Laser Hair Removal
IPL (Intense pulsed light) has been one of the the most common non-surgical cosmetic treatments performed in Australia and USA for many years.
Excess body hair is a common problem for men and women and prior to the advent of IPL and Laser, it was a very difficult problem to treat. Now, thanks to technology, IPL provides a very safe and effective method of permanently reducing unwanted hair.
What is the difference between Laser and IPL for hair reduction?
An IPL machine emits intense pulses of light of various colours (wavelengths) that are used to target various structures in the skin. Each colour of light targets a different structure e.g. the the dark pigment in a hair or unwanted skin pigment or the red colour in blood vessels/capillaries.
IPL machines emit a range of wavelengths and we apply filters to the light in order to target some colours and not others e.g. hair and not blood vessels. Laser on the other hand emits only one very specific colour or wavelength of light. Lasers therefore tend to be very specific in what they can treat and a different laser is often needed to treat different conditions or problems.
It is important to note that in the mainstream media, the term “laser hair removal” is often used interchangedly with “laser hair reduction”, “hair removal”, “IPL hair reduction”, IPL hair removal” and many other terms.
As a patient, the most important thing to note is that none of these methods offer 100% complete and total permanent hair removal.
Is Laser better than IPL for hair removal?
Not necessarily. Many newer, more technologically advanced top of the range IPL machines, such as the Cynosure Icon system that is used at Rewind Skin & Laser, can achieve faster, safer and more superior results than many hair removal lasers.
One of the most critical factors is the skill of the person doing the treatment. We would always advise patients not to make their decision based on price alone, as in general, cheaper prices mean a less-skilled operator using inferior equipment that will deliver suboptimal results.
What IPL machine is used at Rewind Skin & Laser?
At Rewind Skin & Laser we use and recommend the Cynosure Icon Aesthetic Platform, using the Max R handpiece for IPL hair reduction. We chose this medical-grade machine due to its track record and safety profile, and its proven excellence in achieving great results.
It features a patented Skintel melanin reader to accurately measure the amount of melanin in your skin. It also has patented photon recycling, meaning a lower power setting can be used to achieve the same result as other machines, resulting in less risk of side effects. It is one of the few IPL machines that is safe to use on all skin types.
Are all IPL machines the same?
No, as many IPL machines are not powerful enough to successfully treat hair follicles or skin conditions. The Cynosure Icon platform used in our clinic costs many times that of many other machines on the market.
We have invested heavily in our technology to bring only the best, USA-made technology to our patients in order to offer the best possible outcome under the safest conditions. The Icon system is far superior to the many cheap Korean and Chinese made machines that are found in many non-medical beauty salons.
How does IPL permanent hair reduction work?
The Icon IPL system is used for the treatment of unwanted hair. Prior to your treatment, the melanin in your skin is measured and the wavelength (colour) of the light and the energy levels are chosen.
During treatment, the hair follicles are selectively targetted without damaging the surrounding skin. The intense pulsed light is absorbed by the hair within the hair follicle, heating it which destroys the surrounding hair follicle and therefore preventing that hair growing again.
Am I a suitable candidate for IPL hair removal?
Most people can have IPL hair removal. You cannot have IPL if you are pregnant or if you have had acne treatment with Roaccutane in the last 6 months. If you are prone to hyperpigmentation or keloid scarring, we would have to advise you of increased risks and treatment may not be adviseable.
Does IPL hurt?
IPL feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin with a sensation of heat. No anaesthetic is needed and most patients tolerate it well. At Rewind Skin & Laser, we use a machine called a Zimmer to blow cold air on the treatment area, which improves your comfort level.
Does IPL achieve permanent hair removal?
IPL does achieve permanent hair removal, but no IPL or laser treatment will permanently remove 100% of hairs. It will also not prevent new hairs growing. Therefore, after your initial course of treatment, a periodic maintenance treatment may be needed every 1-2 years.
I have very fine hairs, will IPL work?
The Icon system can work on fine hairs, along with white and red hairs, but it will require many more treatments and results may not be as successful as for someone with dark hairs.
How many treatments will I need and how often?
Laser and IPL only affects hair follicles in their growing phase. As only a small percentage of hairs are in this growing phase at any one time, this is the reason that multiple treatments are needed to capture as many of the hairs in the growing phase as possible. Most areas will need 6-8 treatments for a good result of up to 80% hair reduction.
How often you will need treatments depends on the area treated; some areas such as the face have a higher rate of hair turnover and will require treatment every 3 weeks, compared to areas with a lower rate of hair turnover such as the legs, which require treatment every 4-6 weeks.
What do I need to do prior to IPL hair removal treatment?
Laser and IPL treat the growing hair follicles by targeting the hair within the follicle. If the hair is not in the follicle the treatment will not work; therefore hairs should not be plucked, waxed or have any treatment apart from shaving for 6 weeks prior to treatment. In between your treatment sessions, the hairs should only be shaved.
The area to be treated should be shaved on the day before or morning of treatment and should be free of any dermatitis, infection or other skin irritation. Tanning of the area either by direct sunlight or sunbeds should be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and we always recommend the use of at least a factor 30+SPF for everyday use.
Does IPL hurt?
IPL feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin with a sensation of heat. No anaesthetic is needed and most patients tolerate it well. At Rewind Skin & Laser, we use a machine called a Zimmer to blow cold air on the treatment area, which improves your comfort level.
What areas can be treated with IPL
Most body areas can be treated with IPL. Care needs to be taken on the face near the eyes and around tattoos and body piercings.