Shaving, waxing, and plucking all remove hair temporarily. But you have to revisit these treatments again and again to get smooth skin. At Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology in Columbia, Maryland, board-certified dermatologist, Cheryl Bansal, MD offers permanent hair removal using intense pulsed light (IPL). If you’re bothered by excess hair, call the office or book an appointment online to learn how effective IPL can be in successfully reducing unwanted hair.
What is IPL?
Intense pulsed light sends light energy into the highly pigmented areas of hair follicles. This heats up the follicles and compromises them so hair growth slows or halts altogether. IPL uses a broad-spectrum visible light with energy that’s not quite as intense as a laser. IPL can cover a wider swath of treatment space in one session.
Book OnlineWhat areas can be treated with IPL?
IPL can be used just about anywhere on your body that you have unwanted hair. This includes:
- Neck
- Face
- Abdomen
- Underarms
- Bikini line
- Arms and legs
IPL should not be used on the genitals or scalp. IPL is effective on all skin types and is especially effective on brown, black, and tan hairs.
How many treatments will I need?
Hair grows in cycles, so you need multiple sessions to get all unwanted hair in a specific area. Hair in anagen, the growth phase, is most responsive to IPL.
Dr. Bansal works with you to develop a treatment plan based on your hair’s texture, density, and color. Usually, you can get optimal results in just four to six treatments.
Does IPL hair removal hurt?
The IPL energy penetrates your outer layer of skin so it doesn’t cause any damage to your skin’s surface. You could feel some heat and tingling, but the procedure shouldn’t hurt. Hairs do not have nerve endings to create pain signals.
Does IPL permanently remove hair?
You achieve a significant reduction in hair growth and sometimes a complete elimination, depending on the area treated. Any hair that does still grow emerges at a slower rate and will be more sparse than before treatment. Regular touch-up sessions can help you maintain a smooth look.
Does IPL hair removal require preparation or downtime?
Prior to an IPL treatment session avoid waxing or plucking for about six weeks as this temporarily removes hair from the follicles. Shaving is OK.
Avoid sun exposure about six weeks prior to treatment, as tanned skin is harder to treat with IPL hair removal. You should also avoid sun exposure for about six weeks following IPL hair removal as your skin is temporarily more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
You don’t need to take time off work or your social life when undergoing IPL hair removal treatments. You can go right back to your normal activities following a session.
To learn more about IPL hair removal, call Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology or book an appointment online.