Laser Hair Removal for Face and Body
Laser hair removal is the most popular application of IPL laser technology.
When you consider that a woman will shave over 11,000 times in her life, it is easy to see the appeal of a more permanent solution.
The quality of result offers a much smoother finish than shaving, plucking, waxing or creams and is a significantly shorter treatment programme than electrolysis. It is also surprisingly comfortable.
Laser hair removal is ideal for:
- Women and men
- Facial and body hair
- Long-term results - permanent hair reduction of up to 95%
- "Problem" hair conditions
- Ingrowing hair
- Hair in "hard to treat" or "hard to reach" areas such as the top lip, back or bikini
- Excessive hair growth e.g. female facial hair, male back hair
- Patients who do not want to have to shave daily, or use cream/wax on a regular basis
- Patients who have a reaction to creams/shaving/waxing e.g. red bumps
- People who need to keep hair free for a reason e.g. modelling work, sport or body-building
About Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
The Hospital Group use IPL technology, which has been selected for outstanding treatment results. This is a non-invasive procedure.
The laser releases precisely controlled short bursts of intense light, which is absorbed by the pigment in hair. The hair is heated and the root/follicle is destroyed so that it can't grow back again. Using a large treatment head means that numerous follicles can be treated at the same time for quick treatment. Treating the underarms generally takes about 20 minutes, while a full male back could be an hour.
a) The melanin in the hair absorbs the light from the IPL laser
b) The hair shaft is heated, damaging the cells in the follicle
c) The hair falls out and cannot re-grow from the same follicle
Patients' experience of the treatment varies. While the blast of light is made, the sensation can be sharp - like a pinch or a rubber band pinging against your skin. However, this fades quickly. Cooling the skin before the treatment and applying aloe vera gel afterwards reduces any discomfort. Some patients barely feel it.
Some of the hair which was in the treated follicles is wiped off immediately after treatment, and the rest is shed over the next 2-3 weeks. The hair roots which have been destroyed are reabsorbed by the body.
As the treatment works on hair in the growth cycle, a course of treatment is required to reach maximum benefit. This is repeated every 4-6 weeks for around 6 treatments.
As the IPL laser seeks hair out by the contrast of colour against the skin, the best results are seen in those with pale skin and dark hair. Fair, grey or white hair is harder to treat as there is less contrast against the skin.
Before & After Photos
IPL Laser Vs Traditional Hair Removal
- Less discomfort vs electrolysis, waxing, tweezing, or plucking
- Treats larger areas than electrolysis, tweezing or plucking
- Fast treatment with long-lasting results as treated hair will not regrow back in most cases
- Hair which does grow back tends to be thinner and finer
- Less irritation vs plucking, waxing or shaving
- Represses rather than stimulates hair growth
- No need to grow hair longer prior to treatment
What Areas Can be Treated?
In women, the most common areas for treatment are:
- Underarms
- Bikini area
- Legs
- Upper lip
In men, the most common areas for treatment are:
- Shoulders
- Back
- Beard area
- Neck
Aftercare
- Redness, and some discomfort of the area (like sunburn) may be present for the first few hours following treatment
- Deoderant and perfumes should be avoided for 24 hours
- Do avoid the sun while you are undergoing any course of treatments. Use a high factor sun block
