Laser Hair Removal / IPL Hair Removal

 

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Laser or IPL treatments are common methods used for the long-term reduction of unwanted hair. IYAC offers both laser hair removal and IPL hair removal treatments to cater to a wide range of skin types and to treat almost any part of the face and body.

How laser works

The laser light targets melanin* in hairs, in turn which convert the light energy into heat. The heat is then transferred to the hair's follicle, which produces inflammation, and this inflammation sends a signal to the follicle to cause it to go into its resting (Telogen) phase.

*Melanin is the pigment in hairs and skin that gives it its natural colour.

How IPL works:

The visible light emitted from IPL (intense pulse light) targets melanin in hairs and heats the pigment up. The heat in the hairs is then transferred to the hair follicle, causing thermal damage.

Note: Since melanin is the target, hair must be light brown to black in colour. This applies to both laser and IPL treatments.

Hair Growth Cycle:

Each hair grows at a different rate and goes through 3 distinct phases: growth, transition and resting.

• Anagen - Growth Phase - approximately 85% of all hairs are in the growing phase at any one time. The Anagen phase  or growth phase can vary from between 2 to 6 years.
• Catagen - Transitional phase - at the end of the Anagen phase the hairs enters into a Catagen phase which lasts about a couple of weeks. During the Catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about a sixth of the normal length. The lower part of the follicle is destroyed and the dermal papilla breaks away to rest below.
• Telogen - Resting Phase - the resting phase follows the Catagen phase and normally lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this time the hair does not grow but stays attached to the shortened follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in this phase at any one time.

How safe are laser / IPL treatments for hair removal?

The removal of hair by lasers or IPL has been recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective and safe treatment. As both modalities of treatment only destroy the ability for hair to grow and does not affect the surrounding skin tissues, it is considered a safe way for removing hair.

Laser and IPL treatments offered at IYAC are FDA-approved for hair removal.

What are the causes of excessive hair growth?

There are many causes of excessive hair growth, including:

• Hereditary factors
• Normal aging processes
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal imbalance conditions with high testosterone levels
• Side effects of certain medications

For best results, it is important to exclude any treatable underlying cause of excessive hair growth before starting laser or IPL treatments. For example, an underlying hormone imbalance condition like polycystic ovaries causing facial hair growth, may give rise to ineffective results if the condition has not been sufficiently controlled through medication.

Most individuals choose to remove their hair for cosmetic reasons. Others choose to remove hair for hygiene reasons or to avoid social embarrassment.

How many laser / IPL treatments will I need?

Most areas require 5-6 treatments. Treatment intervals vary from 6 to 8 weeks. However, the number of treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on multiple factors such as hair thickness, the area treated and your hair’s growth cycle.

Am I suitable for laser / IPL hair removal? If so, which treatment is right for me?

At your initial consultation, Dr Yeoh will assess your suitablity for treatment and specify which treatment will work best for you. To reduce the risk of complications (such as hyperpigmentation), it is best for you to refrain from taking medications such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Patients who are tanned from sun exposure may be recommended to wait until the tan has faded before they can proceed with treatments.

Are laser / IPL hair removal treatments painful?

Although the treatments are low on the pain scale and tolerable for most patients, anaesthetic cream, if required, is readily available upon request.

How should I prepare for a hair removal treatment?

1. Avoid the sun (preferably for 2 weeks) before treatment as the paler your skin is the better.
2. Shave 2-3 days before treatment so there is only a small amount of stubble showing.
3. Stop bleaching, plucking and waxing for 2 weeks before the treatment.

Price of a laser hair removal or IPL removal treatment:

From $100 for the upper lip to $800 for the full legs. Packages of 6 sessions are also available. All prices are subjected to 7% GST.

 

Prowave 770™

The Prowave 770™ from Cutera is an advanced IPL system that combines a novel flashlamp emitting in the infrared spectrum with a programmable wavelength handpiece to allow treatment on a wide range of skin types. The procedure is well tolerated with no need for anaesthesia. The Prowave 770™ is FDA-cleared for the stable and long-term reduction of unwanted hair. How it works: The light heats up the hair follicle disabling the hair that is in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Benefits: Prowave treatments are fast, comfortable and effective. Its large handpiece allows the treatment of large areas such as women’s legs and men’s backs – quickly and safely. Other benefits include: - Effective and long-lasting results - Superior results over conventional IPL systems

 

Soprano ®XLi

The SopranoXLi, a diode laser, uses the most successful photoepilation wavelength (810nm), which makes it the gold standard for laser hair removal. In addition, a patented DualChillT mechanism ensures the surface of your skin stays cool and comfortable throughout your treatment. It has been touted as the most comfortable and painless laser on the market today. How it works: Instead of a pulse method of treatment, the SopranoXLi uses a unique IN-MotionT technologythat treats in a continuous sweeping motion. The laser energy does not go into the skin as a painful blast, but rather heats the hair follicles safely and gently until they no longer produce hair. What to expect: Patients who have been treated with other lasers prefer Soprano XLi as it is relatively painless compared to other systems. Most require 6 to 8 monthly sessions for complete and thorough hair removal. Benefits: Because of Soprano XLi's unique technology, treatment sessions are relatively comfortable. While pain tolerance is subjective, many patients often describe the sensation as soothing as a "hot stone massage." Other benefits include: - Complete coverage with no missed spots - Fast treatment times - Few side effects - Return to normal activities immediately - Safe for all skin types, including tanned and dark skin types which traditional laser systems are not effective on. Soprano XLi hair removal treatment is suitable for almost any face or body part. Commonly treated areas include upper lip and chin, underarms, arms, legs, back and bikini area. If you have hair where you wish you didn't, SopranoXLi is for you.