Laser Hair Removal
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Hair Removal System in Edmonton and Camrose, Alberta
Intense Pulse Light assisted hair removal has been through a significant evolution as technology has improved over the years. It is a non-invasive light therapy device specifically designed to eliminate unwanted hair from all parts of the body. Intense pulse light systems release a precisely controlled strong pulse of filtered light that are absorbed by the pigment of the hair (melanin) in the hair follicle. This heats up the hair and destroys the cells responsible for hair growth (photothermalysis) without damaging delicate pores and structures of the skin. By doing this you can achieve long term hair reduction. The vast majority of people enjoy reduction, lightening, and softening of hairs, as well as a delay in hair re-growth.
During your treatment you will be asked to wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of cool gel will be applied to the area being treated. The treatment head is then placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released, targeting many follicles simultaneously. The treatment head is then moved to the neighbouring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The gel is then removed and the area is moisturized.
In the following weeks after your treatment, the hair follicles that are damaged by the heat will remain in the follicle. The hairs fall out after 1 to 3 weeks as the epidermis renews. During this time it will seem to 'grow' as they are pushed out by the new epidermis. After treatment the hairs are loose in the follicle. It is important to exfoliate regulary to avoid the chance of ingrowns hairs.
We are now offering Intense Pulsed Light + RF (Radio Frequency) hair removal treatments at our Edmonton Clinic. This treatment uses the Intense Pulsed Light combined with Radio Frequency to make it a more effective treatment, as well as more comfortable. By adding the Radio Frequency we are able to heat the dermis deeper therefore being able to generate more damage in the follicle producing better results. This treatment tends to be slightly more comfortable than even the traditional IPL which is said to be one of the more bearable treatments for laser hair removal available.
- Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a role in the location and thickness of hair on the body. This in turn contributes to the vulnerability of the hair follicle to IPL treatment.
- More than one treatment session is necessary because hair grows in cycles. The light targets hairs that are in the active growth phase of the cycle. Since some hair follicles may enter their growth cycle after a treatment, multiple treatments may be required to deliver optimal results. We have found that in most cases the best results are achieved between 4 to 8 sessions, followed by maintenance therapy.