Treatment guide · Wilmslow

IPL hair reduction

Learn about IPL hair reduction at Dr Sknn, including suitability, treatment planning, the procedure, recovery, material risks, aftercare and frequently asked questions. Your clinician will confirm whether this treatment—or another treatment—is appropriate for you.

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Laser Hair Removal before and after result at Dr Sknn
Treatment planning

What treatment planning should establish.

These four points support treatment planning. The detailed guide below covers this treatment.

Dr Eddie Shaffu, Medical Lead at Dr Sknn
Dr Eddie Shaffu Medical Lead · Dr Sknn
The treatment explained

About IPL hair reduction.

Read more about IPL hair reduction Treatment details and clinical context

At Dr Sknn we use the Lynton Lumina which is a state-of-the-art Intense Pulsed Light System (IPL), which is also used by the NHS and private hospitals across the UK, to treat excess hair growth safely and effectively. IPL Hair Removal is one of the most popular treatments for men and women, by using pulses of light at Dr Sknn we can provide long term reduction of unwanted hair. At Dr Sknn we offer a variety of hand pieces for long lasting hair removal treatment to successfully treat skin types I-V and variations in hair types, the result is the hair will become thinner and finer becoming less visible while the hair growth will slow down with each treatment. At Dr Sknn we are able to safely and effectively treat dense coarse hair and fine less densely pigmented hair fast and comfortably.

How Long Does IPL Hair Removal Treatment Take?

A consultation may conclude that a different treatment—or no treatment—is the safest and most appropriate recommendation.
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What to expect

Before, during and after your treatment.

Your exact experience and recovery are individual. Your clinician will explain what applies to you.

01 · Before Who is unsuitable for the treatment?

Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment Individuals with a Sun tan (up to 4 weeks followingexposure) or use of sun beds (up to 4 weeks following exposure) or fake tan(minimum of 10 days delay) or any other tanning products (minimum of 10 daysdelay) Individuals with Cancer, including any history of malignantmelanoma. Pregnancy or breastfeeding

02 · During What should I expect during the Consultation?

At Dr Sknn, during the consultation a medical history including a physical examination will be performed including photographs. During the consultation there will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns, expectations, results, or questions you may have. Prior to the treatment any post treatment advice and risks associated with the treatment are discussed ensuring you fully understand them and a consent form is signed. Furthermore, if it is a new area being treated a small patch test will be performed in order to ensure suitability.

03 · After What should I expect after the Treatment?

Post treatment the area will be cooled and a Soothe Serum will be applied to further cool the area, provide antibacterial effects reduce irritation while stimulating cell regeneration for faster recovery, you should use sun-block and avoid any sun exposure on the treated area for 2 weeks in addition to avoiding perfumed protects, hot baths, hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms for 48 hours. Results are not immediately visible. Hair is often still present after IPL treatment and it can take up to 3 weeks for the dead hair to shed. After IPL treatment some hair will be vapourised immediately, and some will take 3 – 7 days to shed, hair will seem to grow as they are being pushed out.

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Watch the treatment explained.

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Questions before booking

Frequently asked questions.

Preparation, treatment, recovery, suitability and aftercare guidance to support your consultation.

How Does IPL Hair Removal work?
At Dr Sknn we target Melanin in the hair which absorbs the pulse light emitted producing heat thus damaging the hair follicle in such a way as to inhibit regrowth.
What should I expect after the Treatment?
Post treatment the area will be cooled and a Soothe Serum will be applied to further cool the area, provide antibacterial effects reduce irritation while stimulating cell regeneration for faster recovery, you should use sun-block and avoid any sun exposure on the treated area for 2 weeks in addition to avoiding perfumed protects, hot baths, hot environments such as saunas, steam rooms for 48 hours. Results are not immediately visible. Hair is often still present after IPL treatment and it can take up to 3 weeks for the dead hair to shed. After IPL treatment some hair will be vapourised immediately, and some will take 3 – 7 days to shed, hair will seem to grow as they are being pushed out.
What should I expect during the Consultation?
At Dr Sknn, during the consultation a medical history including a physical examination will be performed including photographs. During the consultation there will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns, expectations, results, or questions you may have. Prior to the treatment any post treatment advice and risks associated with the treatment are discussed ensuring you fully understand them and a consent form is signed. Furthermore, if it is a new area being treated a small patch test will be performed in order to ensure suitability.
What should I expect during the Treatment?
The area being treated will be thoroughly cleaned, marked and photographed, you will be provided with googles for protection, a clear gel will be applied to the treated area. The handpiece applicator is then positioned to the area being treated, a short pulse of light is released targeting many hair follicles at the same time, the handpiece is then moved to the neighbouring area of the skin until the entire area has been treated.
Are there any Side Effects with IPL?
Post treatment the skin may become red while the hair follicles may become swollen and feel bumpy however this usually subsides within a few hours. However prior to treatment an outline of all potential side effect and possible complications will be provided.
Which IPL Hair Removal Areas are Offered at Dr Sknn?
We offer hair removal for ear lobes, face, eye brows, cheeks, upper lips, chin, jawline, neck, underarms, shoulders, arms, legs, back, chest, nipples (excluding areola), navel, stomach, bikini, hands, fingers, feet and toes.
Who is unsuitable for the treatment?
Some of the contraindications are listed below. Please note that during the consultation we will assess suitability for the treatment Individuals with a Sun tan (up to 4 weeks followingexposure) or use of sun beds (up to 4 weeks following exposure) or fake tan(minimum of 10 days delay) or any other tanning products (minimum of 10 daysdelay) Individuals with Cancer, including any history of malignantmelanoma. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Who is suitable for the treatment?
Suitability is dependent on multiple factors however in general most people, men and women, are suitable for treatment, prior to treatment a consultation will be performed to assess suitability. Grey, white or bleached hair cannot be treated.
How does the Treatment feel?
You may feel as if an elastic rubber band has been snapped onto the area treated.
How many Treatments are required?
The required number of treatments varies on multiple factors, typically 6 or more treatments are required to achieve optimal results. Depending on the area treated, treatments are spaced apart every 4 – 8 weeks.
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