Body hair: tolerated by some, hated and dreaded by others. It's a fact of life that men and women worldwide have to deal with on a daily basis. Hair removal can be lengthy, tedious and tiresome process for many trying to achieve the groomed or hair free body associated with perfection. There are many options available for tackling body hair, shaving, threading, waxing, epilation, electrolysis, depilatories, the list is virtually endless. All methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and with so many options available it's often hard to choose the best method for you.
IPL hair removal is emerging as a popular, easy hair removal method and viable alternative to conventional methods of removing body hair.
Determining Suitable Candidates for Hair Removal
Before deciding to undergo IPL hair removal treatment, you must determine whether you are a suitable candidate for your chosen laser hair removal treatment. It is important to choose a treatment that would give the best possible hair removal results for your own skin and hair type/colour; choosing a laser procedure which is not suitable could result in unsatisfactory and disappointing results; while choosing a suitable option generally gives you the desired results. Skin colour, hair type and hair colour need to be considered when trying to choose a treatment.
The Intense Pulse Light (IPL) laser hair removal system is a non-coherent laser. This is not strictly a laser, but an equivalent. The process uses the same principles as photothermolysis. The burst of light created by the IPL machine acts on the hair follicle in the same way as a laser would. The IPL system is more flexible than laser hair removal, as there is no set laser wavelength. The wavelength can be set to suit you, along with the energy level and the time you are exposed to the laser. These are chosen to damage the hair follicles while aiming to cause as little damage as possible to the tissues surrounding the follicles. Because the treatment parameters are set to suit you, results can vary from person to person. The system has been designed to cover large areas of skin in a short period of time. Some people feel mild pain and discomfort while having this type of laser hair removal treatment. The treatment can work well on most skin and hair types, but can be less effective if you have blond, red or white hair. The best results are seen on those with light skin and dark hair.
What are the Advantages of IPL Laser Hair Removal?
The treatment parameters are set to suit your individual needs, giving you personalised treatment.
This system can cover large areas of skin, quickly
There is a smaller risk of damaging surrounding tissues with IPL than with laser treatments.
What are the Disadvantages of IPL Laser Hair Removal?
The IPL system cannot be used on sun exposed skin
IPL is not effective on all hair and skin types and is therefore not a versatile as the ND Yag Lasers.
This system can cause damages to pigment producing cells (melanocytes), which can leave you with patches of darker or lighter skin
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
It is a good idea to follow any pre-treatment advice your practitioner gives you to prepare your skin for laser hair removal treatment. There is a general preparation time scale of around 4 weeks before your first appointment. Your practitioner will tell you what to do and what not do to best prepare you for treatment.
Laser Hair Removal Pre-Treatment Guidelines
It is recommended that you avoid sunbathing or sun beds for at least 4 weeks before the start of treatment. Sunscreen should also be worn daily. Sunscreens should be used on dark or tanned skin to help get the best results from the treatment.
The lighter your skin is during treatment, the more likely you are to get better, longer term hair free results.
Any waxing, plucking and electrolysis before laser hair removal is to be avoided. These processes can remove hair follicles and interfere with the hair root, and this will not help laser hair removal work effectively.
You may want to think about whether you would like to keep a photographic record of the results from your treatments. This could mean taking before and after photos of your skin for each treatment you have. Some practices might do to this for you so it's worth asking in advance.
Most people do not find laser hair removal painful and only experience very slight discomfort. One Week before Laser Hair Removal Normally you can continue with your daily life and routine straight after having laser hair removal treatment. If you want to be on the safe side or are concerned about being self-conscious of any visible redness/swelling, you may want to take some time off work or re-schedule events.
The Day before Laser Hair Removal You are allowed to shave or trim hair up until the day you start treatment. In fact, you will be told by your practitioner to remove the body hair on treatment areas by shaving the day before starting treatment. These processes remove hair while keeping the hair follicle intact, which will be beneficial in laser hair removal. On the Day of Laser Hair Removal On the day you begin your treatment, you should not wear any deodorants, perfumes or creams. There are specific preparatory procedures which will happen on the day your treatment begins. These include:
Any creams and products (like makeup, medical creams or body lotions) are removed to prepare the skin for treatment.
Number of Laser Hair Removal Treatments Required
The number of laser hair removal treatment sessions you will need is dependant upon several things. Your skin type, hair thickness and colour, the size of the area you have chosen to have treated, and how deep the hair follicles are in the skin, all determine how many sessions you may need to try and get good levels of hair loss.
Between 4 and 6 treatments are usually needed initially to achieve good hair reduction if you have been deemed a good candidate for a laser procedure. However, in most cases, 6-12 session are required for optimum results. This is only a general figure and every case is treated individually so these numbers may vary. Your practitioner will decide how many initial treatments you will need. Multiple initial treatments are needed to make sure that the body hair is targeted in all active phases of the hairs growth cycle. This aims to target as much hair as possible so as to achieve the best possible results.
Period between Laser Hair Removal Sessions
There needs to be a period of time between laser hair removal treatments during a course. The length of time left between treatments varies between practitioners. Treatments are normally spaced around 4 to 10 weeks apart, with the minimum being around a month between treatments. The reason for the gaps between treatments is to allow time for hair follicles which are in the dormant stage of the hair growth cycle to become active. This helps to target more active hair follicles and helps to give the best possible results. After the initial course of treatment you should see a good level of hair loss. Generally, around 70% to 90% hair loss is seen.
Repeat Laser Hair Removal Sessions
Repeat laser hair removal treatment sessions will likely be needed in future to remove any hair which has grown back after treatment. Hair which is not in the anagen stage of the hair growth cycle at the time of treatment will more than likely grow back. More laser hair removal treatments will target these hairs while they are in the anagen stage and will hopefully prevent these from growing back in future. These repeat treatments are likely to be needed at least a year after the initial course of treatments is complete. The more sessions that you have, the increased chances of getting long-term hair free results. Your practitioner should be happy to discuss any repeat treatments should the need to have them arise in your case.
Consultation for Laser Hair Removal
It is important and a basic legal requirement, to have a proper consultation before laser hair removal treatment. The consultation should cover the following areas:
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Full and detailed medical history (including medications which could possibly contraindicate the treatment) and an examination of the area you want to have treated
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Discussion of your reasons for wanting treatment
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Discussion of your expectations of the outcome
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Discussion of the laser hair removal treatment options and other options open to you
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An introduction to the laser treatment and treatment course
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Discussion of skin typing and a test patch treatment
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Pre-treatment care
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Post treatment care
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Obtaining your informed consent if you decide to go ahead with the treatment
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Before you have your laser hair removal treatment you will have already had a consultation in order to:
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Determine exactly where the hairs are to be eliminated from
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Meet the clinician who will perform your treatment
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Educate yourself on the risks and the preparation and recovery of having laser hair removal
This consultation session is very important for a successful treatment, and ought not to be missed out. There are certain things that you can do to ensure your laser hair removal works as best it can, and these will be outlined to you through your consultation meeting. As a general rule you ought to:
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Stop waxing, plucking or epilate three weeks before you have your treatment
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Not use perfume or perfumed soaps on your skin on the day of your laser hair removal
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Shave the area that is going to be treated before your treatment
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Not get sunburnt. If you are then it will not be possible to perform your treatment.
There may be certain things that your clinic would prefer you to do, and if this is the case then you will be informed before the day of your treatment. It is important that you follow any advice given to you, as it can affect the result of your laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal Process
How laser hair removal works and what you ought to expect will be previously discussed with you. Basically what will happen is that:
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Your skin will be cleaned using an alcoholic wipe to ensure that it is free from any creams, lotions, deodorants or perfumes. To help with this is it best to try not to put any on that day. Using the alcohol also helps to prevent any infection from setting in, as it ensures that the area is clean and free from any potentially problematic dirt particles.
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You will be presented with a pair of protective goggles. These prevent any of the damaging light from the lasers from affecting your eyes, as if they do they can cause problems which may lead to affected vision. It is imperative that you wear these goggles.
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Sometimes you will be offered an anaesthetic cream so that the treatment doesn't hurt, however this is often not used as there isn't any real pain involved. You can imagine the sensation as being flicked with an elastic band. Generally it is up to you whether you wish to use the cream, and if you are concerned about any pain then it might be best so that you are confident about the treatment.
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The practitioner will examine your skin and adjust the machine so that the right frequency is used for your treatment.
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The treatment will start, the pricking sensation will start and the pulsed light laser will start to affect the hairs within the area specified. The length of this will depend on the area being treated, and while it continues there will be a sort of burning smell as the hairs are affected.
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After the whole area has been treated you will have the area gently rubbed with a dry towel. It will be red and possibly slightly inflamed immediately after the procedure, however this ought to dissipate in a day.
The pulsed light lasers affect the melanin in the hair follicle so that the rest of the skin ought not to be affected. Lasers and the lights emitted can, in this way, seriously prevents the growth of hairs within the area treated. Unfortunately this doesn't affect every hair follicle with the area being treated, as at any one time around 20% of your hair will be in a resting period, and won't be touched by the pulsed light laser. Laser hair removal is a long-term solution to your hair problems, and can be completely permanent after more than 6 sessions.
Patch Tests for Laser Hair Removal
After discussing laser hair removal treatment and obtaining your consent for the procedure, the next stage of the process is for your practitioner to carry out a patch test on a small area of skin. Patch tests are an essential part of the pre-treatment process. The point of the patch test is to determine the level of laser energy that will be needed to give you the best possible results. This patch test will also give you an idea of what having laser hair removal treatment will be like and how it will feel. It will also show you and your practitioner any adverse effects or highlight any problems with the treatment. It is much better for such problems to come to light at this stage than after a full treatment; as the effects will only be seen on a small area and your course of treatment can be adapted before it begins. A laser hair removal patch test will help to minimise the risk of side effects and increase your chances of getting effective results.
When to Carry Out the Patch Test
There is variation on when a patch test is carried out. It is usually carried out around 3 or 4 days before starting treatment. Some clinics prefer to leave a longer gap, to ensure that there are no slowly progressing side effects. Completing the patch test well before treatment, will allow plenty of time for just about all possible side effects that could appear, to do so. The patch test can also be used to try and estimate the results you will get from your course of laser hair treatments.
Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The many laser hair removal treatments available have been designed to be a way to remove problematic body hair on both men and women for several years. For legal reasons laser hair removal treatments cannot be described as giving permanent hair free results for life; some hair re-growth can occur after treatment; but laser hair removal is generally considered to be a long term solution for removing body hair when compared to other hair removal methods.
The results vary between individuals and it how long the hair free results last for depend upon how well you have responded to the laser hair removal procedure. Permanent reductions in hair growth are seen in the majority of people who have laser hair removal treatment. The more treatments you have, the greater the chances of you achieving longer hair free periods. Treated follicles may re-grow hair though, and repeat sessions will likely be needed in the future to maintain hair free results. It is important though to ensure that you have all the sessions of laser hair treatment stated by practitioners to help make sure that you achieve the best hair removal possible; the likelihood of getting long term hair free results without completing the stated number of sessions is small.
Causes of Hair Re-growth After Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Changes in your body such as pregnancy or menopause can cause hair follicles which have been rendered dormant by laser hair removal to reactivate and grow new hair. This is due to the changes in hormone levels which take place during these events. Also people with other hormone imbalances can see hair re-growth. Excessive levels of testosterone and other androgens in women can cause embarrassing hair to grow on areas such as the face, and laser hair removal treatment can help reduce this growth. If the hormone is still present at high levels though, hair growth can continue.
The stage the body hair is at in its growth cycle when undergoing laser treatment can affect whether it grows back or not. Hair follicles which are in the dormant phase of hair production before treatment can reactivate after treatment. Repeat sessions of treatment will be needed in cases like these, to remove the hair which has grown and give long lasting hair free results again.
Side Effects & Risks with Laser Hair Removal
Normal Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
It is normal for you to experience some minor side effects after treatment. These can include:
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Swelling around the mouth of treated follicles for around three days
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Pain, tingling or numbness
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Itching on the treated area
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Redness on the treated area for around three days after treatment
Redness on the treated area is very common and is experienced by most people who have laser hair removal treatment. Laser exposure can create a wound in the dermis of the skin and causes the layers above this to become red. This side effect can be reduced by cooling the area after treatment.
Temporary Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
Temporary side effects can be appear and then disappear after a short period of time. The usual timescale for such side effects ranges from days to weeks, months at the most. You may experience side effects like:
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Reddening of the area after treatment
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Swelling of the treated area
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Skin blistering on the treated area. This can be caused by using a higher laser frequency than that for your skin type. Modern cooling devices have reduced the risk of this happening.
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Hypo-pigmentation. This is mostly seen in those who have had multiple treatments and darker skin types. It is only temporary in most cases.
Serious Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
There are more serious side-effects which you can experience. These have a much greater implication than the normal and temporary side effects, and can cause severe problems if they are not treated correctly. Such side effects include:
Scarring
Scarring on the past this has been one of the worst side effects to get, as scars can be unsightly. The main cause of scarring is the laser itself. An infection after treatment can cause the formation of scar tissue too. Pulsed laser hair removal systems can minimise the risk of getting scars after treatment.
Hyper-pigmentation
Hyper-pigmentation is the darkening of the skin. This is caused by an increase in the production and deposition of pigment in the skin. You are more likely to develop this if you have tanned or dark skin. The effects are generally only temporary and can be treated with bleaching agents.
Burns
Burns on treated skin can be a serious side effect but are thankfully quite rare. These can be treated with appropriate wound dressing and aftercare.
Eye injuries due to the laser
Eye injuries can result because of the laser. Eye safety is imperative when having any kind of laser treatment. Eyewear suitable for the laser wavelength will prevent any eye injuries resulting from direct or indirect laser contact.
Infection of wounds
Infections of wounds only occur when the skin's epidermis is damaged. Bacteria, viruses and fungi can all cause infection. Antibiotic and antiviral creams should be used after treatment to minimise the risk of getting an infection.
Rare Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
You may also experience some rare side effects. These are very uncommon but must be taken into consideration. These include:
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Bruising on treated areas
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Infection
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Purpura
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Crusting
Purpura is bleeding into the skin and appears as a red/purple rash on the skin. It can be caused by damage to a blood vessel wall. It is usually only temporary, lasting around 3-5 days. If you notice this you should report it to your practitioner or doctor.
Crusting can occur after treatment with certain types of laser. This is usually caused by over treatment of an area. This can be treated with postoperative care and is recommended if an alexandrite or long-pulsed ruby laser has been used.
Discomfort & Pain with Laser Hair Removal
Discomfort caused by laser hair removal is very individual and varies from person to person. Most people who have laser hair removal treatment find the process less painful than other forms of hair removal such as electrolysis and many people feel no pain at all. You can experience some mild discomfort though. This is due to the fact that hair follicles are surrounded by nerve endings, which are stimulated by the laser and are responsible for you feeling pain.
Factors Affecting Pain with Laser Hair Removal
There are many different ways of describing what laser hair removal treatment feels like. One way to describe the sensation is to say that it is like an elastic band being snapped against the skin.
The size of the area you are having treated can also affect whether you feel any pain or discomfort. You tend to feel less discomfort if you are having a small area treated; this can be much more easily tolerated than if you were having treatment on larger areas.
Your skin and hair type can also affect the level of discomfort you may feel. If you have darker skin, you have more pigment in both the skin and the hair than those with light skin. Since the lasers are attracted to the pigment in the skin, you are more likely to feel discomfort. Those with darker and coarser hair can also suffer more discomfort.
The pain from laser hair removal usually disappears not long after your treatment session finishes. In general the pain should become more tolerable and should diminish with each treatment you undergo.
Most people find laser hair removal pain easy to tolerate, but there are options open to you if you think you will find the treatment too uncomfortable. You should speak to your practitioner to discuss pain relief and have a plan in place for your treatment.
Methods of Controlling Any Discomfort
There are many different pain relief methods which you can use to relieve any pain or discomfort felt with laser hair removal treatment. These include:
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Anaesthetic creams
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Painkillers
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Cooling during treatment
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Ice before treatment
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Cooling after treatment
Anaesthetic creams are commonly used to help deal with the discomfort of laser treatment. EMLA is an example of such a cream. The creams are normally applied around 30 minutes before the start of treatment to allow them to take effect before the process begins.
Oral painkillers can be taken shortly before the start of a laser hair removal treatment and will help to take the edge off of any feelings of pain or discomfort you may feel.
Ice can be used before the start of treatment to help pain relief. Using this just before you have laser hair removal treatment will numb the area and make any discomfort easier to handle.
Cooling devices and systems are used after or during your treatment. These will cool the skin, helping to minimise any discomfort.
Also, if you find that the pain during treatment is intolerable, your practitioner can lower the laser setting being used. This should make the pain more tolerable for you, but could affect the results that you get.
Contraidictaions for laser treatment
For most people laser hair removal treatment is generally safe and effective but contraindications also need to be considered when deciding upon laser hair removal treatment; some conditions may be made significantly worse and action may need to be taken prior to the start of treatment course.
Also to be on the safe side you should contact your GP to discuss if any of your medications or medical conditions will be worsened by or complicate laser hair removal treatment. You must tell your practitioner of any recent hair removal such as waxing. This is important because in order to achieve good hair removal results it is essential to have hair follicles. Any recent waxing and plucking of hair can remove the hair follicles and this will prevent you from getting good results from any laser hair removal treatments.
Hirsutism
Hirsutism (the medical term for excessive body hair) can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Such conditions are generally hormone related, e.g. polycystic ovarian syndrome. The first port of call if you have excessive body hair should be to your GP, to discuss the problem and rule out any underlying health problems, which could be causing the problem.
Medical Conditions which are Contraindicative Some medical conditions must be considered with caution.
Laser hair removal treatment can cause problems for those with active or chronic herpes simplex viral infections. Your practitioner must know before treatment if you suffer from such an infection. You can be given antiviral medication several days before starting treatment and this will normally continue for up to 1 week. Antiviral medication is particularly important if you suffer from viral lesions on the area you want to have treated.
Care should also be taken if you suffer from hypertrophic scarring or keliod formation. You practitioner should use their own judgement and advise you as you may have problems with skin healing if the skin is damaged during laser treatment.
Other conditions which should be approached with caution include psoriasis, bleeding disorders, vitiligo and severe histamine reactions.
Laser hair removal treatment should not be carried out on skin which is sunburnt, or had surgeries such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
Medication which is Contraindicative Certain types of medication can affect laser hair removal treatment and any healing periods afterwards.
If you are currently taking isotretinoin (or Accutane as it is commercially known), you should stop taking this 6 months before undergoing laser hair removal treatment. This drug can cause skin sensitivity and this is not beneficial in laser hair removal treatment.
Photosensitising drugs that are activated by ultraviolet A light wavelengths may also contraindicate some laser hair removal treatments. If you are taking such medication it is safer to use laser treatments, which work within the visible and infrared parts of the light spectrum.
There are a multitude of common drugs, which can also interfere with treatment. Steroids, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and analgesics like ibuprofen are just some such drugs.
Tattoos Laser hair removal treatments can alter the appearance of tattoos. If you have a tattoo on the area you want to have treated you should consider your decision carefully. The laser can cause changes in the pigments of the ink used in tattoos and this will change the way it looks. The pigments can be lightened or darkened by the laser. Not all pigments will react with the laser though; so changes may not occur, but there is a risk, so this is generally not advised.
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