Permanent Hair Reduction with IPL

For many men and women hair removal is a never ending, time consuming and laborious process, but it needn't be such a hardship. Ellipse IPL have created an Intense Pulse Light Therapy based treatment that drastically reduces unwanted hair.

How does hair grow?

Hair is made up of a shaft and a root. The shaft is the hair you see and the root is buried beneath the skin. The normal growth cycle of hair includes anagen (active hair growth), telogen (resting phase), and catagen (where the hair falls out). The length of the cycle varies but continues throughout an individual’s lifetime.

The treatment works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in the hair with the light from the system, and upon absorption the light is converted into heat. This intense heat action breaks down the hair follicle, reducing the opportunity for any re-growth and also changing the entire structure of the follicle itself; overtime altering the density and appearance of the hair until it becomes unnoticeable.

If the hair is in its growth stage (anagen) the follicle’s ability to grow hair will be destroyed.   It is estimated that at least 20% of hair will be in the anagen phase and prevented from regrowing by each treatment. Hair in the catagen phase will grow back finer and lighter while telogen hair will regrow as before.

• Anagen - early active growing phase.

• Catagen - changing involution phase.

• Telogen - resting and shedding phase.

Prior to treatment the area is shaved before a thin layer of protective gel (similar to that used in ultra sound) is applied to maximise absorption. Finally the Ellipse IPL is run over the area and a succession of light pulses is filtered into the hair follicle. The unique square head technology used in Ellipse treatments offer precision and accuracy that ensures that any risk of side effects is minimal. Any potentially harmful wave lengths are removed via the Unique Dual Filtering system, meaning that the light used is completely safe and visible.

On average 6 to 8 treatments are needed at 4 to 8 week intervals. The exact number of treatments depends on several factors including hair colour, skin colour, hair density, the site of hair growth and individual response

Laser treatment works best on dark hair because it contains more pigment to absorb the laser light. Fair hair can respond well, but white hair, grey hair, very blond hair are not treated since these hair colours contain no pigment.

The permanence of laser hair removal is often questioned. The results vary; for some people the end result is permanent hair removal. However, as with all depilation methods currently available, there are no guarantees. It is probably best to look upon it as a highly effective treatment for the long-term management of unwanted hair.

Most patients experience no more than a mild stinging sensation, though generally it has been compared to the sensation of a rubber band pinging on your skin

Redness, and some discomfort of the area (like sunburn) may be present for the first few days following treatment. Blistering may occur in a small minority of patients, and this settles without treatment in a few days. Rarely, the pigment in the skin may be affected resulting in the treated area appearing lighter or darker. This almost certainly settles in time. Clients are advised to limit exposure to the sun during treatment and for the following six months to avoid hyper pigmentation

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for over 30 years and there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the treatment can lead to skin disorders or an increased risk of skin cancer. Extensive clinical trials for laser depilation have resulted in a safe technique with a very minimal risk of scarring - certainly much less than with electrolysis. Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of the patient who must wear protective goggles. The lasers are regularly maintained. We are highly trained and regularly update our clinical knowledge and skills. 

Should anyone avoid this treatment?

The treatment should be avoided by anyone who is hypersensitive to light or has an outbreak of Herpes Simplex (cold sores). Vitiligo (natural loss of skin pigment). Epidermolysis Bullosea sufferers should also avoid lasers.

Patients with very dark skin are at greater risk of pigment changes and may be advised against treatment at the consultation. It is better to avoid the treatment during pregnancy and to advise the clinic staff if taking oral steroids. A medical history will be taken during the consultation and any questions should be raised at this time.

How to prepare for treatment

The laser targets the pigment in the hair and skin and thus it is important that you do not have a suntan - whether natural or artificial. If you have a tan you should wait at least 4 weeks after your last UV exposure until there is no activity in the pigment producing cells.

• If you are plucking, waxing or threading, you should stop 4 weeks prior to treatment and change to shaving or cutting the hair
• If you are using depilatory creams and/or bleach your hair, you should stop 4 weeks prior to treatment and change to shaving or cutting the hair
• The treatment area needs to be clean shaven
• You should avoid perfumes, deodorants or any potential irritants in the treatment area before and after treatment.
• You should avoid alcohol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen (Brufen, Nurofen etc) for 48 hours before treatment; this will reduce the risk of a skin reaction.

What to expect during treatment

When we treat the area first we will mark the area to be treated with a red pen to determine where we will be working.  Then we will shave the area prior to treatment.  We need the hairs to be as short as possible so that light reaches the hair underneath the skin and is not wasted on the surface of the skin.  This will make the treatment more effective and comfortable.  A gel will then be applied to the skin to help aid the treatment and to help protect the skin during the treatment procedure.

Next we will enter your details into the system and the Ellipse will give us an energy setting that is suitable for you.  We will then treat over your skin with an applicator and with each shot we will assess how you feel.  It is important that you feel some sensation during treatment however you must not feel too uncomfortable.

What to expect after the treatment

The hair follicles are killed by the heat but the hairs remain in the follicles. They will fall out after 1-3 weeks as the epidermis is renewed. During this period it will seem that the hairs are growing as they are pushed out by the epidermis. The area can be shaved or trimmed during this time if required.