Photoepilation
One area of hair removal is photoepilation. In photoepilation, the hair follicle is destroyed without damaging the surrounding tissue. The result of the photothermal reaction is permanent hair removal.
Why is photoepilation superior to laser hair removal in some cases?
- Laser hair removal has a maximum removal area of 1.0 cm, whereas IPS hair removal can remove hair from as little as 4.0 cm to as much as 8.3 cm2 in one go. Thus, a better effect is achieved with fewer pulses and less discomfort, as each pulse, however small, causes a small amount of pain.
- The IPS technique of hair removal involves splitting the pulse into 2 or 3 sub-pulses, which further reduces the painfulness of the procedure and the unwanted effects on the skin.
How many treatments are recommended?
The hair growth cycle consists of 3 phases: growth, regression and rest. IPS removes only the hair in the growth phase. To achieve a long-lasting effect, the IPS treatment must be repeated several times, as only 20-30% of the hair is in the growth phase at any one time. Usually 6 treatments are sufficient. The number of treatments depends on the hair growth cycle, density, skin colour, medications, hormone levels and metabolic characteristics.
This method can be used to remove hair on all parts of the body except the eyes. The most common areas for hair removal for women are the armpits, legs, bikini line, upper lip, chin, while for men it is the back and shoulders.
Recommendations before the IPS procedure:
- Do not use hair removal methods that involve plucking (tweezing, waxing, creams, electric depilatories) for 4-6 weeks before the procedure. You can shave your hair with.
- Do not visit a solarium, sunbathe or use self-tanning products for a few weeks or months before the procedure, as tanning reduces the effect of the IPS procedure and may cause changes in skin pigmentation.
- The skin must be clean and free of any cosmetic products immediately before the procedure.
Photoepilation is not allowed:
- In case of any acute skin infection;
- In case of diseases whose exacerbation can be provoked by light (recurrent herpes simplex infection, systemic lupus erythematosus, porphyria);
3.Use of photosensitising (photosensitising) drugs or herbs (e.g. doxycycline, furosemide, sulphanilamides, ionazoles, etc); - Malignant skin diseases (e.g. melanoma, basalioma);
- If the body is prone to keloid scarring;
- Blood clotting disorders and use of blood thinners;
- Endocrine diseases and hormonal disorders;
8.In immunosuppressive diseases (including HIV, AIDS) and when taking immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. cyclosporine); - Pregnant, lactating women.
HAIR REMOVAL MAY BE INEFFECTIVE WHEN:
- Light hair (e.g. light skin, blonde, brown, red hair);
- Hormonal disorders (endocrine disorders), genetic predisposition to hairiness;
- When the colour of the hair is almost indistinguishable from the colour of the skin (usually in dark-skinned people);
- Patient does not follow the recommendations before and after the procedure (hair brushing, etc.).
- The number of treatments to achieve the desired effect is individual, but the average is 6-8 treatments. Once the effect has been achieved, future maintenance treatments are required, which are carried out 1-2 times a year.
How is the treatment performed?
The patient is placed on a medical couch. A cooling gel is applied to the area of skin to be removed in order to relieve slight pain and redness. The procedure may cause slight discomfort, but modern equipment minimises this.
Before and after photos
Post-procedure recommendations:
- During the procedure, the affected skin may become red, swollen and itchy. These symptoms will subside within a few days. Cool compresses and moisturizing creams are used to reduce this discomfort;
- Antibiotic ointments are applied when blisters or scabs appear;
- Avoid sunbathing or sunbeds for 4 weeks after the procedure;
- Use sunscreen. If more hair removal treatments are planned, be sure to avoid the sun;
- Do not sunbathe or take a hot bath for a day after the procedure;
- A warm shower is recommended;
- Do not use cosmetic products if there are skin lesions;
- Do not rub or scratch the skin, avoid active sports and injuries.
Possible complications (1-5% of cases): hyperpigmentation of the skin (disappears spontaneously within 6 months), itching, pain, numbness, scabbing, bruising (rarely), purpura, redness, swelling, infection (very rarely), temporary hypopigmentation, scarring.
