FAQ

What are the risks of Intense Pulse Light hair removal system?

Short term effects are usually limited. Minimal reddening or swelling of the area is common and typically lasts less than an hour although occasionally can last for a few days. There can also be increased or decreased pigment in treated areas. (For example, birthmarks and freckles may darken for a few days then return to normal.) There are seldom any major cosmetic problems and effects generally resolve themselves shortly after each treatment. In rare cases blisters and scarring have occurred. Providing up-to-date information on conditions or circumstances which may affect treatment (such as skin cancer, Herpes Simplex, pregnancy, active infection, etc.) will aid in optimizing results.

Is IPL hair removal “permanent”?

“Permanent hair removal” means, “all hair is gone forever”, there is currently no hair removal technology on the market which can guarantee “permanent hair removal”. The most realistic description of the results after IPL treatment is “long-term hair reduction”. This means that after 4 to 8 treatments, the total amount of hair is greatly reduced (generally 70% to 90%) and the hair which does grow is often much finer and lighter in colour. Most people are pleased with this degree of improvement, as long as their expectations are realistic.

What does it feel like?

IPL treatment has been described to lesser intensity, as a warm “snap of a rubber band” against the skin. In areas of darker pigmentation (i.e. moles, birthmarks) this sensation can intensify. Even though numbing creams and gels are not required, we may provide an icepack to ensure your comfort is met. In addition, a small amount cool gel will be used to help the hand tool glide along the skin.

How is IPL different from laser?

“Intense Pulse Light” is a term often used interchangeably with the term “laser” when in fact the two are very different. Lasers emit a single beam of light at a very specific wavelength (like a laser pointer), whereas IPL contains light of all visible wavelengths (more like a lightbulb). As a result, the IPL is able to treat a wide range of skin conditions at the superficial level, but does not have the ability to target specific structures that are deeper in the skin.

How does IPL compare to other hair removal systems?

Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams like “Nair” and “Neet” are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis. These methods remove hair but leave the follicles intact. The hair re-grows within days or weeks in most cases.
Hair removal methods such as plucking, waxing, or sugaring which cause irritation, may actually stimulate hair growth. One method the body has to defend against having hair pulled out is to produce thicker, stronger hairs which are harder to pull out next time. Waxing can be useful to temporarily get rid of white hairs and “peach fuzz” that IPL does not reach due to lack of pigment.

What is the difference between IPL and Electrolysis?

Removing hair by electrolysis has been compared to mowing the grass “one blade at a time”. This process is where a technician inserts a needle into the hair follicle and then triggers a small electrical charge to disable the hair root. The hair follicle is then removed with tweezers. Electrolysis is time consuming, costly, and painful in comparison to IPL treatments.

How do I know if I am a candidate for IPL hair removal?

Before IPL treatment you will have a personalized consultation with a technician. If desired, a complimentary patch test can be done to ensure effectiveness of treatment prior to committing to the full process. The IPL hair removal system is attracted to hair pigment, more importantly so the contrast between hair pigment and skin tone. All hair types (with the exception of grey, white, and red) respond to treatment. Other factors such as skin tone and thickness/coarseness of hair contribute to the effectiveness of treatment. A person with fair skin and coarse, dark hair would be the ideal candidate for IPL hair removal.

How do I prepare my body for treatment?

Since IPL hair removal relies on pigment beneath the skin, you are asked to completely shave the area the day of treatment. Please refrain from tanning outdoors or in an artificial tanning bed 3 weeks prior to your treatment. Please do not also wax, tweeze, or have electrolysis 4 to 6 weeks prior to treatment. We want to ensure that there is a full hair cycle to be removed in order to achieve optimal results.

What now? How do I begin my hair removal experience?

Call our clinic today to book your complimentary consultation! During this consultation you will receive the recommended treatments based on your body and hair growth as well as full pricing information.

Conditional-indications for Hair Removal

• Exposure to sun or artificial tanning (including self-tanners) during the 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.
• Current or history of skin cancer.
• Diseases that may be stimulated by light at 515nm to 1200nm such as history of recurrent Herpes Simplex, Systemic Lupus, Erthematosus, or Porphria.
• Use of photosensitive medication, and/or herbs that may cause sensitivity to light exposure such as Isotretinoin, Tetracycline or St. John’s Wort.
• Immunosuppressive disease including AIDS and HIV infection or use of immunosuppressive medications.
• Any active infection.
• Patient history of hormonal or endocrine disorders such as polysistic ovary syndrome or diabetes unless under control.
• History of Keloid scarring
• History of bleeding coagulopathies or use of anticoagulants.
• Pregnant or nursing patients  .