IPL Hair Removal

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At New Image Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa in San Diego, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology offers a gentle, non-invasive, long-lasting solution to unwanted hair on the face, back, legs, bikini line or any other body area. Based on technology used for nearly a decade in the treatment of port-wine stains and other birthmarks, IPL photo-epilation has been performed safely for many years, effectively eliminating dozens of hairs with each pulse. If it's time for permanent hair removal, schedule your IPL consultation with Dr. Schafer by calling his San Diego office at this toll free number 800-810-5449 or you can schedule an appointment online.

IPL Gets Rid of Unwanted Hair

IPL is the first photo-epilation technology proven to treat unwanted hair safely on most skin types—from light to dark skin. IPL treatments use intense pulsed light to gently remove unwanted hair, putting an end to routine shaving and waxing. IPL treatments leave your skin looking and feeling smoother, softer, and the results are long lasting. And unlike electrolysis which treats individual hair follicles, IPL uses a wide beam to treat larger areas such as the back, shoulders, arms, legs and face. Best of all, IPL treatments are a safe, fast, gentle and effective alternative method for hair removal.

IPL - Equal Opportunity Hair Removal

IPL is the first photoepilation procedure proven to effectively treat unwanted hair on all skin types, including dark-skinned individuals such as those of Black, Hispanic and Asian descent. IPL’s unique design offers you customized treatment according to your hair color, texture and the location of body hair. Any hair with at least some pigment in it (black, brown, red and even blond) can be treated effectively.

IPL Hair Removal Treatments

The number of treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on the area you wish to have treated, hair density and hair growth cycle. Your hair grows in cycles and many factors influence its growth. Age, ethnicity, weight, hormones, diet, medication and metabolism all play a part in your hair's location, thickness and resilience. In order to ensure the best outcome, you may be asked about your medical history and skin type in order to estimate the results you should expect from your customized treatment program at our San Diego medical and spa facility.

Treatment begins by trimming away the hair above the skin. Most patients wear dark glasses to protect their eyes from the bright light and have a cold gel (similar to ultrasound gel) spread over the treatment area. The IPL hand-piece is then applied to the skin and pulses of light begin disabling the unwanted hair. Each pulse of light feels like a slight sting or pinch; similar to the snap of a rubber band. No local anesthesia is required and most people tolerate the treatment well. When the gel is removed, much of the hair is wiped off with it. The remaining hair in the treated area falls out over the next week or two.

Are there any risks?

Side effects are rare. You may experience some slight reddening or local swelling at the treatment site, but this typically goes away within hours. On rare occasions, some blistering or bruising may occur, but typically resolves quickly. Also, the skin can become darker or lighter following treatment, but will generally return to normal within a few weeks. Limiting sun exposure before and after each treatment will minimize the risk of complications. Following the treatment, you can generally return to work and resume all regular activities immediately.

After your treatment at our San Diego medical offices, the area is cleansed and you can return to your normal activities immediately. Your physician may recommend that you use a specific skin care product or prescribe a skin care regime formulated for your skin type. Using sunscreen to limit sun exposure is very important.