To better understand what IPL Hair Removal is, let’s start of by defining “IPL”. IPL stands for Intense Pulse Light. Furthermore, DPC stands for Dynamic Pulse Control. These 2 acronyms go hand in hand when explaining our chosen technology to deliver these treatments. By emitting a light beam into the hair follicle, this treatment coagulates the melanin when the light beam turns into heat energy. This “zaps” the hair follicle, leaving it unable to grow new hair.
The DPC technology means that we can determine the “aggressiveness” of the treatment based on the duration of the pulse. In other words, shorter pulses are more aggressive, delivering the light beam in a shorter period of time, while longer pulses are less aggressive as they have a longer period to deliver the light beam.
Above all, the different range of pulse durations results in a major increase in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
How does light-based technology work?
Light-based technology works through Selective Photothermolysis. This is the selective thermal damage of pigmented structures. It selects tissue to be destroyed by selecting tissue with significantly greater optical absorption than the surrounding tissue.
In layman’s terms, the light beam is attracted to darker pigments, thereby being able to distinguish the hair from the skin.
Because these advanced treatments involve the application of heat, not everyone is eligible for IPL Hair Removal treatments. Factors such as your rating on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification Scale and your previous experience with sunburn may make you ineligible for this procedure.
Ensure that wherever you go for this procedure provides you with a thorough consultation!!!
Is IPL different than LASER hair removal?
Yes, they are different permanent hair removal procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results. While laser uses an actual laser, IPL Hair Removal uses pulse light.
If you have a low pain tolerance take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to your appointment. This will help decrease discomfort.
24 hours or less before your appointment
To maximize the success rate of your IPL hair removal treatments, give yourself the cleanest shave possible. If hair remains on the surface, theKeep in mind that the cleaner the shave, the better the results.
Throughout the course of your treatment
It is important to avoid all forms of hair removal that remove the hair root, for example, waxing. These types of hair removal cause interruptions in your treatment which in turn decrease the success rate.
In addition, avoid heat, friction, and irritants in the area being treated for approximately one week after each treatment. On that note, for irritating razor burn and ingrown hairs we recommend picking up some “Bump Stopper” solution found in the ethnic hair care section at most drug store/supermarkets.
Another tip is to discontinue usage any products containing AHA/BHA/Retin A/Vitamin A on the area being treated 2 weeks prior to each treatment.
Last but not least, we cannot stress the importance of staying on schedule. We need to target those new/recovered hair roots at just the right time!
Wishing you all peace, love, and great skin…and don’t forget to follow the tips above for successful IPL laser hair removal treatments!
Treatment frequency for IPL Hair Removal (HR) sessions is 1 treatment every 6 to 8 weeks apart for body areas, and 4-6 weeks apart for facial areas. If you are having sessions too close together, you are basically working on hair that is most likely no longer alive. In other words, you are losing financially!
We need a live hair bulb in order to achieve results. Therefore, we need approximately 4-8 weeks of regrowth to have some live bulbs in the skin again. IPL is also something that you don’t want to be using too often. For this reason, we advise our clients that anything beyond 12 treatments within a 12 month period is far too much.
Like any light based treatment, IPL is a form of radiation so you want to make sure you are not overexposing your skin.
Does IPL or LASER remove hair permanently?
IPL and other light based treatments do not remove hair permanently- as in “forever”. There is always a small chance that you may have some regrowth through the years. The amount of regrowth can range from 2-50%. There are certain things that can influence that percentage. For example, hormonal changes, whether that be with age, pregnancy, or health conditions that can bring back hair growth or decrease hair growth.
Another factor to consider is the amount of reduction that was achieved during your treatment course. Regrowth percentage will influence reduction rate. A higher reduction rate, for example, 98% will have a lower regrowth percentage. On the other hand, a lower reduction rate such as 50% will see higher regrowth.
IPL and LASER hair removal on the legs offer different procedures that have a similar purpose and achieve similar results. Located in Edmonton, AB., Dérmica offers temporary and permanent hair removal solutions.
Is laser hair removal effective on legs?
IPL/ LASER hair removal on the legs is effective even on light hair! Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones.
Hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for treatment outcomes. The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb. As a result, the more pigment cells present, the more energy is absorbed and therefore, producing optimal results.
How painful is laser on legs?
While LASER uses an actual laser, IPL uses pulse light. As a result, you may feel a slight, momentary sting, such as the snap of an elastic band, during your IPL treatments.
The sensation felt when the energy is delivered is described by most as a small pin-prick shock lasting only milliseconds. When graded on a scale from 1-5 for the pain felt during the session, clients will on average report under a level 3. The portion of the device that is in contact with the skin has a patented cooling system that keeps your skin slightly numb on contact.
Should I shave my legs before laser?
Yes, we ask that the hair be shaved flush to the skin. The reason for this is because the laser’s target is melanin. If there is hair that is long enough to cast a shadow on the skin or fold over on to the skin, that area will get the get unnecessary heat at the surface of the skin which may cause burns.
For first timers, you must wait at least 3 weeks after waxing or tweezing before your visit. The active bulbs are required to be intact for best result.
How long does laser hair removal last legs?
Results vary and can last between 1 – 5 years before a touch-up is required.Although IPL / LASER hair removal are considered methods of “permanent hair removal”, these treatments often require touch-ups. The typical span is 1 to 5 years.
How many sessions for hairy legs?
Body areas require longer rebooking timeframes than facial areas. The typical regimen is 8-12 treatment sessions, spaced 4-12 weeks apart, depending on the body area. Therefore, your treatment course could last up to 2 years when doing IPL/ LASER hair removal on the legs. That is to say, a successful IPL treatment course requires commitment.
The exact number of sessions will depend on genetics and personal preference. Clients report 20-60% reduction after the first treatment. Each session afterwards will reduce the remaining amount of hair by approximately 10%. Sessions are continued until the client has reached their reduction goal and growth has been stopped.
Located on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, Alberta, Dérmica offers permanent hair removal treatments.
Our IPL Hair Removal treatment will deliver permanent results on any area of face and body, including male facial hair. Above all, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and embarrassing stubble will be a thing of the past!
Your safety is our first concern, therefore, please review the following criteria before booking online.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA BEFORE BOOKING ONLINE.
PLEASE SHAVE AREAS TO BE TREATED FLUSH TO SKIN THE MORNING BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT.
Time frame: Dependent on size of area being treated.
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
Recommended sessions: 8-12
Downtime required: 24 hrs
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
What happens if you don’t shave before your IPL Hair Removal treatment?
The reason we ask that the hair is shaved flush to the skin is because the target is melanin. If there is hair that is long enough to cast a shadow on the skin or fold over on to the skin, that area will get the get unnecessary heat at the surface of the skin which may cause burns.
Also, your results are not going to be as good as they would be if that hair wasn’t taking up that extra energy. In other words, all the energy would go straight to the source we are targeting, which is the bulb. That hair strand is already dead so we don’t need that interfering. We need the live bulb.
Can you shave after IPL laser hair removal?
Most definitely. You can shave after IPL laser hair removal as often as you’d like or not shave at all. However, you cannot do any form of hair removal that involves pulling the bulb out of the skin, for example, waxing. In addition, you should not use corrosive hair removal creams that can potentially absorb into the skin and have an effect on the bulb.
Can you use IPL on stubble?
If there is a shadow being cast on the surface of the skin by that hair growth you should not. By shadow, we mean that it causes a greyish appearance and its apparent that hair is present.
What about men that want to get rid of their beard?
IPL Hair Removal is an excellent choice to get rid of an unwanted beard. However, clients need to make sure they are clean shaven before their appointment.
