IPL FAQ’S

What is IPL?

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is a light-based heat therapy that uses broad spectrum light to heat up the hair follicle essentially damaging the follicle to prevent, slow or stop hair from growing in that area.

How many treatments will I need?

We typically recommend minimum of 12 sessions in a course before maintenance. When you get to maintenance we will see you approximately 4 times a year.

Does it hurt?

Everyone experiences IPL differently, the technology we use (SHR/IPL) is meant to be a more pain less treatment. We don’t advertise it as pain free because you may experience some discomfort, but it is tolerable.

How often will I need to come in?

These intervals we stick to for the first 6 appointments before we start stretching out until we reach maintenance.

Why can’t I be treated?

• Medications: some medications will make your skin photosensitive – antibiotics, accutanes, oral vitamin A are a couple of examples
• Tanning: fake tan or spray tan cannot be treated over for 4 weeks; sun burn cannot be treated over for at least 4 weeks and the resulting tan may need time
• Epilepsy: if you have a history of seizures, we will need a clearance from your doctor as IPL does involve flashing lights
• Hair colour: if the colour of your hair in the area you want to be treated is white, blonde, grey or red if won’t be effective
• Pregnancy + breastfeeding: your hormones are going wild during this time and can be hard to achieve the desired result, we recommend to wait once you have finished breastfeeding
• Tattoos: IPL cannot be done over any tattoos as the light will be absorbed by the ink and potentially break down ink

Do I need a patch test if I’ve had IPL elsewhere?

Yes, you do. Not only for our insurance we need to perform a patch test but our machine may be different and it is our duty of care to keep you safe and ensure you are properly educated on how it all works and also so we can assess what settings we can safely treat you on.