If you are fed up with waxing and shaving, then you should consider IPL permanent hair reduction. It is a very popular and the technology has long proven track record as an effective solution effective solution to keeping smooth and hairless skin for a long periods of time. 

Our StarLux system uses active cooling through the hand-piece's sapphire tip that reduces the skin temerature to 4 degrees centigrade before firing. This cooling permits our aestheticians to deliver high energy pulses while providing maximum comfort and safety to the client. The feedback from recipients are particularly pleasing particularly with its efficient effect on hair removal, it is done without the discomfort associated with the bulk older laser/IPL technologies.

Intense light emitted by our StarLux System is absorbed by the dark pigment found in hair follicles, The light is "pulsed," or turned on, for only a fraction of a second, just long enough to generate enough heat to either kill (disabled) or disable healthy hair follicles.

While this light energy is delivered, the Starlux System's unique contact-cooling handpiece helps protect the skin through conductive cooling. Furthermore, in comparison to lesser non medical grade systems,  by delivering large dose controlled energy deep into the skin, our Palomar StarLux System delivers a consistently higher level of permanent hair reduction with fewer treatments being required.

For a long time now, the use of IPL systems has been accepted as a safe and effective in achieving long-term results. However, like all clinical treatments, certain circumstances need to be considered and for your own safety  there are some health conditions that are widely considered to be contraindications to IPL Treatment. These include:

Probable Exclusions

If you suffer from any of the listed conditions, you may not be suitable for treatment. Our aesthetician will advise the best course of action in a consultation

Psoriasis
Bleeding disorders
Severe reactions to histamines
Previous surgery such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing
Vitiligo

Pregnancy
Although there’s no evidence to suggest that an IPL treatment isn’t safe for your unborn baby, it is generally not recommended. and only with written consent from the clients GP will we perform any IPL procedure on a pregnant woman. We will advise you to wait until after you’ve had your child before considering these procedures. We understand that this can be frustrating, especially as women often become hairier during pregnancy. The good news is that this pre-natal hair growth usually disapates after birth or once breastfeeding has finished. If it doesn’t, IPL permanent hair reduction will be an option.

Breastfeeding
Our policy is that; only with written consent from the clients GP will we perform any IPL procedure on a breastfeeding. Hormonal changes introduce the risks that the procedure might not be as effective as expected and/or the client may suffers an adverse reaction.

Medication
Many medications come with side-effects, including those that will make your skin more photosensitive. This means that your skin might react more negatively to IPL treatments.

If this is the case, you might want to think of ways to get around the issue. For example, taking a break from the problematic medication may be an option or switching to an alternative treatment. Having a discussion with your GP will help determine the right course of action for your needs.

Sun tan
The sun will cause your skin to create more melanin, which is there to protect your skin from damage. However, this can cause your skin colour to become patchy and uneven, which isn’t the best start for any IPL skin treatments e.g. required changes to dosage and system settings can make it difficult to maintain uniform treatment regemins which may affect the quality of the results.

In the event of an active or severe sunburn, the procedure cannot go ahead. You’ll be expected to allow the skin to fully heal before returning for your treatment. You will be given guidance on sun rules during your preliminary consultation.

Dark skin
People with dark skin may be prevented from undertaking IPL treatments. However, if you also have a sun tan, it’s important that it fades before any work can get underway.

Keloid scarring
Keloid scarring occurs when wounds do not heal properly, and they can be especially hazardous to anyone seeking IPL treatments. The skin is usually raised, which can make it vulnerable during the procedure.

There are some cases where we might still be able to perform IPL Treatment. However, it’s essential that you are aware of the risks and fully informed before coming to a final decision.

Tattoos
Unless undergoing laser tattoo removal all areas of the skin where there is a tattoo will be avoided during IPL treatments. This is to minimise skin irritation, as well as any potential aesthetic changes to your tattoo.

Lesions, open wounds
IPL treatments can be especially painful in areas of the body where there are lesions or open wounds. It’s our policy to postpone the procedure until they’ve fully healed as the light can potentially slow down the healing process and lead to additional discomfort. 

Herpes & cold sores
IPL treatment is possible once the herpes virus is kept under control. However, bear in mind that we will require you to ensure that prescription medication has been taken, and that the condition is in remission before any procedure.

Herpes and cold sores are treated as contagious skin diseases, so don’t be surprised if we initially turn you away. Once the problem has disappeared, you should be able to undergo the procedure.

Moles
If you have a mole, we will still with the IPL treatment. The light used aren’t on the UV spectrum, so there is no evidence to suggest they can change a mole and make it cancerous. However, we advise you to  keep an eye on any visual changes that may occur and If you do see anything suspicious, make sure you inform your GP of the treatment and have it checked as soon as possible.

Recent waxing/plucking
IPL Permanent Hair Reduction requires there to be a follicle to target. If you’ve recently plucked or waxed your body, there won’t be any. We recommend  that you wait two weeks before attempting IPL hair reduction. Alternatives e.g. shaving or depilatory creams are a great bridge that gap between IPL sessions.

Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams work by dissolving the hair in a chemical substance. This is achieved using keratinocytes, which will not only kill keratin in the hair, but also in the skin. However these act as a great alternative to use in between hair removal treatments.

Epilepsy
We will always advise Light induced epilepsy sufferers not to undergo any IPL treatment. IPL procedures will not be provided unless you have a note authorising the procedure from your GP.

Hirsutism
Hirsutism is a genetic condition that sees women experiencing excessive hair growth. The hairs are generally thick and dark, making them easy to see.

IPL permanent hair reduction can be an effective way of getting rid of these unwanted hairs. It is worth bearing in mind that the procedure can take longer for hirsutism sufferers – potentially several months – and it is generally most effective on women with pale skin and dark hair.

If you have any questions about IPL Treatment and the contraindications, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 02 6293 2992.