-togethers.
This Holiday Beauty Package includes:
dérmica shape – your go-to for brow definition or a quick fix. It includes a precise shape using your facial measurements, gentle wax application, tweeze, and trim that will leave your brows looking clean and fresh! The Shape is a great way to keep your brows looking sharp this holiday season.
Lash tint – our custom blend tint applications add depth and coverage to match any hair color. We use professional grade, vegetable-based tint developed for safe and effective use on brows and lashes in our treatments.
Half leg and underarm wax – heated resin wax is applied and removed with wolven cotton strips to give you a smooth, soft texture.
ALL for $90!
This special is not valid with any other offer/promotion. Limit to one treatment per client; No pre-purchasing; While quantities last.
Take advantage of this Holiday Beauty Package and schedule your appointment!
Also, visit our Online Store to shop for professional Skincare products.
Love, Peace, and Great Skin!
