Permanent hair removal
Intense Pulsed Light technology offers a gentle, non-invasive, long lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, back, legs, bikini line or any other body area. Based on technology used for nearly a decade, IPL photoepilation has been performed safely for many years, effectively eliminating dozens of hairs with each pulse. More advanced even than lasers, IPL is the first photoepilation technology proven to treat unwanted hair safely on any skin type.
The Sandon Court Clinic practitioners all hold Ipl laser qualifications and have many years of experience.
Sandon Court Clinic uses Aria, a “state of the art” Intense Pulse Light (IPL) machine from the No 1 award winning laser company Alma. It offers safe and effective hair removal for most skin types and hair colours, and can be used to treat any area of the body in men and women, including the face.
How does hair grow?
Hair forms in pouch like structures below the skin called a hair follicle. What we see as hair is actually the hair shaft, which is hardened tissue that grows from this follicle. Humans have more follicles per square inch of skin than most primates. Because most of this hair is fine and pale (called vellus hair), it is not usually visible to the naked eye. The thicker, fully pigmented hair most people consider “real hair” is called terminal hair. This is the hair that IPL systems treat.
Everyone’s hair grows differently, depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, ethnicity, medication and other factors. On average, hair on the scalp grows about 1cm every month. In humans, hair growth and loss is random and at any given time, a random number of hairs will be in various stages of growth and shedding. There are 3 stages of hair growth – anagen, catagen and telogen:
- Anagen phase – this is the very active growth phase which can last several years. At any given time the majority (80%) of our body hair is in this phase. During anagen phase the hair has an abundance of melanin (pigment). Hair must be in this phase to be susceptible to IPL treatment.
- Catagen phase – this is a short transitional phase during which the hair stops growing but is not yet shed. It lasts 2-3 weeks and about 3-4% of our body hair is in this phase at any time.
- Telogen phase – this is the resting phase which lasts about 3 months, at the end of which the hair falls out and new hair begins to form. Approximately 10-15% of our hair is in this phase at any one time.
The length of time between growth cycles varies between individuals. IPL is most effective in removing hair that is in the active growth (anagen) phase. Because not all hair in the treatment area will be in anagen phase, repeated IPL treatments are usually necessary to remove the hair that subsequently enters the growth phase.
How does the Aria IPL work?
The Aria IPL emits high-energy pulses of light directed at the hair follicle (roots) where hair actually grows from. The Aria emits both red and yellow light. The red light is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) within the hair shaft, turning to heat as it reaches the shaft and destroying the follicle. The yellow light targets the blood supply to the growth cells in the hair follicle resulting in further inhibition of hair growth.
Because IPL uses a much broader spectrum of light than laser, it is suitable for a wider range of hair colours and skin types. Furthermore, IPL treats a much larger area of skin per light pulse than laser, which makes treatments potentially much faster and more cost effective than laser hair removal.
How many treatments are required?
Multiple treatment sessions are required as only hair follicles in the growth phase (anagen) respond to treatment. Commonly 6-8 treatments may be required. Facial area tends to be more stubborn and can require more treatments especially in more resistant areas. The interval between treatments is usually 4 weeks for facial hair and 6 weeks for body areas but this may vary. The number and frequency of treatments is dependent on the density and location of hair, as well as skin type, hair colour and other factors.
What does the treatment involve?
Treatment is performed by highly trained specialists and the premises registered with Care Quality Commission to provide the highest standards of care. At your initial consultation we will determine suitability for the treatment, perform a simple test patch and work out the optimum treatment plan for you to achieve the best results.
Eye protection is worn by both you and the IPL practitioner and the hand piece is simple moved across the area as pulses of light are delivered. Most people experience minimal discomfort, feeling a slight burning and tingling sensation. Cooling packs are applied immediately after for your comfort.
Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others and the skin may swell or redden slightly. Aloe vera gel will be supplied to soothe any discomfort after treatment.
Do I need to wear anything special?
For most treatments you do not need to wear any special clothing. However, if you are having hair removed from the bikini line or arm pit, it would be preferable to wear white underwear as coloured underwear can be affected by the IPL treatment as it absorbs the light.
Is there anything special I need to do following treatment?
Aloe vera gel should be applied regularly for the first few days following the treatment where necessary. Sun exposure or sun beds should be avoided for at least 4 weeks before and after treatment. A sun cream of at least SPF30 should be applied to exposed treated areas every day for at least 4 weeks after the treatment, regardless of weather.
Are there any side effects?
Some redness and swelling may occur following the treatment but this is usually short- lived, lasting 1-2 days. Either increase or loss of pigmentation can occasionally occur. Your IPL specialist will discuss this with you.
Before and After Images
