IPL is intense pulse light. It targets the melanin in the shaft of the hair. IPL converts energy to heat and disables the hair follicular cells that are responsible for hair growth. Intense pulsed light (known by patients as IPL laser but can be confused for a traditional laser) systems release precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light that are absorbed by melanin, the pigment in hair. This heats up the hair and destroys the cells responsible for hair growth, to achieve long-term hair reduction.

The Lumenis® IPL Hair Removal treatment is a safe, non-invasive treatment that permanently reduces hair growth, resulting in smooth, beautiful skin.

There are a lot of machines advertised as “IPL” machines on the market but the majority of these do not utilise the trademark technology of IPL and therefore do not have the same consistent results nor safety standards. If you purchase one of these devices which do malfunction or have not been calibrated in quite some time, you may risk being stuck with a dangerous device that can cause burns, hyper pigmentation and scarring.

Altheda Medical Center is the top provider in greater Pittsburgh, PA, offering IPL Laser with OPT technology by Lumenis®. We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and treatment. Our precision approach aims to help you achieve the best results possible.

It begins by trimming away the hair above the skin, usually by shaving (on your first hair removal treatment we may ask that you shave approx 3 days prior so we may see the area but not have a thick growth of hair to remove).  Then, a cool gel is spread over the treatment area. The IPL head is then applied to the skin and pulses of light are released from the machine and begin to disable unwanted hair. When the gel is removed, much of the treated hair is wiped off with it. The remaining hair in treated area falls out over the next two weeks and for up to 30 days.

After treatment, prevent sun exposure by applying sun block – SPF 50 or above (if your treated areas will be exposed to the sunlight). We recommend a reflective SPF. In the first few days after treatment, don’t scrub or rinse the treated areas with abrasive skin cleaners; don’t use Vitamin A or glycolic acid products on the area for approx 48 hours. We will also advise you of any additional precautions and you will be given a post IPL care sheet.

Almost any area of the body can be treated and the most common areas we treat are the legs, back, back of the neck, upper lip, chin, underarms, stomach, bikini line, face, chest, etc.

While you may feel a slight tingling or pinch (similar to the snap of a rubber hand) from the IPL head, most people tolerate the procedure very well. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, we can apply topical anaesthetic to increase comfort during the procedure. Patients with thicker and darker hair may feel the tingling sensation more.

We can treat some areas within 15 minutes. Others, such as the back or legs, may require a bit more time. 

The ideal patient is fair skinned with dark hair but there is much evidence to show that through carefully researched settings, results can be achieve for different hair and skin types.  The darker the hair, the more easily it is treated, as darker hair contains more melanin and will heat up more easily. Fairer hair contains less melanin and is harder to treat. For grey or white hair, it may not be as effective in treatment because grey/white hair has no melanin.

No, the area should be shaven clean and this would achieve the best hair removal and hair reduction results from the IPL. Prior to having IPL hair treatments you must avoid waxing, tweezing and depilatories. During the course of treatments you will be able to shave the area site, so you can remain virtually hair free.

Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face and body) is an unwanted effect of Polycystic ovaries. Yes, IPL can treat facial hair that is caused by this condition.  Please let us know if you have polycystic ovaries before treatment. You can find out more on treatment and results during consultation.