IPL/Laser FAQ

What is IPL and what does IPL actually mean?

IPL – Intense Pulsed Light is a technology in which light is converted to heat when it reaches the desired area within the skin’s layers without causing damage to the skin itself.

What is the difference between IPL permanent hair reduction, laser hair removal & electrolysis?
IPL or Intense Pulsed Light is considered the latest technology and most effective treatment for hair removal. IPL was originally developed as flash lamps to treat other skin conditions (such as skin rejuvenation and thread vein treatment) and doctors and patients observed hair loss as a result.

Why would I be recommended to have Laser or IPL?

Although both laser hair removal and IPL hair removal use light to cause thermal damage to the hair follicle, there are big differences. IPL uses specific wavelengths of light that are the optimum for absorption by the melanin pigmentation in hair yet at the same time minimizing the trauma to the skin.

IPL differs from laser by being able to deliver greater energies at optimum wavelengths while causing less damage to the skin. So they both work well, but the IPL is usually much less painful.

Laser however, we have found, is more effective on finer hair and hair with less colour.

IPL & Laser treatments are typically taken 4-6 weeks apart; studies have shown it to clear between 50% and 80% of hair in a given area in 6-12 months, something that is just totally unheard of with electrolysis.

How many treatments are required for a successful IPL or Laser treatment?

For hair reduction you will need between 6 and 10 treatments on each area depending on your skin and hair type. Some people then require a maintenance treatment once a year or so.

For an effective skin IPL treatment you will need anywhere from 2-8 IPL treatments. Each skin concern is treated differently and a more accurate estimation is given within your consultation by your experienced IPL technician.

Can darker skin’s be treated?

Darker skin colour means that more melanin pigment is concentrated in the superficial layers of the skin (Afro American, Indian and some Asian skin’s), melanin absorbs a lot of the thermal heat energy of the lasers and IPL light emissions making this an undesirable candidate for IPL treatment.

People with a tan or with a darker skin pigment can not be treated at full capacity therefore reducing the effectiveness of the treatment and increasing the risks of a negative reaction (blistering, pigmentation etc). Darker skin’s can be treated with the right machine but the results may take longer to achieve.

Can I use IPL/Laser anywhere on my body?

IPL can treat any part of the external body except for the eye area.

Are there any side effects when using IPL/Laser?

It is normal to experience some redness of the skin and some very mild swelling, which can last from an hour to 24 hours. Sometimes a blister may appear which is normal for some skin types but quite rare.

In some instances the redness may last a few days and there could be some grazing or ‘scabbing’ which typically subsides over a short period of time. This is a normal appearance and result when trying to remove superficial skin pigment marks, especially when using stronger settings.

The appearance of the treated area immediately after a session does vary from one person to another. The after effects are usually minor and may include some redness. Most people are able to return immediately to normal activity.

Does IPL/Laser hurt?

Most clients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort. On more sensitive areas and for those with a low pain threshold, a topical anesthetic cream is recommended and local topical ice packs can be applied. A numbing cream can be purchased from you local pharmacy. However, the more the power is increased for maximum effectiveness, the stronger the “flicking” or “zapping” sensation on the skin.

Do I need to do anything before my IPL/Laser treatment?

Stay out of the sun for one month before your treatment, and use a 30+ Sun protection when you are exposed. Do not use “fake-tan” or solariums for at least one month before your treatment.
The procedure may have to be postponed if you have a tan, as we cannot treat people who have tanned skin because of an increased risk of pigmentation change. Do not wax, pluck or bleach for at least one month before your treatment.

Shaving is preferred as it encourages vigorous growth, making the hairs more susceptible to treatment. Clients with darker colored skin can apply a pigment fading cream (available from chemists) regularly before and between treatments. This will minimize the chance of pigmentation changes.

What makes IPL/Laser at The Beauty House different?

A consultation at The Beauty House is performed 1 week prior to commencing any IPL or laser treatment to fully assess the potential of the chosen treatment.  All IPL/Laser consultations at The Beauty House are complimentary.

During your obligation free consultation, we will:

•    Determine that you are a candidate for IPL/Laser treatments
•    Complete a thorough consultation/client history card
•    Conduct a patch test on the area to be treated
•    Give you a quote on prices of the area you want to treat

After your consultation you must:

•    Wait 1 week before commencing your sessions
•    Watch your patch test area to ensure no negative reactions take place (i.e. blistering, hyper or hypo pigmentation, rashes, persistent redness etc)
•    Stop using any medications and or herbal remedies that may contra indicate your treatment (your therapist will go through these with you in your consultation)
•    Ensure the area’s to be treated are protected from the sun at all times and that you have no tan on these areas.

What do I need to do after my IPL/Laser treatment?

Avoid direct sun light for 4weeks after the treatment. Use a high quality 30+ sunscreen. The occurrence of redness in the area treated is very common and may last for a couple of days.

Whilst the redness is present you must avoid swimming and the use of hot baths and scented lotions, soaps or exfoliants, shaving or activities that cause excessive perspiration. In the unusual case of crusting or swelling of the skin apply moisturiser; do not pick the area for it may cause infection.

What will happen after my hair reduction IPL/Laser treatment?

In the week to 2 weeks following your treatment your hairs will fall out of the treated area. About 20 – 30% of your hairs are destroyed with each treatment session and the rest will slowly grow back. With each session your hair will become finer and less dense.

What will happen after skin IPL treatment?

After your IPL treatment has been completed you will notice any pigmentation will become darker and gradually flake off after about 5-10 days. Capillaries and veins treated will sometimes appear bruised or darker and slowly fade away over this same time frame. Other times capillaries and veins may appear to be whitened and this too will gradually fade out. Redness may be more apparent within the first 24 hours of treatment and mild swelling may also take place, after this time these side effects will calm down, applying an ice pack will reduce the amount of time this takes.

Our trained therapists are fully qualified in all of our high tech treatments and our priority is always your comfort.

We use only the best equipment available and our staff undergo extensive training.