IPL for hair removal

For years, people have been trying to remove hair using light. In the 70s and 80s, there were very crude devices known as flash lamps, which essentially removed hair by burning the hair as well as skin. These devices never caught on but now we have much fancier and sophisticated devices known as intense pulse light therapy (IPL).
IPL is not very different from a laser. The device emits a beam of light that passes through skin and enters the hair follicle. The heat generated then destroys the hair follicles.

What do the doctors say about IPL?

Vendors of this therapy say the treatment is gentle, long lasting and painless (for the consumer two facts two remember- never believe what a vendor or doctor says about cosmetic therapy, and secondly if the price of a therapy is not listed on the website- it means that the treatment is expensive and most likely does not work).

Where is IPL performed?

IPL is usually performed at a spa or a clinic. Prior to IPL treatment, the skin is covered with a topical anesthetic or a cold ice pack for about 20 minutes. The eyes are covered with special goggles and then the device is held close to skin and activated. As the device is rolled over skin, one can see light flashes being emitted. The light penetrates the skin and damages the hair follicle. Some of the hair is removed at the time of the procedure but the majority of hairs take about 2 weeks to fall off.

How long does treatment last?

Each IPL treatment session can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. This duration of time depends on how much hair you need removed and what your threshold for pain is.

How many sessions are required?

Well, in all of cosmetic surgery, nothing is ever accomplished in one session. Almost everyone requires many sessions.

Does IPL work in everyone?

NO, the treatment does not work in everyone. Those with fair skin and dark hair respond the best.