Posted: lazer hair removal
What is IPL laser hair removal and is it different from normal laser hair removal? IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Laser. It uses a Xenon flash lamp and focused optics to deliver short bursts of laser light to the target area. It is a fairly new technology that was approved by the FDA as a hair removal technique in 1997.
IPL vs Normal laser hair removal
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| Not that kind of laser! Source: Flickr – Nick5702 |
The main laser effect of IPL works similar to that of normal laser treatment: by targeting the highest concentration of melanin – in the hair follicle – and through the process of ‘photo thermolysis’ vaporizing it. In other words it changes the laser light to heat which destroys the follicle.
Where it differs from normal laser hair removal is the fact that with IPL the wave length of the laser can be optimized for each application. Because of this, it is not only used for hair removal, but also treats threaded veins, rejuvenates skin, and is used for acne clearance. The area you can treat are also larger than normal laser treatment. This makes the duration of treatments shorter. Though you still have to go back for a few sessions to catch all the hairs that are in different hair growth periods. Because of the optimized laser pulse and larger size, it is more efficient and cheaper than regular laser hair removal costs.
However, because IPL laser hair removal is a fairly new method of hair removal, the long term effects has not been studied. At present, it leads to between 50 and 70% reduction of hair.
It still won’t work with light hairs, but it is more effective on darker skins than regular laser. Check with your local clinic about your suitability for treatment.
Is IPL laser hair removal for you?
Not if you are sensitive to photo-epileptic images. Or on skin medication. Pain wise it is not bad at all: only a mild pain is associated with the actual treatment – similar to mild sunburn. Men will also experience more discomfort as their hair growth are thicker and a longer pulse is needed to treat it.
What makes it a more attractive option than normal laser hair removal (besides just price) – and other hair removal methods – is that you should shave before treatment which will remove the annoyance of having to grow your hair out to a certain length before they’ll remove it.
IPL laser hair removal remains a cosmetic hair removal option. So make sure to consult your physician as well as you local hair removal clinic before committing to treatment. If you commit to the number of sessions required (6 to 8 sessions) and are willing to part with a not insignificant amount of money, it could be the hair removal solution you are looking for.
