/150.png)
IPL Hair Removal and Skin Treatments
1. How does IPL permanent hair reduction work?
The newest generation of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems, produces a precise beam of light energy, which safely transmits through the skin, selectively targeting pigment in hair the follicles. When this light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicle of the hair, it converts to heat, which in turn causes thermal damage to the follicle and permanently destroys the hair. The heat also disables the cells responsible for new hair growth.
2. What are the benefits of IPL?
Patient Comfort / Patient Acceptance - Waxing, electrolysis, and even shaving can be cumbersome treatments, which lead to discomfort and skin irritation. Electrolysis and waxing in particular can be quite painful and patient acceptance for repeat procedures can be Limited by this experience. IPL treatments are significantly more comfortable with no skin irritation. The IPL supports active cooling in the hand- pieces, which keeps the surface of the skin comfortable throughout the procedures.
PERMANENT Hair Reduction - Based on the absorption of specific wavelengths of light energy which are transformed into heat below the surface of the skin, Intense Pulsed Light compromises the body's ability to re-grow hair in the treated area. Permanent and long-lasting results!
Fast and Convenient Treatments - The large surface area covered by the specialized IPL hand-pieces enables fast and effective treatments. With no post-treatment discomfort, it's easy to receive treatments at lunch and then return to the office that afternoon. A full set of legs could be treated in less than 1 hour, and treatments are effective without the requirement to have hair grow out before the treatment, meaning you can shave right up until your IPL session.
3) What are the actual treatments like?
In a simple phrase: ·FAST AND EASY'. Preparation for the IPL treatment is minimal, as body hair does not have to be grown out prior to the treatment. The hand-piece utilized for the treatment covers larger body areas than alternative methods. Thus, minimizing the time of the treatment, and the active cooling integrated within the hand-piece provides for additional comfort.
The sensation is often referred to as a gentle 'snap' with minimal to no sensation subsequent to the treatment. In some cases, dependent on the procedure, skin type, and the treatment area, clients experience some mild redness and tenderness in the area, which does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day.
4) What is the difference between Laser Hair Removal and IPL?
Fundamentally they have a similar mechanism of action (photo-thermal), however two significant benefits of IPL are: more speed and less sensation. Larger hand-pieces means IPL technology can perform procedures up to ten times faster than traditional lasers and with active cooling in the hand-pieces, the sensation of IPL is far less intense.
5) Who is a candidate for treatment?
Men, women and children … basically anyone can be treated with an IPL. Treatments are customized according to your skin type, hair colour and treatment area. Treatments are effective on all skin types and hair colour. Any body part including underarms, legs, back, face, neck, bikini … etc. can be treated. Special protection is required when working closely around the eyes.
Intense pulse Light Hair removal/ Rejuvenation/Pigmentation Machine
6) How many treatments will I require?
Hair grows in three cycles called Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. IPL and laser technology most effectively interacts with hair in the Anagen (or active growth) phase when the hair is highest in pigment. Hence multiple treatments are required to accomplish permanent hair reduction. On average approximately 20% reduction will be noticed in the initial treatment and as much as 95 % reduction can be realized in four to eight treatments. Remember after the treatments the reduction will be permanent!
7) What happens immediately after a treatment
IPL works in a minimally invasive manner to thermally destroy the hair. This is what makes the procedure so fast and comfortable. Two or three days after the treatment, stubble may reappear. This is NOT new hair growth, but simply the body shedding the thermally damaged hair; including the bulb. When this hair is completely shed, it's time for your next treatment (typically four to six weeks). As IPL penetrates through the skin right to the bulb of the hair, it's still OK to shave between treatments if you like, but DON'T tweeze or wax, as that will remove the target.
8) Are there any factors that might affect treatment?
Certain factors may make your body more sensitive to light, which don't exclude clients from treatments but must be disclosed during the consultation. Certain medications such as muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, anti-cancer drugs, acne medications and topical creams containing Retin-A, will have an effect on treatment parameters. Test patches prior to treatment ensure safe and effective results for any client situation.
9) Are there any side effects of treatment or special ~ treatment instructions?
For best results, active tanning and use of artificial tanning products should be discontinued prior to and during treatments. After treatment, use Sunblock (SPF35+) on the treatment area. You can shave during treatments, but do not wax or tweeze the hair, as this will remove the target (the bulb). (2 weeks before treatment – NO waxing)
Subsequent to treatments you may experience some redness and/or warmth at the treatment site, which is normal and can be cooled with cold wet compresses if desired. It is recommended to avoid vigorous exercise, perfumed deodorants, heavily chlorinated pools and /or hot whirlpool baths, saunas, etc. for 12 - 24 hours subsequent to treatments.
(Post- may still be irritated on 3 days. If still on 4th day anti-inflammatory – burn shield)
10) Can I remove hair between treatments?
This is an excellent question and the answer is the same as it is for electrolysis. You definitely cannot tweeze or wax. If you tweeze or wax between treatments, you physically remove the target hence reduce the Intense Pulsed Light's ability to destroy it (you can't destroy what isn't there).
(Shave 2 days before) You can however shave between treatments as the objective is to interact with the matrix or bulb and shaft of the hair, which is untouched by shaving. Ideally large body areas should be shaved prior to coming to the clinic for an IPL treatment to cut down on the time of treatment, as surface hair must be removed prior to the treatment.
11) Why is my hair still growing?
This is a common comment for new users of intense pulsed light systems. Subsequent to administering a pulsed light treatment, the body requires time to shed the hair which had been thermally destroyed. It may take eight to ten days on some people and perhaps two to three weeks on others to fully shed the thermally damaged hair. Even though it appears as though hair continues to grow, it is actually the body shedding the hair entirely, and over time the treated hair will grow out of the skin. This should not be mistaken for continued hair growth.
12) How should the treatment area look immediately after treatment?
Acceptable treatment responses include:
Darkening of pigmented lesions may occur within a few minutes and/or up to a few hours subsequent to treatments. Clinically effective treatments will cause pigmented lesions to darken prior to drying out and sloughing off which may take several days to two weeks.
Immediate disappearance of small facial Telangiectasia - small vessels commonly referred to as 'spider veins' typically found on the side of the nose or upper cheek area may disappear immediately subsequent to the treatment. This will depend largely on the size (diameter) and depth of the vessel.
13) What special instructions are there for prior to and after treatments?
Prior to treatment:
Remove all make-up and creams from the treatment site.
Ideally pre-shave the treatment area for hair removal.
Discontinue sun bed use and 'fake tanning' products at least four (4) weeks prior to treatment.
Avoid sun tanning four weeks prior to / and between treatments and allow your tan to fade so that skin pigment is 'normal' prior to the first treatment.
Do not wax or tweeze treatment site prior to hair removal treatment (shaving OK)
After Treatment(s):
Limit your sun exposure as much as possible subsequent to treatment.
Use a high SPF factor sunscreen when exposed to the sun between / and after treatments. Cool any areas which remain warm after treatment with cooling aloe vera gels, cold compresses or frozen gel packs.
Discontinue sun bed use and 'fake tanning' products.
Do not wax or tweeze treatment site between hair removal treatments.
Avoid extremely hot baths, whirlpools, saunas, or heavily chlorinated swimming pools for 12 - 24 hours subsequent to treatments.
Avoid strong deodorants subsequent to hair reduction treatment of the underarms. Avoid vigorous exercise for 12 - 24 hours subsequent to treatments.
14) What are the common contra-indications associated with pulsed
light treatments? ... Who should not be treated? Who should be treated with caution?
Diabetics - Type I and Type II. Diabetics in general have a compromised immune system therefore are at greater risk of delayed healing and infection in the case of an adverse effect hence are not the ideal candidates for treatment however Type I diabetics are routinely treated with pulsed light in a safe and effective manner.
Pregnancy - Those who are pregnant are not completely contra-indicated, but must be advised they are not the ideal candidates for treatment because of the hormonal and pigmentary changes that can occur during pregnancy.
Menopause - Women in this phase of life will potentially have a lower resistance, hence greater reaction to light-based therapy. Menopause as a condition should be disclosed in the client consult so that the appropriate adjustments can be made to the treatment parameters and post-treatment instructions.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - In many cases these therapies promote hair growth so they are not the ideal candidates as results are less predictable.
Hirsutism - A condition characterized by unnatural hair growth; these individuals are not the ideal candidates for permanent hair reduction. When treating these individuals, you must set realistic expectations of treatment. Hair 'management' is the best way to describe the procedures in these cases.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) - An underlying condition which can affect hair growth. Not the ideal candidate. When treating these individuals, you must set realistic expectations of treatment. Hair 'management' is the best way to describe the procedures in these cases.
Chemotherapy - Patients undergoing chemotherapy will necessarily have a weakened immune system which implies they are not ideal candidates for intense pulsed light treatments unless adequate time has passed since their last chemotherapy treatment.
Photo-sensitive Drugs - Certain photo-sensitive drugs may heighten the response of intense pulsed light treatments including redness, inflammation and hyper-pigmentation. These may include retin-A, acne medications, anti-cancer medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, sedatives, antihistamines, antimicrobials, hypoglycaemic and non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs. It's important to disclose and fully document any medication being taken prior to receiving the pulsed light test patch and subsequent treatment.
Suntanned Skin - Do not treat sun-tanned skin as the increased level of melanin in the skin can cause unpredictable results including long term pigmentation changes.
15) How long should I stay out of the sun prior to and after IPL treatments?
It is recommended for you to be out of the sun 3 weeks prior to treatment or for the appropriate timeframe for their skin to return to their natural colour. It is also recommended that you do not tan or use tanning products in the timeframe between a prescribed series of pulsed light treatments as overactive melanin could cause a pigmentation effect
16) Can pulsed light be used to treat stretch marks?
Yes. Stretch marks can be treated with intense pulsed light. The protocol would be similar to that used to perform a photo-rejuvenation procedure considering the skin type of the patient. As a general rule, lower body areas (i.e. - the abdomen) typically require less energy to accomplish similar treatment objectives as higher body areas (i.e. - the face).
17) Can you treat the spider veins on my leg?
Yes. These treatments are very effective. As opposed to the side of the nose or upper cheek where vessels may disappear instantly or within a few days, the deeper, thicker vessels (spider veins) often found on the lower legs will take longer (up to ten weeks in some cases) to resolve and typically darken and constrict subsequent to treatment. The pulsed light systems are NOT designed to treat large leg veins and typically will NOT resolve veins effectively which are greater that 2mm in diameter at greater than 2mm depths.
18) How long should I wait after chemotherapy before I can have pulsed light treatments?
It is recommended to wait at least 6 months subsequent to chemotherapy prior to any pulsed light treatments. Chemotherapy thins the skin and the immune system can be compromised, hence over-treatment from pulsed light would be more likely and potentially the healing would be delayed.
19) Can you treat my skin with psoriasis, eczema?
Yes. As a matter of fact, pulsed light treatments given the appropriate settings can enhance the healing process of these two skin conditions.
20) How long should I be off of photo-sensitive drugs (like retin-A, St. John’s Wort tetracycline, miticide etc.) prior to pulsed light treatments?
Ideally it is recommended that you stop taking photo-sensitive drugs four weeks prior to receiving any pulsed light treatment, but dependent on the degree of photosensitivity, in some cases this period of time can be less.
21. Can I combine photo-rejuvenation with chemical peel/microdermabrasion, and if so, at what intervals?
Yes. Pulse light treatments are a natural complement to the microdermabrasion and peeling process. In the case of combining these 2 treatments, microdermabrasion/peels should be done two weeks prior to the pulse light treatment and not at the same time. The pulsed light treatment can then be repeated at the recommended interval dependent on your skin type. You should remain out of the sun for a minimum of six weeks prior to combine these two treatments.
22. Can you treat my warts?
Yes. The objective I treating warts with pulse light is to cut off the blood supply to the wart and to treat the perimeter of the wart where the virus resides. It will require multiple treatments. Four to six over approximately two months.
23. Can IPL help clear my active acne and acne scarring?
Yes, the selective band wavelengths emitted from the IPL, target pigment to destroy the acne bacteria, without the requirement of any topical chemical agents. The light also stimulates collagen production to help resolve the acne scarring.
24. Can you treat my raised mole that contains hair?
No, It is not recommended to treat raised moles that contain hair, as the hair will be removed and the mole will change colour and cannot be identified.
25. Can you treat hair where there is a tattoo?
No, because the treatment may remove some colour of the tattoo.
26. Can you perform IPL treatments when I take fertility pills?
Some fertility pills contain anti-depressants which will make the client more sensitive as with menstruating.
Settings must be put a lot lower.
Slimming with Ultrasound Cavitation and Radio Frequency:
Ultrasound Cavitation is widely recognized as one of the most effective cellulite reduction and local fat loss technologies available today. Our low frequency Cavitation is applied with our advanced treatment protocols and is the strongest and best cavitation treatment available today.
The Cavitation technology is not a miracle treatment, but if you suffer from cellulite or you want a non-surgical solution for local fat deposit reduction, it is one of the best single technologies you can possibly use to fight those skin problems. There is currently no better than Cavitation technology!
Furthermore, all our high-power Cavitation treatments are simultaneously combined with high-power radiofrequency and Negative Pressure Massage for maximum results. This unique treatment combination ensures that our clients receive the most powerful and comprehensive cellulite treatment available.
What is Cavitation?
Ultrasonic Cavitation works by breaking down deep stubborn local fat tissues which are subsequently disposed of through the lymphatic and urinary systems.
It is also effective in reducing cellulite, a condition which affects most women over 20, whether slim or overweight. When applied in conjunction with Radio Frequency (RF) and Negative Pressure Massage.
Who is not suitable for cavitation?
Cavitation RF is contraindicated for the following patients:
Pregnant
Epilepsy
Thyroid Gland Dysfunction
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Cardiac Arrhythmias or Heart Disease
Pacemakers
Recent or current history of cancer, or actively undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment
Liver/Kidney Disease
Photosensitivity to 650-660nm of light
Immuno-suppress
Benefits of Ultrasonic Fat Cavitation:
· Volume reduction of tissues (fat blasting)· Body shaping and contouring
· Skin tightening and toning
· Cellulite reduction
Before & Aftercare Advice
To ensure the best results with this treatment we suggest that you follow the aftercare recommendations:
· Drink at least 2 litters of water before your treatment and another 2 litters in the day after your treatment (soft drink, soda, juice or tea is not water).
· You should not eat 2 hours before and 1 hour after treatment.
· Do not drink ANY alcohol or caffeine in the day of treatment of 48hrs after.
· Use dry skin brushing daily to stimulate lymph movement (your therapist will show you how to do this).
· Do not have a hot shower (warm is alright), spa or sauna straight after treatment.
· Diet: Follow a High protein, low fat, No starch, no sugar diet for best results
·Exercise for at least 20 minutes after your treatment to stimulate lymph movement. Such as walking or swimming
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Is Ultrasonic Fat Cavitation a safe procedure?
Yes, it is a safe, comfortable, and non-invasive procedure with virtually no side effects. It does not require anaesthesia, leaves no scars and does not require any post treatment. The ultrasound energy is designed to target fatty tissues beneath the skin only, and does not affect the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues.
Is the procedure painful?
No, the treatment is painless. A slight tingling sensation or buzzing in the ear may sometimes be felt during the treatment. Some heat sensation may also be felt during treatment but no pain. Any slight reddening of the skin which may sometimes develop during or soon after treatment quickly disappears.
On which parts of the body is the treatment most beneficial?
Thighs (saddle bags), Abdomen (love handles), Hips (flanks), Buttock, Upper arm i.e., the areas of localized fat. However, it cannot be applied to the head, neck, chest, back and over bony areas.
How long is a treatment session?
Treatment times may vary depending on the area being treated but a typical session will last up to one hour. This includes the preparation, treatment and post treatment procedures.
Does it work on Cellulite?
Yes, low frequency ultrasound (40kHz) generally works well on cellulite by focusing the 'cavitation effect' on the superficial fat tissue. Best results are obtained when the ultrasound is applied in conjunction with the radio frequency' (RF) treatment which helps to tighten and tone the skin. Cellulite is the appearance of dimpled skin.
Where are fat cells stored?
Fat is stored primarily as triglycerides inside adipocytes cells located between the muscles and skin. The numbers of fat cells are the same regardless of a person's weight but the size of the cells can vary greatly.
What instant result can I expect?
The ultrasonic cavitation treatment will often yield immediate results which you can feel, touch and see and it can be long lasting. Some clients can experience between 1 to 5 cm. of circumference reduction after a single session with increasing results after subsequent visits. However, more significant results will be noticed after the second and third treatment.
What long term results can I expect with ultrasonic cavitation?
You can achieve 'volume reduction' of fatty tissues and 'toning of the body'. The results are gradual over a number of weeks as your body clears the broken-down fatty tissues. It is not uncommon to achieve up to 10 cm reduction by the end of the course of treatments. The results can be long lasting provided you follow a healthy diet and exercise program. However, it is very easy to deposit fat again into the tissues if one over-eats, consumes too much alcohol or doesn't exercise. Ultimately the result may vary depending on the individual's different tissue structure, treatment area, age, metabolism, medication, and changes in hormones.
Can I lose weight with Ultrasonic Cavitation?
Fat Cavitation is not a treatment for obesity nor is it a weight loss procedure. Rather is a method for 'reshaping' and 'toning the body. It is particularly intended to reduce localized fat tissues which are resistant to exercise around the abdomen (love handles), buttocks, and thighs (saddle bags), that won't easily go away by simple dieting and exercise.
Are there any side effects with this treatment?
There are virtually no side effects. However, on rare occasions there may be a slight possibility of mild side effects such as transient redness, excessive thirst, or nausea immediately after the treatment which is invariably resolved by drinking water. These are all short-term effects that disappear in a few hours.
