Hair Removal | New England Center for Plastic Surgery and MediSpa

Hair Removal

Imagine not having to shave, tweeze, wax or go through electrolysis again.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)(TM) technology offers a gentle, non-invasive, long-lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, back, legs, bikini line or any other body area. Based on technology used for nearly a decade in the treatment of port-wine stains and other birthmarks, IPL photoepilation has been performed safely for many years, effectively eliminating dozens of hairs with each pulse. See before and after treatment photographs for Intense Pulsed Light.

FAQ

How does IPL remove hair?
Highly controlled flashes of light are selectively absorbed by hair-filled follicles lying below the surface of the skin. The absorbed light heats the hair, which damages or destroys the regrowth potential of the follicle all without damaging the surrounding tissue.

What happens during a treatment?
It begins by trimming away the hair above the skin. You may be asked to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. Next, a cold gel (similar to ultrasound gel) may be spread over the treatment area. The IPL hand-piece is then applied to your skin and pulses of light begin disabling your unwanted hair. When the gel is removed, much of the hair is wiped off with it. The remaining hair in the treated area falls out over the next week or two.

What does the treatment feel like?
Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch, similar to the snap of a rubber band. No local anesthesia is required and most people tolerate the treatment well.

Can all hair be treated?
IPL's unique design offers you customized treatment according to your hair color, texture and body location. Any hair with at least some pigment in it can be treated effectively.

Is IPL safe for all skin types?
IPL is the first photoepilation procedure proven to effectively treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals such as those of Black, Hispanic and Asian descent.

Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects are rare. You may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the treatment site, but this typically goes away within hours. On rare occasions, some blistering or bruising may occur, but typically resolves quickly. Also, the skin can become darker or lighter following treatment, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimize the risk of complications.

What kind of results should I expect?
IPL technology has been proven to create a permanent reduction in the number of regrowing hairs following each treatment in most skin types. The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to your specific kind of hair and skin. A customized treatment program will be designed for you along with an estimate of how many treatments you may need in order to meet your expectations.

Is it right for you?
More advanced than even lasers, IPL is the first photoepilation technology proven to treat unwanted hair safely on any skin type--from very white to black. In order to ensure the best outcome, you may be asked about your medical history and skin type in order to estimate the results you should expect from your customized treatment program.

Find out if you could benefit from Intense Pulsed Light treatment for unwanted hair. Contact our office and arrange a private consultation with one of our specialists.