IPL hair reduction is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulsed laser energy to remove unwanted hair from a targeted area, while leaving surrounding skin unharmed. Common areas on which IPL hair reduction is performed are the chin, upper lip, chest, underarms, back, bikini line and legs.
Although there are many temporary treatments, including tweezing, shaving, using depilatory creams and waxing, to remove unwanted hair, patients seeking more permanent and less irritating/painful methods are frequently good candidates for IPL hair reduction. Through what is a safe and usually painless procedure, hair can be removed from nearly any area of the body (the eye area is an exception because of the possibility of serious eye damage).
Candidates for IPL Hair Reduction
Because the IPL beams used to reduce hair target its melanin (pigment), the best candidates have dark hair and light skin. Conversely, those with blond, red, gray or white hair and dark skin are usually not good candidates. Recent technological advances have made IPL hair reduction for those with dark skin more successful, while techniques for using lasers to effectively remove light-colored hair are being investigated.
Benefits of IPL Hair Reduction
There are many benefits to having unwanted hair removed through the use of laser therapy. They include the following:
- Hair is precisely targeted
- Procedure is quick
- Results are permanently reduced (for 90 percent of patients)
- Helps with ingrown hairs, razor bumps, political cysts, hidradenitis suppurations
For many patients, IPL hair reduction is painless, although some experience minor discomfort, usually described as something like a rubber band's snapping against the skin.
IPL Hair Reduction Procedure
A handheld device that emits intense laser pulses is moved across the area, focusing on individual hair follicles. There are several different methods of IPL hair reduction, some of which combine laser impulses with radiofrequency. The appropriate method for each patient is decided in consultation with the physician administering treatment.
Hair growth takes place cyclically, in three stages. The most effective IPL hair reduction takes place during the andogen (full-growth) stage, because the hair follicles in this stage are susceptible to laser energy. But, because all hair is not in the same stage of growth at any given time, several laser treatments, usually between three and five, spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, are necessary. To some extent, the length of treatment depends on the texture of the patient's hair, and the location from which it is being removed.
Recovery from IPL Hair Reduction
Some redness, soreness or swelling may occur immediately after IPL hair reduction, but they almost always disappear within a few days. Cold compresses or ice packs, moisturizers, and anti-inflammatory creams may minimize discomfort. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible for some period of time.
Complications of IPL Hair Reduction
Complications that may arise after IPL hair reduction, although rare, may include skin irritation such as blistering and crusting; changes in pigmentation or texture of the skin; and scarring at the removal site. it is important for the client to follow all the protocols recommended by the practitioner. Skin irritation, redness and itchiness can be common following treatment.
