Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the more frequent questions we get asked. Simply click of a question to find its answer.
What is hair removal with pulsed light?
How does the treatment work?
How many sessions will I need?
Are permanent results achievable?
Which types of skin and hair can be treated?
Can you treat all parts of the body?
Does it hurt?
What precautions should be taken?
What are the advantages of hair removal with pulsed light?
What are the possible side effects?
Are there any contraindications?
Are there any differences between laser treatment and the intense pulsed light technique?
What is hair removal with pulsed light?
Intense pulsed light is a hair removal technique based on light and selective photothermolysis. Hair absorbs the light, which is then changed into heat. The light energy heats the hair follicle and inhibits its growth mechanisms. The hair follicle has a higher level melanin than other tissues, and therefore the light is absorbed by its pigment, but not by the surrounding tissues. This is why this technique is called 'selective' photothermolysis.
How does the treatment work?
The treatment consists of regular sessions over several months. The interval between sessions increases as the hair disappears. Prior to the treatment, our qualified practitioner will fully assess your skin phototype and the treatment's suitability and plus any potential issues through a thorough medical questionnaire. A test patch will also be undertaken to assure you experience no negative reactions. During the session, protective goggles are worn to protect your eyes. Depending on the area treated, the length of a session will vary. As a guide, a session for the armpits or the bikini line can last for 15 minutes, whereas full legs can take up to one hour.
For best results a hair length of approximately 2mm is recommended. You can shave (with a razor) the area a few days before the session. Additionally, the practitioner will inform you of the precautions that should follow for a safe and effective treatment, such as avoiding sun exposure before and after a session or avoiding any other hair removal techniques that eliminate the hair root (plucking and waxing are not compatible with the Pulsed Light). Due to the heat created during the treatment, there are some possible side effects to these treatments (see below).
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions can vary from patient to patient and is dependent on skin and hair types, together with the area treated. Usually, 4 to 8 sessions are needed to gain the desired result. The length of treatment depends on each individual's reactions to the pulsed light treatment. It is also dependent on the hair's natural growth rate, which differs from area to area. After each treatment the follicles are weakened, so the hairs need more time to grow. We therefore, space the sessions further and further apart over the treatment course. Best results are obtained by applying the light during the optimal stage of the hair's growth.As a guide there should be a 1-2 months interval between the first sessions.
Are permanent results achievable?
Not on all hair. Usually the reduction is permanent for between 80% and 90% of the hair. After a treatment, the little hair that will grow (depending on each person, 5-10 years later) will be much thinner and weaker than before, and you will just need to attend a new session to eliminate it.
Which types of skin and hair can be treated?
Our advanced technology allows us to treat a wide range of skin and hair types, although the most effective treatment are performed on those with dark hair and light skin. The melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the light; therefore, on light skin, dark hair absorbs nearly all the light. Darker skins tend to absorb some of the light so is slightly less effective; you may therfore need more sessions in order to achieve the desired results if you have dark skin.
You should avoid sun and artificial tanning for four weeks before and after each session.
Can you treat all parts of the body?
We can treat nearly all parts of the body using the protective goggles. However, we do not treat areas where the light may reach directly into the eyes.
Does it hurt?
Hair removal with pulsed light is a non-painful treatment which requires no anaesthesia. It may be uncomfortable however, depending upon the sensitivity of each person. The sensation can be from painless to a very bearable irritation.
What precautions should be taken?
Pulsed Light hair removal does not requires preparation, however limited care should be taken before and after each session:
- Do not expose treated areas to the sun or UVA/UVB rays, and do not use self-tanning cream during the four weeks before and after each session.
- Do not tweeze the hair roots in the treated area within the two weeks before a session. Leave about 1-2mm of hair, shave the area with a razor a few days before.
- Do not colour your hair prior to a session.
Hair removal with pulsed light does not require post-session care, and you can undertake any ordinary activities. However, please adhere to the following guidelines: avoid sun exposure; if this is not impossible, wear protective total sun block lotion (a high SPF 30+). For very irritable skin, please use a soothing cream.
You'll be given specific details about all the necessary care by the practitioner.
What are the advantages of hair removal with pulsed light?
Hair removal with pulsed light is a very efficient treatment when it is carried out by well-trained and qualified practitioners, who know how to obtain the best possible results with a limited number of sessions.
Pulsed light also has a positive effect on skin soiled by frequent use of wax. It eliminates folliculitis problems and does not hurt the skin like wax. It is known as the least painful hair removal technique to date.
On a long term basis, it is also considered the most cost efficient one. In addition, each session substantially reduces the amount of hair, and the remaining few grow more slowly, lighter and thinner thereafter.
What are the possible side effects?
In some cases, some redness may appear on the skin, but it will disappear spontaneously within hours. For sensitive skin, it is recommended that you apply some soothing cream after the session (Aloe Vera or post-solar lotions).
In some exceptional cases, the treatment may cause temporary hyper- or hypopigmentation (for skin types 4-6). There are no other known significant side effects, and the treatment is considered innocuous.
Are there any contraindications?
The practitioner will ask you to complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire during the first session in order to assess whether the treatment is suitable for you.
In general, some basic contraindications must be considered for your safety: recently tanned skin, photosensitivity (caused by disease or drugs), treatments using some retinoic derivative, varicose, blood coagulation problems, antecedent of hypertrophic cicatrisation or keloid scarring, pregnancy and lactancy, very pigmented dark or black skin, depression and diabetes.
Are there any differences between laser treatment and the intense pulsed light technique?
The results are the same for both treatments. They are both based on light. However, the pulsed light is a more advanced technique which allows us to treat a wider typology of skin and hair. Therefore, it is a more effective, does not require anaesthesia, is less painful and more affordable technology for permanent hair reduction!