According to the National Laser Institute, there are approximately 1.1 million laser hair removal procedures in the United States every year. Although laser hair removal treatments are still relatively new compared to other cosmetic procedures, they grow in popularity by the day.
At Trouvaille Med Spa, we offer intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments to give you the permanent hair reduction you want.
How Does IPL for Laser Hair Removal Work?
IPL uses pulses of light to treat or stimulate skin conditions. When the treatment is used for hair removal, it directs light at the pigmentation in the hair, which causes heat. Targeted heat destroys the cells that cause hair to grow.
IPL uses light made up of many wavelengths, offering broad-spectrum heating that the hair follicles absorb and transform into heat. That heat travels down the length of the hair to the root, where the highest concentration of melanin is.
By heating the cells that make new hair, IPL damages or kills them. It prevents hair from regrowing, and it can also help prevent ingrown hairs.
This laser hair removal procedure differs from traditional laser hair removal treatments because, unlike lasers, it uses more than one type of wavelength. It also penetrates the second layer of skin, the dermis, without harming the top layer (epidermis).
IPL is a laser hair removal procedure that we can apply to most areas of the body, including:
- Neck
- Jaw
- Upper lip
- Lower face
- Arms
- Legs
- Back
- Bikini line
- Feet
- Hands
If you have an uneven surface at the treatment area, we may combine IPL with a more focused laser to target the area most effectively.
The best IPL treatment candidates are people with light skin and dark hair who are in good overall health.
If you have dark skin, keloid scars, or tanned skin, you may not be the best candidate for IPL. We will work with you to find an alternative treatment that can give you the results you want. If you have light hair, we can assess whether this option will be a good one for you when you come in for a consultation.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Procedures
There are many benefits that IPL offers. One of the benefits is that it saves you time. Instead of having to wax, shave, or perform other regular hair removal procedures, you can depend on an option that offers lasting results.
It’s also safe. IPL has FDA approval for hair removal, and it lets you skip the discomfort of waxing.
IPL laser hair removal is also more affordable in the long run than other types of hair removal options. The prices will vary depending on the treatment area, but because results last a long time, you will likely save money.
How to Prepare for IPL
We need to examine your skin and assess if you are a good candidate for the procedure, so the first step is to schedule an appointment with us. We’ll ask for your full medical history as well as a list of the medications and supplements you take.
At least two weeks before your appointment, avoid sun exposure. Tanned skin can make the treatment less effective, so you want to wear sun protection at all times.
You also want to moisturize the treatment area on a daily basis. Dry skin can form a barrier that impedes IPL therapy from working as it needs to. You also want to stop waxing three weeks before the appointment, and stop shaving the area a few days before as well.
Avoid products that contain retinol, since they can make your skin more sensitive, and don’t schedule chemical peels. Avoid abrasive skin care products on the days leading up to the permanent hair reduction procedure.
You also want to stop taking medications and supplements that thin your blood, like aspirin, vitamin E, and fish oil.
The IPL Procedure and the Recovery Process
On the day of the laser hair removal treatment, come to our med spa without makeup, lotions, or even sunscreen on the treatment area.
We will begin by cleaning the area and then rubbing a cooling gel onto your skin. We will also give you dark glasses to wear to protect your eyes. We will then start applying the light pulses from the device onto your skin. The entire procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Most people require three to six treatment sessions to get the results they want. This is because hair grows at different intervals and you may not be able to destroy the cells all at the same time.
After the procedure, stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds. Use gentle cleansers in the treatment area and keep the skin hydrated.
You can expect your results to last from six months to a year, which makes IPL one of the longest-lasting hair removal options. If you see that hair in the area is growing again, you can schedule a follow-up treatment at our med spa.
Get Rid of Unwanted Hair with IPL
Laser hair removal treatments like IPL offer the kind of results you can depend on without putting you through an invasive procedure or a long recovery process. By choosing this option, you can get rid of unwanted hair for up to a year.
At Trouvaille Med Spa in Bourbonnais, IL, we offer IPL as well as other laser hair removal options. Call us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
