Intense Pulsed Light Treatment
How does intense pulsed light treatment work?
The intense pulsed light from the flash lamp is guided via a glass prism to the hairy area. The hair contains pigment (melanin) that absorbs the light and converts it into heat. This is led through the hair into the hair follicle which is then destroyed and rendered unable to produce a new hair.
To ensure optimal light transmission to the hair a thin layer of gel is applied to the skin. The hand held applicator is then placed over the entire treatment area by moving exactly one width after each flash of light.
Can all hair be treated with intense pulsed light?
As the treatment relies on absorption of light in the hair pigment, melanin, the most efficient treatment is seen with dark hair. The lighter the skin the more effective the separation is between hair and skin colour making treatment easier. However, the unique software of the Ellipse System has pre-programmed settings for different hair and skin colours that adjust the energy output accordingly.
How long does Ellipse intense pulsed light treatment take?
The glass prism of the Ellipse applicator which guides the light to the skin is 1cm by 5cm so a large number of hairs are targeted in one flash of light. A facial treatment takes around 20 min, whereas both legs take 60-120 min.
Does intense pulsed light treatment hurt?
No anesthetics are required and most people describe the sensation as similar to that of a rubber band snapping to the skin.
Do I need to take special precautions before and after intense pulsed light treatment?
The light is completely safe, visible light so no special precautions are needed. However, it is important not to remove hair by epilation or waxing within 4 weeks of the treatment to ensure that as many hair follicles as possible contain a hair and thus can be destroyed by the light. Since tanning takes place by accumulation of pigment (melanin) in the skin it is also important to avoid tanning before and during the treatment sessions. Otherwise the skin will also absorb the heat which makes treatment less effective.
Generally no post-treatment is necessary but people with very sensitive skin may benefit from using a soothing cream for a few days. It is also recommended to limit sun exposure and to use sun screen (SPF 20) for a few weeks following treatment.
How many Ellipse intense pulsed light treatments do I need?
Hair growth is cyclical as hair follicles go through resting and growing phases. Only follicles in the growth phase contain hair and are destroyed by the heat. Resting hair follicles need to enter the growth phase before they can be destroyed by the Ellipse intense pulsed light treatment. It is, therefore, necessary to repeat the treatment at intervals until all hair follicles have been through the growth phase.
The length and timing of the growth cycles are affected by numerous factors such as body site, hair density, thickness, ethnic origin, hormonal status and age. Usually 3-6 treatments are needed (but may be more on stubborn areas) to gain a highly satisfactory result and the intervals between treatments are typically 4-6 weeks.