FAQ about Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment

<body> <h1>Laser Hair removal (IPL) - FAQ</h1><br><br> <h2>HOW DOES LASER AND INTENSE PULSE LIGHT DESTROY HAIR FOLLICLES?</h2><br> <br> <span class="faqa">Lasers were the first machines to be used for hair reduction.<br> <br> A laser emits is light at a specific wavelength. It is different to normal light. It travels in a synchronised fashion, is monochromatic (of the same wavelength/ colour) and can be pulsed.<br> <br> The principle of lasers is based on light absorption of certain target tissues and skin strictures that will absorb certain wavelengths more effectively and be heated. This process is called photo-thermolysis.<br> <br> In laser hair removal the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) which is mainly concentrated in the base of the hair follicle. The light energy is transformed to heat energy and the hair follicle is heated to a critical temperature at which point it is destroyed.<br> <br> Intense Pulse Light treatment is different to laser, in that it offers a wide spectrum of multiple wavelengths of light energy, and thus is able to target and heat destroy and stimulate a number of different skin structures at the same time. Thus, providing it has the required power output, the correct light filters (to filter off the unwanted range of wavelengths), very efficient surface skin cooling, and a wide "pulse-width", it is able to provide superior permanent hair follicle destruction and at the same time provide all the other versatile benefits to treat skin pigment, "Coll" Gel regeneration and blood vessels destruction.<br> <br> The amount of heating and destruction is determined by a number of factors: the power output of the machine, measured in watts; the pulse-width of the light impulse, and thus the length of time that the hair bulb is exposed to the heat energy; and the amount of melanin in the hair root.<br> <br> Our SIPL machines maximise these factors, which is the reason that they are so successful.<br> </span><br> <br> <h2>WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASER & IPL?</h2><br> <br> <span class="faqa">Lasers emit a light source of energy, at a specific wavelength, which is absorbed by and able to destroy specific substances on the surface and under the skin.<br> <br> There are many different types of lasers and each has its own unique and specific "wave-length" of light energy.<br> <br> Each type of laser is only able to target its preferred type of skin tissue. Thus we need different types of lasers to treat hair follicles, another type of laser machine to treat capillaries and blood vessels, yet another type to best target skin pigmentation and a different laser to improve skin "Coll" Gel.<br> <br> Generally, lasers don't have effective surface skin cooling and sometimes cause significant inflammation, burning, pain and "downtime" after treatment.<br> <br> Intense Pulse Light machines are different to lasers in that they emit a wide spectrum of all the wavelengths of light energy, from 500 to 1200 nm, giving them the versatility to treat a wide range of targets on and under the skin. IPL provides a single one-pass and more effective treatment for a diverse combination of permanent hair reduction and all the photo rejuvenation beauty enhancing treatments.<br> <br> Our amazing SIPL machine has the increased power, superior wide "pulse-width", a wide range of all the different wavelengths of light energy emission, and the super efficient skin cooling head, to further enhance the superior effectiveness of treatment.<br> <br> SIPL has the largest effective treatment head, making it much quicker and more comfortable.</span><br> <br> <br> <br> <h2>WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF USING OUR SIPL OVER OTHER TYPES OF HAIR REMOVAL?<br> </h2><br> <span class="faqa">Unlike the slow, precision 'hair-by-hair' treatments like electrolysis, SIPL treats thousands of hair follicles at once.<br> <br> Shaving only results in stronger and denser hair re-growth.<br> <br> Waxing is painful, repetitive and often causes ingrown hairs and inflammation.<br> <br> Chemical depilation is slow, repetitive, messy and not permanent<br> <br> Lasers have a small head "spot" size, ineffective skin cooling, and are slower, more painful, with increased downtime and occasional burning.<br> <br> Treatment with our SIPL machine is far superior and quicker, with the fast pulsing frequency and huge head size, large areas like the full legs, or arms or a full man's chest and back can be treated in a short period of time.<br> <br> Our SIPL is the most effective machine at permanent hair reduction by causing maximum hair follicle destruction.<br> <br> Added to this is the versatility and double-effect of photo-rejuvenation of the skin "Coll" Gel, skin pore structure, no ingrown hairs, removal of pigment and vascular marks, making SIPL the most advanced treatment available.</span><br> <h3>HOW EFFECTIVE IS SIPL AT PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION?</h3><br> <br> <span class="faqa">There is no such thing as completely "permanent" hair removal with any machine or any type of treatment, for most people.<br> <br> Our SIPL machine, because of all the above features and benefits, offers the most advanced and permanent reduction of hair growth currently available. It is very efficient at permanently destroying most of the targeted hair follicles.<br> <br> Most people get an extremely effective hair reduction with each treatment, with very little hair regrowth after completing a course of treatments. Some people get complete hair reduction with no regrowth. Some people require a maintenance treatment once a year or so.<br> <br> Each person's hair growth pattern is different and effected by many factors, mostly the hormonal influences. Even for the most hairy males with high levels of testosterone causing prolific hair growth, SIPL treatments will cause a dramatic and permanent hair reduction. The remaining hair regrowth will be much lighter and finer and not as unsightly and troublesome.<br> <br> SIPL using our new high powered machine has the advantage of having a wide spectrum of light wavelengths and a long "pulse-width", thus being able to penetrate to different depths through the skin and target and destroy different types of tissue substances and structures for beneficial and longer lasting affects.<br> <br> IPL is attracted to the deep melanin pigment concentrated in the actively growing bulb of the hair follicle, where it is able to have its maximum effect at long term hair destruction.<br> <br> IPL also has a light wavelength in its versatile spectrum of energy that is maximally attracted to and effective at destroying the "haemoglobin" in both the surface and deep blood vessels (veins and capillaries). Thus, IPL is able to destroy the feeder blood vessels to the active growing hair follicles, further enhancing and maximizing its affect on more permanent hair destruction.</span><br> <br> <br> <br> <h3>WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED with IPL / SIPL?<br> </h3><br> <br> <span class="faqa">All areas of the face and body can be successfully treated using SIPL.<br> <br> Anyone who has been waxing is truly amazed how superior and easy SIPL hair removal is for them and will not go back to the pain of waxing. The common waxing areas for women of chin, upper lip, cheeks, under-arms, legs and arms are extremely successful and "a breeze" in comparison. Bikini areas and even Brazilians are almost "painless" compared to waxing.<br> <br> SIPL has opened up a whole new opportunity for men because of its speed and ease of treatment and its excellent long term results. Few men bother to rid themselves of troublesome and unwanted hair because of the pain and short term results of frequent waxing. "Laser" hair removal for most men is not a good option because of the long, tedious and painful treatments. Our SIPL fast and comfortable treatments have opened up a whole new opportunity for men to now undergo easy hair removal! Back and chest hair removal, which can take hours with a laser machine, now take less than 30 minutes with SIPL and are much less painful.<br> <br> Areas prone to "ingrown hairs" are successfully treated with SIPL. Cyclist, runners, rowers and gym sportspeople are particularly prone to these and are ideal for SIPL. Ingrown hairs are often the cause of pain, infections and discomfort in the groin and natal cleft and are the cause of a pilo-nidal sinus.<br> <br> Men who are tired of shaving or that five o'clock shadow or stubble, can now not only remove their beard re-growth, but also dramatically improve their skin "Coll" Gel and make them look younger.</span><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <h3>WHAT HAIR COLOUR AND SKIN TYPES CAN BE TREATED with IPL / SIPL?</h3><br> <br> <span class="faqa">All skin types and hair colours can be treated, but the "lighter the skin colour" and the "darker the hair colour" (with more melanin), the more permanent hair follicle destruction is possible.<br> <br> SIPL and laser targets the increased concentration of melanin pigment deep down in the base of the hair follicle, more than the hair shaft. SIPL with its good surface skin cooling and wide pulse-width, allows maximum power to be delivered deep in the hair bulb and the surrounding tissues. The darker the hair root, the more the melanin pigment concentration here, and the more heat-thermal energy will be delivered here, and the more hair follicles will be permanently destroyed.<br> <br> Darker skin colour means that more melanin pigment is concentrated in the superficial layers of the skin. This same melanin absorbs a lot of the thermal heat energy of the lasers and IPL light emissions. This blocks some of the energy going to heat destroy the melanin in the deeper hair bulb and heats up the skin surface. Thus, in more tanned people, all these machines cannot be operated at full power output wattage because this would burn the surface melanin skin pigment and may cause blistering.<br> <br> Lighter skin colour has less surface melanin pigment, and thus our SIPL machines can be operated at their full destructive power output and obtain greater hair follicle heat destruction, without the risk of burning the surface layers.<br> <br> Thus, the lighter the hair colour and the darker the skin colour, the more treatments are necessary to achieve the same hair follicle destruction.<br> <br> Mousy brown/blond hair on tanned skin colour can certainly be treated, but requires more sessions. Dark hair on pale Caucasian skin usually requires 4 to 6 treatments over a period of 6 to 8 months period for successful and effective treatment with any machine. Darker skin and lighter hair will require more treatments for the same results.<br> <br> We are now able to treat white, grey and red hair with SIPL effectively by use of the new Meladine. This is a spray on lotion which slowly introduces melanin into the hair root over a period of months, allowing this hair to be successfully treated. This is the only way that these hair colours can be treated with ANY machine, other than to produce a temporary photo-waxing reduction.</span><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <h3>HOW MANY TREATMENTS with IPL / SIPL ARE NECESSARY?</h3><br> <br> <br> <span class="faqa">A photo-waxing result is obtained with any machine by heat simply burning the hair in the hair shaft. This is temporary, as the hair grows back if the hair follicle, situated in the base of the deeply lying hair bulb, is not fully destroyed.<br> <br> As stated above, permanent hair follicle destruction is only possible if enough heat (thermal) energy can be delivered to the hair bulb and for long enough (wide pulse width of the light flash). It also requires enough melanin concentrated in the hair bulb to allow it to absorb this heat energy. SIPL also targets and destroys the feeder blood vessels to the hair follicles.<br> <br> It is only in one of the three phases of hair growth, the active or "anagen" phase, that there is sufficient melanin in the hair bulb to permanently destroy each particular hair follicle.<br> <br> Thus, at any one time, only about a third of our hair follicles are in the active growing phase, and thus susceptible to SIPL or any other IPL or laser heat destruction.<br> <br> This is why multiple treatments are required for effective permanent hair reduction. This principle is the same for everyone, so do not believe those companies who claim permanent hair removal with only 3 or 4 treatments.<br> <br> There is no more effective machine, at permanent hair reduction and maximum hair follicle destruction, than our SIPL machine. Nonetheless, it still takes a minimum of 4 to 6 treatment session, at maximum power output possible for your skin colour, to produce truly effective and long term hair reduction.<br> <br> Darker tanned skin colour and lighter coloured hair will require more treatments, as less power can be safely applied without fear of skin surface burns, and because there is less melanin in the hair root. Excessive hormonal hair growth will also require additional treatments.<br> <br> However, excellent long term hair reduction is available for everyone with SIPL. Any hair regrowth in the future will always be weak, thin and lighter in colour, arising from damaged hair follicles. These can be destroyed with further maintenance treatment if necessary.<br> <br> Treatments commence at four weekly intervals, for the first 4 treatments, for maximum benefit.<br> A fifth and sixth treatment is usually added at one to three monthly intervals, depending on whether there is further hair growth.</span><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <h3>PHOTO-REJUVENATION.</h3><br> <br> <span class="faqa">The great bonus of SIPL treatment for hair removal is its added benefit of also destroying the surface brown pigmented "melanin staining" on the skin, the surface capillaries, the red blushing discolouration on the skin surface and most importantly, SIPL stimulates active "Coll" Gel cell growth.<br> <br> Therefore, not only will you achieve removal of that troublesome and unwanted hair, fast, with no mess and little discomfort, but you also end up with truly amazing rejuvenated and healthy, clear skin without the pigment or vascular blemishes and aging discolouration. Acne inflammation and scaring is also rejuvenated.</span><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <h3>HOW TO AVOID PAIN & ANY SIDE EFFECTS with IPL / SIPL?</h3><br> <br> <span class="faqa">Side effects should not occur, if strict adherence to the safety features are followed.<br> <br> It is normal to experience some redness of the skin and some very mild swelling which can last from an hour to 24 hours. This is not burning or blistering, and need not cause alarm.<br> <br> In some instances the redness may last a few days and there could be some grazing or 'scabbing' which typically subsides over a short period of time. This is a normal appearance and result when trying to remove superficial skin pigment marks, especially when using stronger settings.<br> <br> With the superior skin surface-cooling of our SIPL machine, most clients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort. On more sensitive areas and for those with a low pain threshold, a topical anaesthetic cream and local topical ice packs can be applied. Our SIPL machine is as pain-free as IPL treatments can get, and certainly much better than lasers. However, the more the power is increased for maximum effectiveness, the stronger is the "flicking" or "zapping" sensation on the skin.<br> <br> The appearance of the treated area immediately after a session does vary from one person to another. The after effects are usually minor and may include some redness. Most people are able to return immediately to normal activity<br> <br> It is important that all clients are accurate in completing their patient questionnaire. You will be asked about recent sun exposure, solarium use, "fake-tan" treatments or anything else that can increase the pigment staining or tanning of your surface layers of your skin.<br> <br> Any such pigment change can cause irregular branding of your skin with different skin pigment colours and even burns. Also, the treatment will be less effective, as we will have to turn the machine power output down, and a lot of the thermal energy will be absorbed by the surface layers and not penetrate effectively to the hair root.<br> <br> Therefore, sun exposure should be minimised during the course of treatments, and strict adherence to regular use of factor 30+ sunscreens should be observed.</span><br> <br> <h3>PRE-TREATMENT with IPL / SIPL CARE INSTRCTIONS:<br> </h3> <ul> <span class="txt"> </span> <li><span class="txt">Stay out of the sun for one month before your treatment, and use a 30+ sun protection when you are exposed.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Do not use "fake-tan" or solariums for at least one month before your treatment. The procedure may have to be postponed if you have a tan, as we cannot treat people who have tanned skin because of an increased risk of pigmentation change.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Do not wax, pluck or bleach for at least one month before your treatment. Shaving is preferred as it encourages vigorous growth, making the hairs more susceptible to treatment.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Clients with darker coloured skin can apply a pigment fading cream (available from chemists) regularly before and between treatments. This will minimise the chance of pigmentation changes.<br> <br> </span></li> </ul> <h3>POST-TREATMENT with IPL / SIPL CARE INSTRCTIONs:</h3> <ul> <span class="txt"> </span> <li><span class="txt">Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually last 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. This is normal and expected and not a sign of undue burning.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">If necessary, apply cold gel packs or cool wet cloths to treatment areas for 15 minutes every 4 hours until symptoms subside.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature sensitive. Cool showers or baths will offer relief.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Avoid aggressive scrubbing and use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofah sponges until the treatment area has returned to its pretreatment condition.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Avoid sun exposure to treated areas for the next week. Use a # 30 SPF sunblock if sun exposure is unavoidable. Sun avoidance will decrease likelihood of skin color changes.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Appearance of hair growth or stubble will appear 7- 21 days after treatment. This is not new hair growth, but the treated hairs being purged from the follicle.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Hairs that were in the resting phase at the time of treatment may enter the active phase in 1 to 6 months depending on the body area.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Follow up treatment may be performed within 1-2 weeks of new hair growth.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Avoid use of scented lotions or soaps, exfoliant creams (Retin-A and alpha-hydroxy), loofah sponges, shaving, waxing, chlorine swimming pools, hot tubs, and excessive exercise causing perspiration, for 7 days after treatment or until after redness resolves.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">If blisters or open areas occur allow them to heal spontaneously. If healing is delayed apply antibiotic ointment to the area 2 times a day until healed.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Do not pick or remove scabs or crusting; this will help decrease the chance of infection or scarring.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory will help reduce discomfort.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">If infection is suspected or significant blistering occurs, we will see you, attend to dressings and provide an antibiotic if necessary.<br> <br> </span></li> <li><span class="txt">Phone us with any queries and we will carefully follow these up.<br> <br> </span></li> </ul> <h1><a href="../home/default.asp">Facial Rejuvenation home Sydney</a><br></h1> <br> <h2>Sydney Acne treatment clinics</h2> <a href="../ipl/acne.asp">Sydney Acne treatment clinics</a> <a href="../ipl/acne_faq.asp">Acne treatment FAQs</a> <a href="../ipl/acne_more.asp">Real-life acne photo-therapy treatment photos</a> <h2>Collagen treatments</h2> <a href="../collagen/new-collagen-volume.asp">New collagen volume Dermal Filler treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../collagen/new-collagen-volume_faq.asp">New collagen volume Dermal Filler frequently asked questions Sydney</a><br> <a href="../collagen/new-collagen-volume_more.asp">Before and after New collagen volume Dermal Filler treatment examples Sydney</a><br> <br> <h2>Dermal filler treatments</h2> <a href="../dermal/permanent-dermal-filler.asp">Permanent dermal filler treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/permanent-dermal-filler_faq.asp">Permanent dermal filler frequently asked questions Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/permanent-dermal-filler_more.asp">Before and after Permanent dermal filler treatment examples Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/temporary-dermal-filler-c.asp">Temporary 'human' treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/temporary-dermal-filler-c_faq.asp">Temporary 'human' treatments frequently asked questions Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/temporary-dermal-filler-r.asp">Temporary dermal filler treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/temporary-dermal-filler-r_faq.asp">Temporary dermal filler frequently asked questions Sydney</a><br> <a href="../dermal/temporary-dermal-filler-r_more.asp">Before and after Temporary dermal filler treatment examples Sydney</a><br> <br> <h2>IPL treatments</h2> <a href="../ipl/default.asp">IPL treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../ipl/ipl_hair.asp">IPL hair treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../ipl/hair_more.asp">Before and after IPL hair treatment examples Sydney</a><br> <a href="../ipl/hair_faq.asp">IPL hair treatment FAQ Sydney</a><br> <a href="../ipl/ipl_face.asp">IPL face treatments Sydney</a><br> <a href="../ipl/ipl_face_faq.asp">IPL face treatments FAQ Sydney</a><br> <a href="../ipl/ipl_face_more.asp">Before and after IPL facial treatment examples Sydney</a><br> <br> <br> <h2>Newsletter subscription</h2> <a href="../newsletter/default.asp">Newsletter subscription Sydney</a><br> <br> <br> <h2>Other cosmetic medicine treatments</h2> <a href="../other/default.asp">Other cosmetic medicine treatments Sydney</a><br> <br> <br> <h2>Anti-Wrinkle treatments</h2> <a href="../wrinkle/wrinkle-prevention.asp">Anti-Wrinkle Injections Sydney</a><br> <a href="../wrinkle/wrinkle-prevention_faq.asp">Wrinkle prevention frequently asked questions Sydney</a><br> <a href="../wrinkle/wrinkle-prevention_more.asp">Before and after Anti-Wrinkle treatment examples Sydney</a><br> <br> <br> <h2>Contact details</h2><br> <a href="../contact/default.asp">IPL / Facial Rejuvenation clinics contact details Sydney</a><br> <br><br> Your browser does not support frames. 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