Photoepilation

Photoepilation (IPL) is the removal of unwanted hair with intense pulsed broadband light. As with laser, the target is melanin, the hair pigment: it absorbs the light, which turns into heat and damages the hair bulb and the papilla that nourishes it.

Who it is for

• unwanted hair on the face, underarms, arms, legs or bikini area;
• excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis, hirsutism) — once the cause has been identified;
• it works best for dark hair on light skin.

How the procedure works

The doctor examines your skin and hair, checks for contraindications and selects the settings. The area is shaved beforehand. A cooling gel is applied to the skin, protective goggles are put on, and then the area is treated with flashes of light. You feel warmth and tingling. Mild redness and swelling are possible afterward and usually resolve quickly.

The treated hairs fall out over the few days following the procedure. The cost is based on the number of flashes, separately for the face, arms and legs, and body.

Photoepilation or laser

An IPL device emits broad-spectrum light from 500 to 1200 nm, while a laser works at a single wavelength. Both methods target pigment, so they barely work on blond, red and gray hair — electrolysis is suitable for those. Your doctor will help you choose between laser hair removal and IPL for your skin and hair at the consultation.

How many procedures and when to expect results

Light only affects hair in the active growth phase, so a course is needed. The doctor determines the number of procedures and the interval between them at the consultation, taking into account the area and the color and density of the hair.

Usually, after the first few procedures, hair grows more sparsely and becomes finer. If new hairs appear over time — for example, due to hormonal changes — maintenance procedures are done. If a woman has noticeable facial hair growth, the doctor may recommend tests so as not to miss a hormonal cause.

Who performs it

Narine Felixovna Karapetyan — dermatologist and trichologist with 10 years of experience. She graduated from Mkhitar Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University.

How to prepare

• avoid sunbathing and self-tanner before the procedure and throughout the course;
• do not pluck or wax — shaving only;
• show the doctor any moles and new spots in the treatment area;
• tell the doctor about any medications you take — some increase sensitivity to light.

Read more in our articles A new spot on the skin: see a dermatologist before IPL or laser and Light and gray hair: what laser and electrolysis can do.