IPL Laser Hair Removal In Oxford

A New Generation In IPL Technology

We provide IPL hair reduction for the face and underarms using the Etherea MX IPL:SQ. This is a new generation of IPL (Intense Pulse Light) that reduces and, in many cases, permanently removes unwanted hair growth from the face and body.

IPL uses various light energy wavelengths to target certain colours (or chromophores), such as the melanin that gives hair its colour. When the light finds its target colour, the light is absorbed and turns to heat (similarly to a black car in the sun). This causes the hair to burn down into the follicle, destroying the hair bulb it is attached to* Each follicle that is effectively treated will then shed the remianing hair debris and its growth bulb permanently destroyed.

Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light, making it adaptable and effective at treating a variety of hair colours, although the rule of thumb is, the darker and thicker the hair, the better the clearance will be.

Whilst IPL has been in dermatological use for many years, the technology continues to develop and improve. The Etherea MX employs the very latest technology in IPL application, with square pulsed light wavelengths for laser-like precision and chilled tip skin cooling. This ensures that an IPL treatment with the Etherea MX IPL:SQ is safer, more comfortable, and more effective than with older IPL predecessors.

*Hair must be in anagen phase (connected to the hair bulb) to be effective.

The All Important Anagen Phase

Unfortunately IPL hair removal cannot be achieved in a single treatment. Only a certain percentage of hairs (depending upon the location) will be connected to the growth centre of the hair follicle, called the hair bulb. The hair bulb is where the hair begins its life and is powered with micro-vasculature to keep the hair growth cycle going. It is only when your hair is in the anagen phase of growth that IPL hair removal can reach down to the connected bulb and destroy its structure, preventing regrowth. As a result you will most likely require 6-8 treatments for effective hair clearance.

*indvidual results may vary

IPL Treatments | Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS an IPL Laser Hair Removal TREATMENT LIKE?

You will be asked to wear protective eyewear throughout the treatment to protect your eyes from the very bright flash of light used during IPL. The Etherea MX is a new generation IPL device and ultrasound gel is not always required. The handpiece is applied to the skin and delivers a shot of light energy onto the skin where the hair is located. Even with protective eyewear you may notice a bright flash of light, although the goggles will have protected your eyes from any dangerous levels of light. In certain areas the treatment can feel a little uncomfortable, but is not generally described as painful.  The Etherea MX has an extra chilled tip to ensure the uttmost comfort is achieved.

Is there anything I should not do before a treatment?

It is imperritive that you do not have any sun exposure or tan on the treatment area, including fake or gradual tan, before an IPL laser hair removal treatment. Failure to ignore this could result is harm, injury, or even scarring of your skin. Wearing a daily sunscreen thoughout your treatment course is a condition of your treatment with us. Heliocare is one of the most effective sun protection products available and can be purchased through our online skincare store.

Do not pluck or epilate your hairs for at least 6 weeks before an IPL hair removal treatment.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS with IPL Laser Hair Removal ?

Like any medical intervention, there are potential risks that are associated with having an IPL treatment, however most are mild in nature, such as pinkness to the skin for a few hours and a little sensitivity. You may also notice that the treated hair follicles appear slightly swollen or red, with a sizzled hair at its centre. This will be expelled by the skin over the following 10 days. As part of your consultation with us, you will be advised on any potential side effects in more detail, before you decide to proceed with any treatment. Our team expertise and experience means that we are able to assist you with side effects should you experience them. You will be given your practitioner's out of hours mobile telephone number, should you require any urgent advice.

How Many treatments Will i Need?

The answer to this depends upon the area being treated, if hormones are influenceing hair growth, and the degree of hair removal required. Generally you will require 6-8 treatments, spaced 4-8 weeks apart, depending on the treatment area.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?

The results of IPL can be noticable within the first couple of weeks after your first treatment, however your final results will become more evident following a series of treatments.

HOW LONG WILL THE EFFECTS LAST?

Generally the results attained are considered permanent in the follicles that have been destroyed. Unfortunately the human body has millions of dormant follicles that could decide at any time to start growing new hair. These are follicles that are not active during a treatent course and therefore can not be treated. If you experience a new growth or hair we advise you to attend for maintenece IPL hair removal treatments.

Are there any post care instructions?

Yes, although these will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment:

-Avoid strenuous activities, sauna and steam, excessively hot baths, and massaging the area for 3-5 days, or longer if the skin remains sensitive.

-Wash and bathe as normal but take cool showers rather than hot baths. The skin should be patted dry and not rubbed. Use an aloe vera gel or aftersun cream to keep the area moisturised and the skin protected. If there is any discomfort, treat the area as you would sunburn.

-Avoid UV sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment, and wear a daily sun protectant with an broad spectrum SPF 30 or above throughout your treatment course.

-It is imperative that you apply daily sun protection with UVA/UVB filters and an SPF of at least 30. It is a condition of the IPL treatments you receive with us that you commit to using this every day and avoiding sun exposure, artificial sun beds, and artificial tanning products on the treatment areas.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I STOP HAVING TREATMENTS?

Each treatment is cumulative in effect, therefore it is advised to complete a course of treatments as advised by your practitioner in consultation. Once you have finished your course the results will likely be permanent, however as discussed above, you may develop new hair growth that will need maintaining with further treatments.