MIRABEL - clinic for aesthetic, clinical dermatology and venereology

IPL – PHOTOEPILATION One of the most successful methods of unwanted hair removal

The principle of photoepilation consists in using powerful light impulses to influence the root of the hair. The hair colouring pigment - melanin - absorbs the energy of the light waves. As a result, the light is transformed into heat; the roots of the hairs get heated and dried up. It should be noted that the darker hairs contain more melanin than the fairer ones, or the white ones.

Therefore, photoepilation is very effective for dark hairs, less effective for fair hairs, and ineffective for white ones (because they do not contain any melanin).

 

If you have decided to undergo photoepilation, you should cease any kind of hair removal, except for shaving, for at least 30 days prior to the procedure. If the hairs are long, you have to shave them 2-3 days before the procedure (the maximum length of the hairs in photoepilation should be about 1 mm). Also, for two weeks before the procedure, you have to observe the following requirements:

• You should not go sunbathing or use a solarium

• You should not use self-tanners.

• You should not take medications which affect the photosensibilizing effect (antibiotics, tranquilizers, tan tablets)

Frequency of procedures:

The energy of the light impulse causes the heating of the root of the hair and its gradual destruction. The destruction of the hair follicles will take some time (from 1 to 20 days) and the hairs will fall out. Use a softening spray or cream to calm the skin after the procedure.

After each session. Two weeks, for example, after the first session, 60-70% of the hairs (black hairs) will fall out, and 30-50% (fair hairs). Over the following sessions, the rest of the hairs will be removed. The fairer they are, the more sessions you will have to undergo.

After each session, the patients have to observe the following requirements:

• They should not get exposed to direct sunlight for two weeks

• They should use sun protection products with SPF not lower than 30.

• They should reduce the use of cosmetics in the treated area.

• They should reduce water procedures and stop going to saunas, swimming pools, and having baths for 3 days.

The duration of the effect depends on the individual properties of the organism, but the average estimate is several years.

It is important to note that the photoepilation equipment is perfect for treating unwanted pigment spots on the skin, acne, and broken capillaries. It should be mentioned that the skin is rejuvenated because the production of collagen is stimulated - thus, the small wrinkles around the eyes can be removed as well.