IPL VS Laser Hair Removal
IPL vs laser hair removal: can they permanently remove the unwanted hardboiled hair? Yes, they are the most effective hair removal system. If you want to get rid of unwanted stubborn hair, Currently, you can use a diode laser or IPL to remove hair.
In many countries, aside from clinics – salons and spas have also been working up a sweat promoting their hair removal packages which can range from mechanical removal to more advanced laser hair removal treatments. The services that have been widely marketed are IPL or Intense Pulsed Light and diode laser.
What are the difference between an IPL machine for sale and a medical-grade laser hair removal machine?
As with lasers, ipl machine for sale is also considered a light-based treatment, but they have distinct differences which potential patients must know.
IPL machine for sale has significantly evolved over the years, and since then it has been used safely for the cosmetic treatment of unwanted hair, vascular lesions, and pigmented lesions. These devices have often been placed in comparison with medical laser treatments, but they are non-laser high-intensity light sources.
About The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Intense Pulsed Light (abbreviated IPL) describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths; from 400nm to 1200nm.
The technology utilizes specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores in the skin. This enables effective treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including vascular and pigmented lesions, skin photoaging treatments, and hair reduction.
How IPL works?
Broad spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled handpiece, gently place over the skin. Cut-off filters in the applicator change the range of wavelengths, using different applications and skin types. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin in brown or black hair, resulting in thermal injury (selective photothermolysis) to the follicles of actively growing hairs – or those in the anagen phase. When hair is destroyed in this growth phase, the follicle itself is also destroyed and renders it incapable of producing future hair.
However, for those hairs that are already in the later phases of its life cycle, the follicle may not be destroyed and will replace the destroyed strands some weeks later. This is the reason why hair removal treatments require several sessions, in specific time intervals.
What to expect with IPL?
Hair color and size are important factors in predicting the efficacy of hair removal through IPL. Coarse and dark hair has a higher tendency of absorbing more energy and respond better than light and fine hair. As a matter of fact, blonde and white hair do not respond to IPL and would be adequately addressed using alternative hair removal treatments – those that don’t depend on hair pigment for it to work.
IPL is widely used today and is effective for hair removal for men and women.
How effective is ipl hair removal?
There is no doubt that IPL is very effective in hair removal for men and women, specifically for skin types 1 to 6. A broad band of light is transmitted by the device targeting the area under treatment. IPL is widely used in aesthetic establishments. The energy penetrates the skin and travels to the follicle or root of the hair. The papilla which is the hair-producing agent is thereby destroyed. This is the reason for permanent hair removal through the use of IPL machines. However, it has to be kept in mind that the treatment should be done only at clinics that have highly trained professionals and technologically advanced machines.
PrettyLasers offers a unique IPL solution with optimal efficacy, safety, and ease of use.
- PL-307– IPL Hair Removal System uses clinically-proven 640-1200nm technology to permanently remove unwanted hair quickly, comfortably, and effectively.
- PL-ML01 – 3 in 1 Hair Removal Machine.
- PL-HV92 – SHR Hair Removal Machine PL-HV92.
Note: To ensure patient safety it has to be used with great care at low settings for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick II-VI), which is why its hair removal action may not be as strong as its laser counterpart.
Medical grade laser hair removal machine
At present, medical-grade laser hair removal machine has three primary laser technologies available. These include as follows:
- Alexandrite Laser (755 nm) – used to treat fair to mid-toned skin with medium to coarse dark hair.
- Diode Laser (800-810 nm) – used to treat fair to mid-toned skin as well as dark fine hair.
- ND: YAG Laser (1064 nm) – used to treat darker skin types with coarse hair.
Within these machines are brand names like Alma, Cynosure, Candela, and Lumenis. Among the three respected brands just mentioned, The Aesthetics Centre uses Alma, Candela, and Lumenis to deliver safe and highly satisfying results. The laser system used is selected by the doctor and depends on your skin type and hair texture.
For years, laser hair removal has been constantly compared with IPL in terms of effectiveness or efficiency. Most patients respond well to laser hair removal, and a lot of experts suggest that the former is a better option as well, but there are always exceptions to the case. However, it is still quite rare for individuals to be unresponsive to laser depilation.
How does laser hair removal work?
Medical-grade lasers work by emitting one single wavelength of light which results in maximized laser penetration to the targeted area. The light emitted is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, concentrating on the hair shaft. This causes the hair to be eliminated without harming the skin or follicles.
As mentioned earlier, lasers need colored pigments for them to deliver their action. The beam of light for hair removal is filtered into a specific wavelength for it to be absorbed by the coloured pigment contained within the hair. In a way, that pigment will serve as its target. Otherwise, the laser will just pass through the skin and will have no effect.
In most cases, the patient will notice a visible reduction after the first session. In this aspect, medical grade laser works similarly with IPL because the effectiveness also depends on the life cycle of the hair during treatment. Therefore, patients must know that in a single session, we are only targeting a percentage of hair. This is usually in the range of 15-20% per session.
In that respect, effective hair reduction is usually achieved within six sessions. Others may need less, while some may require more. If hair reduction is not achieved, this could be caused by a hormonal imbalance or a side effect of some medications.
Let’s separately and concretely take a look at the principle of alexandrite (755nm) laser hair removal, semiconductor(800-810nm) laser hair removal, and ND: YAG Laser(1064nm) hair removal as follows:
1. How does an alexandrite laser work?
The wavelength of high energy
The wavelength of high-energy light emitted by the laser is converted to heat energy and this damages the specific target area. Thus alexandrite lasers work by a process of photothermolysis: this means using light (photo) to heat (thermal) a selected area for destruction (lysis).
Without damage
Alexandrite lasers cause very precise tissue destruction of the lesion and leave the tissue in the surrounding area undamaged.
Hair removal
- Light pulses target the hair follicle causing the hair to fall out and minimizing further growth.
- May be used for hair removal in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest, and legs.
- Generally ineffective for light-coloured hair, but useful for treating dark hair in patients of Fitzpatrick types I to III, and perhaps light-colored type IV skin.
- The typical settings employed include pulse durations of 2 to 20 milliseconds and fluences of 10 to 40 J/cm2.
- Extreme caution is recommended in tanned or darker-skinned patients, as the laser can also destroy melanin, resulting in white patches of skin.
2. How does a diode laser work?
Diode lasers use the principle of selective photothermolysis (abbreviated SPTL) to target specific chromophores in the skin, usually melanin or blood. The lasers damage the chromophores by selectively heating them while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. when treating unwanted hair, for example, the melanin in the hair follicles is targeted and damaged which results in the disruption of hair growth and regeneration. A diode laser can be complemented by contact cooling technology or other pain-reducing methods that improve treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
3. How does a long pulsed ND: YAG laser work?
Nd: YAG laser energy is selectively absorbed by the deeper levels of the dermis and allows for the treatment of deeper vascular lesions such as telangiectasias, hemangiomas, leg veins, and hair removal. The laser energy is delivered using long pulses which are converted into heat in the tissue. The heat impacts the vasculature of the lesions and hair follicles. When treating unwanted hair, the melanin in the hair follicles is targeted and damaged which results in the disruption of hair growth and regeneration. In addition, the Nd: YAG laser can treat a more superficial level; by heating the subcutaneous skin (in a non-ablative manner) it stimulates neocollagenesis which improves the appearance of facial wrinkles.
Hair removal
- Nd: YAG laser may be used for hair removal in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest, and legs.
- Nd: YAG laser is generally ineffective for light-colored (blonde/grey) hair, but effective for treating dark (brown/black) hair in patients of Fitzpatrick types I to III, and perhaps light-coloured type IV skin.
- Extreme caution is recommended in tanned or darker-skinned patients, as the laser can also destroy melanin, resulting in white patches of skin (leukoderma).
What to expect with Laser Hair Removal?
A unique and effective hair removal method
What makes laser a unique and effective light-based hair removal treatment is that it is monochromatic, coherent, and collimated. This means that it has more focus which enables it to precise control where the energy is being delivered so that the laser absorbs into the hair without damaging the skin. And it is effective hair removal for men and women.
Multiple treatments
Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments. This is because the laser works best when hairs are in an early growth stage (referred to as anagen), and all the hairs are not in this phase at the same time.
The lasers used for hair removal at The Aesthetics Centre have passed clinical trials and have been approved by the FDA.
This gives patients a good feeling of safety adding to the fact that this is to be only operated by qualified and certified medical professionals.
IPL VS Medical Grade Laser Hair Removal Machine
| IPL | Medical Grade Laser |
|---|---|
| Hair Removal Procedure | |
| The flash lamp technology delivers less energy hence it is less focused on the target. Although it contains some of the wavelengths that can remove hair, it also comes with other wavelengths that are unnecessary making IPL “diluted” and less effective for hair removal because it doesn’t penetrate deep enough to fully remove the hair. | Works with guided precision and is focused on the exact target without exposing you to other unnecessary light radiation hence it is more concentrated. |
| Effectiveness | |
| Usually, IPL treatments require 10-15 treatments and it renders low permanent results. Since the machine lacks focus in emitting its light energy and it has to deliver in low settings, hair reduction can take longer, but possible with more sessions. | Laser hair removal usually needs 6-10 sessions with impressive permanence. The results are long-lasting which is why you need fewer treatments. |
| Pain Element | |
| IPL can be uncomfortable, with patients saying that it feels like a rubber band has been flicked at their skin. However, those with darker skin tones may feel more discomfort than others. | Laser treatments can also give a certain degree of discomfort, but the process is less painful compared to IPL depending on your individual skin and hair type. |
| Potential for side effects | |
| For IPL to heat deeper targets, higher energy levels must be used. This can lead to adverse effects such as blistering, hyperpigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and potentially scarring. | Laser treatments use only one wavelength which allows deeper penetration and the energy is directed straight to the target instead of being absorbed by other chromophores along its path. |
| Laser/IPL Skin or Hair Types | |
| IPL is effective for dark-haired individuals with light to medium skin. It cannot be safely used on dark skin. | Effective for all skin types |
| Treatment sessions | |
| IPL requires more sessions before it can achieve desirable results. | Lasers can deliver results much faster, which is why it requires fewer sessions. and it also offers a higher level of satisfaction among patients. |
| Treatment time | |
| IPL requires more treatment time. | Lasers can save your treatment time, and grow your patients. |
| Cost | |
| A single session is dependent on the area that needs to be treated, but it is considerably much cheaper than laser removal. Some clinics even offer it at very low prices, but you should be careful when you encounter these discounted prices that seem too good to be true. | A session is more expensive than an IPL, but you also have to consider that you get the desired results in less time and sessions. This will be more cost-efficient in the long run because it also promises long-lasting results, which means fewer touchups. |
How To Choose Laser Hair Removal Or IPL Hair Removal?
Firstly, ipl laser treatment for hair removal is effective hair removal for men and women. The answer will largely depend on your own goal. There is no doubt that the action of IPL in hair removal as it also renders benefits in that area. Although, it might not be as significant as the results provided by medical-grade lasers.
Patients should communicate their needs and what areas they want to focus on because each device available today has its own strengths.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser is a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and permanent results can be expected from both.
Professional laser treatment is working more selectively, and therefore, the very high energy will focus on the hair follicle rather than the surrounding skin. Therefore, a Professional laser will lead to fast results as well as being suitable for darker skin tones. Energy, frequency, and hair colour are all determining factors in the efficacy of the treatment.
