PAIN-FREE & EFFECTIVE HAIR REMOVAL TO KEEP YOUR SKIN SMOOTH.
IPL Hair Removal is a highly effective and proven method to remove unwanted hair on the body and face. Suitable for most skin types, an average of six to ten treatments are needed every 4-6 weeks to destroy the hair follicles beneath the skin. It is a great alternative to traditional methods such as waxing, shaving and threading that can often include having to grow hairs, discomfort during the removal stage and damage to the skin leaving ingrown hairs.
BENEFITS
Permanently reduce hair safely
We treat most skin types
Prevents skin irritation and ingrown hairs
Best quality AW3 laser machines
AT A GLANCE
At Empire Clinic, we believe that the fundamental basis for a successful aesthetic procedure is an in-depth consultation with a skilled qualified practitioner to assess your needs and develop a bespoke personal treatment plan so that you achieve outstanding natural looking results.
HOW IT WORKS
The IPL hair removal system (intense pulsed light) produces a high-intensity flash of filtered light from the applicator head, which is placed in contact with the skin. The energy from the light is absorbed by the pigment melanin, which is the chromosphere that gives the hair its colour. The hair acts as a conductor of the light and effectively turns it into heat to raise the temperature of the surrounding cells to 70 degrees centigrade or more. The heating denatures or kills, the cells making them incapable of producing further hair growth.
TREATMENT STEP BY STEP
Here is some essential information about the treatment and what to expect before, during and after your visit with us.
STEP 1
CONSULTATION
At Empire Clinic, nothing is more important to us than your health, safety and wellbeing. During your initial consultation, we discuss in depth what your wants and needs are and make a plan on how we can achieve that for you. We also talk through your medical history to make sure there aren't any potential contraindications. If you have any qualms or questions of your own, this appointment provides a great opportunity to ask away.
STEP 2
DURING YOUR TREATMENT
IPL uses light energy to target accurately and remove pigmented or damaged skin cells or hair follicles. Using a handheld device, a medical professional will target multiple wavelengths of light onto the skin. This light heats cells in the skin and breaks them down. The body then removes the damaged tissue naturally.
STEP 3
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and creams until your treatments are completed
Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, swimming and strenuous sports for 2-3 days following treatment, or until any redness, crusting, or blisters have resolved
If crusting develops, it should fall off naturally. Please do not pick or scratch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are multiple hair removal treatments necessary to clear an area of unwanted hair?
Hair growth is cyclical, as hair follicles go through resting and growing phases. This cycle has been divided into three phases: anagen, the growth phase, catagen phase, during which the hair stops growing and the telogen phase, when the hair follicle is at rest and dead hair starts to fall out. Only follicles in the growth phase contain hair and can be destroyed by the heat. Resting hair follicles need to enter the growth phase before they can be effectively destroyed by the AW3 treatment. That’s why it is 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. Clinical studies have confirmed that at least 3-6 treatments are needed, and the intervals between treatments are typically 4-6 weeks.
How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?
A number of factors determine the length of time for a treatment. We plan for adequate time to go as slowly or as fast as is comfortable and appropriate for each client. The size and “topography” of the area treated factors into the time required, as does the amount of preparation. As a general rule, legs and backs take half an hour to an hour , while an upper lip or the tops of ears may require 5 to 10 minutes. The front of the neck or underarms can take as little as 10 minutes.
What colour hair can be treated?
Other than white and grey hair, all hair colours can be permanently reduced through treatments. Dark hairs are most easily treated due to the high concentration of melanin that gives maximum absorption.
What are the side effects?
The visible light is completely safe, and thus, no special precautions are needed apart from glasses for the brightness generated from the flash lamp. The skin of some patients become quite red immediately after treatment and rarely small blisters as from excessive sun exposure can occur. However, most patients experience no side effects at all, and any of the described skin reactions should disappear within hours to a few days.
Do I need to shave before the treatment?
Ideally, hairs should only be 1 to 2 mm long when the patient comes in for the treatment. By avoiding any other form of epilation, plucking or waxing in the month leading up to the treatment, it ensures as many follicles as possible contain hair and thus can be destroyed by the light. Additionally, bleaching should also be ceased in the weeks leading up to the termination.
Is laser hair removal uncomfortable, or even painful?
You may experience a small but manageable sensation that we describe as a “pinch” or a “zap” when we pulse the laser. Most of our former waxing, stringing and electrolysis clients report that the discomfort is far less than those methods of hair removal. Stress, fatigue, caffeine, your menstrual cycle and pain tolerance may also influence the level of comfort — or discomfort — that you feel.
Why do hairs still grow after treatment?
Unlike other light epilation treatments, hair is not vaporised by the IPL treatment. The heat kills the hair root, but the hair remains in the skin and sometimes become attached to the epidermis. Over the 1-3 weeks following the treatment, the hair will fall out as the epidermis renews itself. During this period it will seem that the hair is “growing”.
How can you tell if the treatment has worked when the hairs are not removed immediately?
A few minutes after the treatment, there are various indications of the effectiveness of the treatment. These include: the colour of hair becoming charcoal, the hair expanding in size or a red ring around each follicle. These are good indications that sufficient heating of the follicles has taken place. How ever, this is not always seen and many patients have great results without the past treatment signs.
How does laser hair removal with a laser differ from laser hair removal with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Intense pulsed light, technology which evolved from aesthetic laser technologies, functions in almost the same way as laser to disable hair follicles and permanently reduce hair growth. It is safer, more comfortable, more versatile, and often faster than traditional lasers. Our clients have experienced great success with the IPL hair removal equipment that we use.
What is the precare?
4 weeks before
- Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, or use hair removal creams or electrolysis on treatment area. These activities can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Avoid direct sun exposure. If unavoidable, use minimum SPF 30.
1-2 weeks before
- Discontinue tanning (includes beds, self-tanning creams and sprays)
24 hours before
- Shave treatment area
Day of treatment
- Remove any lotions, make-up and deodorants prior to treatment
- Wear loose fitting clothing that will leave the treatment area exposed and easily accessible for treatment. Tight or rough clothing may cause you to feel uncomfortable if the skin becomes sensitive after treatment.
- You may feel a slight pricking or stinging. Some people compare the feeling to a rubber band snapping onto the skin. For your comfort, a topical numbing cream is available for purchase. You must arrive 30 minutes prior to treatment time in order for it to be applied and to take effect.
What is the aftercare?
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and creams until your treatments are completed
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, swimming and strenuous sports for 2-3 days following treatment, or until any redness, crusting, or blisters have resolved
- If crusting develops, it should fall off naturally. Please do not pick or scratch.
- Do not wax, tweeze, bleach, or use hair removal creams or electrolysis on treatment area until all treatments are completed
- Do not shave treated area for 1 to 3 days post-treatment if crusting or blistering occurs
- Apply a minimum SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Treated area may appear red, irritated and swollen (like sunburn). Apply ice packs or cold aloe vera to soothe.
- You may experience “hair shedding” the first few days after treatment which is sometimes mistaken for hair growth
- Can apply makeup, lotion, resume shaving and apply skincare products to treatment area as early as the next day as long as the skin is not broken and there is no extended redness, blistering or scabbing. Thoroughly remove makeup and creams gently with a soft, clean cloth and mild cleanser. Pat to dry. The treated area is very delicate and should be treated with care. Excess rubbing can open the area and may lead to scarring.
- If scabbing, blistering or signs of infection occur, please contact
