FAQ

IPL - Frequently Asked Questions

IPL™ QUANTUM HR Hair Removal System

• What is the difference between Laser Hair Removal and IPL Hair Removal?
• What does the treatment feel like?
• How many treatments will be necessary?
• Is it permanent?

IPL™ Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation

• What is IPL Photorejuvenation?
• What can IPL Photorejuvenation treat?
• How does IPL Photorejuvenation work?
• Is there any “down-time” from having IPL Photorejuvenation?

What is the difference between Laser Hair Removal and IPL Hair Removal?
Both Lasers and IPLs are generic words for specific light energy. They speak the same language e.g. nanometers, joules, wavelength etc. IPLs are a more modern version of Lasers. Lasers are monochromatic (one directional wavelength targeting a particular depth).

There are 3 main types of lasers used for hair removal
1. Alexandrite - targets hair close to the surface of the skin e.g. upper lip
2. Diode - this targets hair at medium depth e.g. side of face, chin
3. Nd:YAG - targets hair deep in the follicle e.g. underarm, bikini, legs

When a hair grows from its infantile stage to full maturity, it starts off very shallow in the follicle and grows to a depth affiliated to its location e.g. hairs in the underarm will start off shallow but when it has reached its maturity it will become a deep hair. If this was treated with an Alexandrite Laser then you would only have a successful treatment when the hair is in its infantile stage and the mature hairs would not be treated. Similarly, if an Nd:YAG laser was used then it could only target the hairs at their maturity and not in their infantile stage.

The IPL Treatment covers ALL spectrums - ALL hair depths and stages.

What does the treatment feel like?
Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the nap of a rubber band.  No local aesthesia is required and most people tolerate the treatment well.

How many treatments will be necessary?
Both IPL technology and lasers work by affecting the hair follicles that are growing in their “live” (anagen) stage. At any time, some hair follicles will be in the resting (telogen) phase and these won’t be treated. Therefore several visits may be necessary for total treatment and this is based on how many stages of growth you have. As the IPL can target hair UNDERNEATH the skin, if it is in anagen stage, this hair will also be treated.  Generally speaking, you will need roughly 4 to 6 treatments.

Is it permanent?
It is illegal for any lasers or IPL’s to say permanent removal. However, the IPL™ QUANTUM HR Hair Removal System is one of very few machines that have FDA approval for permanent hair reduction. We can guarantee you will get some form of permanency with our treatment.

What is IPL Photorejuvenation?
This treatment uses a non-invasive Intense Pulsed Light to erase the signs of aging from the face, neck, chest and hands. Photo damaged skin is more than just wrinkles - it can be hyperpigmentation, skin laxity, enlarged pores, wrinkling, capillaries - all of which can be improved with IPL treatments.

What can IPL Photorejuvenation treat?
IPL Photorejuvenation has the unique capacity to treat multiple symptoms of aging skin. 
•  Age spots (sun-induced freckles) on the face and hands
•  Facial veins and redness caused by broken capillaries
•  Sun damage on the neck and chest
•  Enlarged pores and coarse or rough skin 
•  Mottled coloration
•  Fine lines, loss of skin tone and elasticity
•  Spots & discoloured areas on face, hands, chest, and neck

How does IPL Photorejuvenation work?
Using the spectrum of IPL appropriate to the clinical objective, light energy is applied to the skin non-invasively. The Light energy is transformed to heat energy. The chromophore in the target tissue responds to the heat. The target is fragmented and absorbed without damage to the surrounding tissue. The skin surface is left smooth looking. The procedure usually requires 4 to 6 treatments, usually about 3 weeks apart.

Is there any “down-time” from having IPL Photorejuvenation?
No. You can resume your everyday routine and activities immediately. You can apply make-up on straight away and treatments can be performed during lunch breaks. There may be a little erythema (redness) but this dissipates generally within hours.

If you want to know more about our treatments please contact us.