Waxing, shaving and electrolysis are often tedious and time-consuming ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, but there is a permanent hair removal option available. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has been used for several decades as a skin rejuvenation treatment, but the same technology can be used for laser hair removal procedures, offering a permanent and painless solution for getting rid of unwanted hair on the face or body.

The treatments work on most skin types and the total cost of treatment may be far lower than standard hair removal methods. Here’s what you need to know about the IPL laser hair removal procedure:

IPL can be used on any part of the body, including sensitive areas such as the bikini line, stomach, underarms and upper lip. The treatments can be administered on both men and women who want to achieve smoother and sleeker skin without waxing or electrolysis.

The IPL laser hair removal device works by emitting a spectrum of light and heat energy directly into the hair follicle, effectively breaking down the hair and slowing down hair growth. The light is powerful enough to heat up darker skin tissues but leaves lighter skin completely unaffected.

As the hair follicle becomes weaker, the hair grows back at a very slow rate and eventually, does not grow back at all. Most people require a series of 6-8 treatments to completely break down the hair and disable the cells. The treatments are spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, but more stubborn areas such as the underarms, chest and back may require more treatments at 6-week intervals.

IPL laser hair removal treatments are virtually painless and do not have any major side effects. No anesthesia is required to perform the procedure, but some skincare specialists may use a light anesthetic on very sensitive areas. Any redness or swelling that occurs after the treatment will disappear within a few hours. Other benefits of the IPL laser hair removal procedure include:

While the IPL laser offers several benefits, there are some risks involved. Results may take longer than expected, so a series of ongoing treatments may be required until desired results are achieved. Some skin types may develop light pigmented spots or hypo-pigmentation from the intense laser; this is typically irreversible, although some people notice that dark skin spots fade after a few weeks or months.

Coarse, light-colored hair is typically the easiest to remove, while dark-colored and thin hair may require more than the average number of treatments to achieve desired results. Doctors and laser hair removal specialists must take precautions when treating darker skin or tanned skin because this skin type does run the risk of burning and extensive skin damage.

IPL laser hair removal offers several benefits for people looking for a permanent way to get rid of unwanted body hair, but the treatment may not be suitable for all skin types. Learn more about laser hair removal treatments in our information guide, or consult with a laser hair removal specialist in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for this innovative treatment.

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Since the very dawn of time, people have wanted to reverse the effect of ageing on the skin so as to look younger. Technology has finally reached a point where the use of laser can provide a variety of treatments to the skin from smoothing out wrinkles to removing unwanted hair to tightening the skin. For instance, pixel skin resurfacing can repair skin damage by acne or scarring by removing surface layers of skin and stimulating the skin underneath to grow healthy and smooth. You can get all the benefits of chemical or abrasive smoothening without the pain and a much shorter time to heal.

Another major use of laser technology is in the removal of unwanted hair. This represents a major cosmetic issue for both men and women and long-term solutions have been missing. Lasers use just enough heat energy to damage the hair follicle in the area that is being treated so that it cannot regenerate or renew hair. The treatment is safe and painless though several sessions may be required to achieve a permanent result.

Weight loss is a major problem for many people because there are pockets of fat in the body that simply will not respond to traditional diet and exercise regimes. With the use of laser, a technique called body sculpting has evolved, which involves reshaping the body surgically. The heat from the laser is used to liquefy the fat pockets and the liquid fat is then removed with the help of a vacuum. The procedure is highly effective, especially on smaller areas where liposuction may be difficult.

In the Zerona procedure, a low-level laser that does not generate any heat is used to perform the procedure. It is not invasive, and low level lasers have no recorded side effects. The patient feels absolutely nothing and recovery time is minimal. You must keep in mind that this is not a crash weight loss program but a programme to remove fat and sculpt your body for the best possible results.

by Shaleah | Apr 21 2010 for skincareblog