Skin Clinic MD

Laser Hair Removal Clinic Procedures

Generally, most IPL treatments technically operate the same way when performing a hair removal procedure. The parameters on the cosmetic laser or IPL (joules, milliseconds, pulse, etc.) should be set according to the skin analysis and history performed on the patient.

It is important to instruct clients not to wear dark clothing near the area to be treated as the pigment in the clothing could potentially be absorbed by the Intense Pulsed Light Device (IPL) or cosmetic laser light and can result in a burn. The patient should be instructed to refrain from using any body washes, lotions, cosmetics, or any skin medications the day of the treatment.

Some patients may prefer to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to the procedure. If any residue of the anesthetic remains, it should be wiped clean from the skin. Often a cooling gel or other cooling apparatus is applied to the skin.

A spot test should be performed on the intended treatment area. (Small white sheets of paper with perforated holes are often available for spot testing patients.) In the spot test procedure, the test paper is placed over the area to be treated and one firing of the laser or IPL device is applied over the hole in the paper. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, the area is checked for unusual redness swelling, bruising, or any other undesirable responses. If the area emits a slight reddish hue with no other abnormalities, the device settings are optimal.

Some cosmetic lasers or IPLs require a second pass over the treatment area with different settings.

Hair Removal Clinic: Post Treatment

After a aesthetic laser or IPL hair removal treatment he patient may experience a mild burning sensation and redness following the hair removal procedure. This is can be expected and can be relieved by applying ice packs and an oral anti-inflammatory or pain medication if warranted by the physician. Exposure to ultraviolet light (sun, tanning beds/booths) should be avoided. A sunscreen with an SPF 20 UVA and UVB protection should be applied to the skin prior to leaving the office.

In the case of burning or blistering a topical antibiotic medication should be applied and the skin clinics physician should be consulted.

Unfortunately, some patients may experience temporary pigment changes such as lightening or darkening of the skin.

Laser hair removal clinic patient education: The patient should be made aware that an actively growing hair is the only follicle which will respond to IPL treatments. In the weeks following the procedure, the portion of the hair which remains under the skin (after shaving prior to the procedure) will be be expelled. The patient will begin to see these hairs protrude from the follicles which may be misinterpreted as hair regrowth. This is especially more noticeable in areas of the body which has thicker or more coarse hair such as the armpits and genitals.

Laser hair removal patients should also be informed that no laser or IPL device can destroy all of the hair follicles… especially after only one procedure. Some hairs are in their dormant state and can’t be treated, some have been placed into a prolonged dormant state due to the procedure effects, and others have been transformed into vellus hairs (light, fine hairs). Several treatments are required at monthly intervals for an optimal outcome. A maintenance procedure performed at yearly intervals is recommended for permanent hair removal.

Skin Clinic MD related posts:

1. About Laser Hair Removal About Laser Hair Removal: Treatment Before laser and IPL...
2. Skin Tighening Skin Tightening: What to expect from your laser skin...
3. Bikini Line Laser Hair Removal Bikini line laser hair removal can be classified in...
4. Skin Clinic MD: IPL Why does my dermatologist have an IPL? Medical Spas,...
5. Skin Clinic: Botox & Dysport Botox &  Dysport are now offered at almost any...