Intense pulsed light: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 09:45, 12 September 2021

Revision as of 21:39, 7 March 2022

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At any one time, not all hair follicles are ‘active’, and only active hair follicles can be affected by the treatment.<ref name=":1" /> ‘Inactive’ hair follicles can be treated as they become ‘active’ over time.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}} For IPL treatments, an average of 8–10 treatments, 4–6 weeks apart, are required to remove most visible hair.<ref name="Lahiri 55"/>

There is no common treatment protocol, as it depends on the equipment used and patient skin type. The area to be treated should be clean shaven and free of sunburn.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Lahiri|first=Koushik|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-HKJDAAAQBAJ&q=The%20area%20to%20be%20treated%20should%20be%20clean%20shaven%20and%20free%20of%20sunburn.%20IPL&pg=PA55|title=Textbook of Lasers in Dermatology|date=2016-07-30|publisher=JP Medical Ltd|isbn=978-93-85999-62-8|language=en}}</ref> Treatments are often given in doctors' offices and so-called "medspas" by trained practitioners.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}}

Although IPL treatments will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.<ref name=":3">{{cite journal|last=Klein|first=A.|author2=Steinert, S. |title=Photoepilation with a diode laser vs. intense pulsed light (IPL): a randomized, intra-patient left-to-right trial|journal=British Journal of Dermatology|volume=168|issue=6|date=1 December 2012| pages=1287–93| doi=10.1111/bjd.12182|pmid=23278132|last3=Baeumler| first3=W. |last4=Landthaler|first4=M.|last5=Babilas|first5=P.|s2cid=8889666}}</ref> This distinction is only relevant in the USA because of FDA wording.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}}

Certain skin conditions, health irregularities, and medications can impact whether it is safe for a person to receive a light-based hair removal treatment.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}} Photo-sensitizing medications, or damage to the skin are contraindications to treatment. According to [[Remington Products|Remington]], manufacturer of an IPL device, all IPL and laser devices should only be used on light to medium skin tones, and work best on darker hair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.remington-europe.com/microsites/ilight-pro/dr-kubicka-i-light-ask-the-expert/|title=Trends & Tips - Remington|website=uk.remington-europe.com}}</ref>