IPL™ Permanent Hair Reduction

IPL™ (Intense Pulsed Light) is a gentle, long lasting answer to unwanted hair. Highly controlled flashes of light are selectively absorbed by hair follicles lying below the surface of the skin. The absorbed light heats the hair, which damages or destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle. All without damaging the surrounding tissues.

IPL™ is most effective on actively growing hair, with 85% of hair on any person at this stage the results are obvious from the first treatment. Follow up treatments are necessary for full benefit. As a guideline, the time between first and second treatments above the neck is 4-6 weeks and below the neck is 6-8 weeks. The number of treatments and the time scale will depend on the area being treated.

IPL™ has been proven to effectively treat all skin types including Hispanic and Asians. Individuals with blonde or grey hair may find this form of photoepilation has reduced effectiveness because their hair has little or no pigmentation to absorb the light.

With side effects being rare and, and if present, limited to localised mild swelling or redness which lasts a few minutes to a few hours, means you can continue with daily life immediately.

All treatments at Medicalternative are carried out by experienced Doctors and Nurses. Prior to treatment at Medicalternative we suggest you book an initial 15 minute consultation with our Nurse to discuss your needs and expectations.

Before and After Photos

Hair on the chin		Before and 3 months after 3 IPL™ treatments	Photographs courtesy of Lumenis
Female with hair on the legs		Before and 8 months after 4 IPL™ treatments
Male with hair on the back		Before and 2 years after 4 IPL™ treatments
Female with hair on the underarm		Before and 4 months after 2 IPL™ treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it permanent?
Permanent reduction and in most cases permanent removal

How soon can you have subsequent follow-up treatments?
It is recommended to have treatment to the facial area at 4 week intervals, to the upper body and bikini line every 8 weeks and to the legs every 10-12 week intervals.

How soon will you see a result?
Hair takes approximately 1-3 weeks to fall out, again depends on the area treated

Is it true that hair grows in three stages?
Yes, Anagen (growing), Talogen (resting), Catagen (transitional)
85% of hairs are in the Anagen stage.

What are the side effects?
Heat in the skin, localised mild swelling, mild redness
May last a few minutes to a few hours

Is it sore (especially in sensitive areas)?
The treatment can be likened to a ‘snap’ by an elastic band or a mild ‘static shock’
Most people tolerate it very well

Who can have the treatment?
Anyone with medium to dark hair
IPL works on the pigment in the hair
Blonde and grey hair has little to no pigment therefore very poor results
You cannot treat hair that is lighter than the skin

Does it matter if the patient has freckles/red hair (fair skin)?
Depending on the shade of red hair treatment may not be as successful as for dark hair
Dr/Nurse would have to observe the hair
Freckles may initially appear slightly darker, but will fade

What are the contraindications?
Some medications (doctor will advise)
Recentlt tanned (natural or fake) and sunburnt skin
Pregnancy as skin is a lot more sensitive
CAUTION to be taken with Asian and dark skinned clients as dark skin may burn, i.e. light energy is absorbed by melanin, the darker the skin the more melanin.