Laser & IPL Treatments Explained Light-based therapy is the term given to treatments involving the use of devices that emit light, such as a high-powered laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), light emitting diodes (LEDs) and healing laser. What is a laser? The word, laser, is an acronym for: Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation In terms of laser light, radiation is an expression of energy transmission. It is not connected with radioactive material or ionised radiation. High-powered Laser and Intense Pulsed Light For permanent hair reduction, we use high-powered laser or advanced intense pulsed light systems. Both systems offer fast and effective ways of reducing hair growth permanently. Our experienced practitioners are trained to use optimum parameters for a variety of hair and skin types to ensure maximum safety and efficacy. IPL is particularly versatile system. It can be used for photo rejuvenation and pigmentation treatments as well as permanent hair reduction. Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs) Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been used in conjunction with healing lasers for many years. However, LEDs have recently come into their own as a lower-cost alternative to pulsed light and healing laser for photo rejuvenation and acne treatments. How Laser/IPL Work Laser and IPL work on a process known as selective photo thermolysis - heating specific targets through the absorption of light. Permanent hair reduction is achieved by using laser light or pulsed light of a specific wavelength that is absorbed by melanin, which gives hair its colour. This conduction process transfers heat in the hair to adjacent cells, including those of the papilla and hair bulb. Killing these cells prevents the follicle from producing further hair. Optimum results are achieved when the hair colour is significantly darker than the skin. Advantages of Laser & IPL Unlike electrolysis, which treats one hair at a time, laser and IPL can treat a much larger area - like a back or legs - in 10-15 minutes. Hair growth can be reduced 50-80% with six to eight treatments. Laser/IPL is less painful than electrolysis and waxing. Who is Suitable for Laser/IPL Treatment? Both technologies can treat a wide range of hair colours and skin tones. Your suitability for treatment will be determined by a number of factors, such as skin type and whether your skin is tanned. White or grey hairs cannot be treated. The practitioner will assess your suitability at the initial consultation. For safety reasons, clients are required to follow some pre- and post-treatment requirements. Does Laser/IPL Treatment Hurt? Most clients liken the feeling of the treatment to being flicked with an elastic band. For those who may find this feeling uncomfortable or disconcerting, a topical anaesthetic can be applied to numb the treatment area. In most cases, this is not necessary. Pre-treatment Requirements You will need to keep out of the sun and stop using self-tanning lotions or solariums for at least one month before a treatment. Some medications can produce a photosensitive reaction to pulsed light/laser treatments. People taking such medications should not undergo pulsed light/laser treatment. Post-treatment Care For some treatments a healing gel may be applied to desensitise the skin after treatment. The sun, heated environments and harsh skincare products should be avoided for four to six weeks post-treatment. |