Body hair removal is a very popular procedure. Most people look for the most convenient ways to remove unwanted hair so they can enjoy smooth skin.
Laser hair removal and IPL laser hair removal are two of the most effective procedures available. There are some key differences that you should know before you book an appointment to remove unwanted hair.
At Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center, we offer the best hair removal services in greater Los Angeles, CA. Visit our center to get to know us and what we offer!
How IPL Laser Hair Removal Works
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. When we apply IPL to areas with unwanted body hair, different wavelengths of light target various layers of your skin. The light transforms into heat and damages your hair follicles so that no new hair can grow.
The light pulses emitted by our IPL device are weaker than a standard laser. IPL distributes varying wavelengths of light across larger areas of your body than laser hair removal. This allows us to remove unwanted hair quickly and effectively in larger areas.
Since IPL laser hair removal reaches various layers of your skin, it can target lighter hairs with dark follicles. Only dark body hair attracts the laser during traditional laser hair removal procedures.
IPL laser hair removal is a broader-spectrum procedure than standard laser hair removal. You need multiple IPL laser hair removal sessions to permanently seal your hair follicles and prevent regrowth.
What to Expect During Your IPL Treatments
When you come in for IPL laser hair removal, expect a quick appointment. IPL treatments take no longer than one hour. Most patients are able to leave our office within 30 to 45 minutes after the start of their treatment.
The length of your appointment depends on the size of the areas being treated. We can give you a time estimate once we come up with your customized treatment plan.
We apply a cold gel to the treatment areas to protect your skin from heat. This will also ensure your comfort during the procedure.
You must wear goggles for eye protection while the IPL device is turned on. We will move the device over the treatment areas and reposition it as necessary. You will feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin. This is very well-tolerated by most patients.
After your treatment is over, you are free to leave our office. We recommend applying sunscreen to the treatment areas, as your skin will be vulnerable to heat and UV rays. You can use ice packs and aloe vera gel to soothe your skin afterward.
IPL Results
IPL laser hair removal can get rid of 70-80% of unwanted body hair in the treatment areas after 4-6 sessions. This means that most of the body hair you want to remove will be gone for a long time after your IPL treatments.
IPL results last for about one year. After a year, you will likely need maintenance treatments in some areas. If you do experience hair regrowth, the hair will likely be lighter and finer than your original body hair.
Individual patients have different hair removal needs. IPL is a weaker treatment that protects your skin from intense laser energy. Because of this, you might see a little more regrowth later on. However, if you have sensitive skin, IPL will be more comfortable and tolerable for you.
Hair Removal Treatment Areas
We can treat most parts of your body with IPL laser hair removal. You can select multiple treatment areas to knock them out in the same session; this will save you time and money.
We can treat the following areas with laser hair removal:
- Underarms
- Legs
- Arms
- Chest
- Back
- Private areas
- Face
Depending on where you want to remove unwanted hair, we may be able to produce favorable results in just a few sessions.
Key Differences Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal
When deciding which hair removal method you want, it is important to note the key differences between them. IPL and laser hair removal are similar procedures, but there are some important things to note.
Standard Laser Hair Removal
Traditional laser hair removal works in the following ways:
- Attraction to dark hair follicles
- Single-wavelength treatments
- Prevents regrowth for up to 2+ years
- Deep skin penetration
- Stronger, more targeted treatments
These qualities are beneficial for some patients. Most people need fewer laser hair removal sessions than IPL treatments to see optimal results.
IPL Hair Removal
IPL works in the following ways:
- Penetrates your skin at varying depths
- Weaker, more evenly-distributed treatments
- Attraction to dark and light hair
- Prevents 70-80% of regrowth for up to one year
- Protects your skin from intense heat
- Requires at least 4 to 6 treatments
- Shorter treatment sessions
Choosing between IPL and traditional laser hair removal comes down to personal preference. We can help you make this decision based on the color, thickness, and growth areas of your unwanted body hair.
Remove Unwanted Hair Quickly and Effectively
IPL and laser hair removal procedures are more effective and convenient than other hair removal methods.
Shaving, waxing, and hair removal creams have numerous unpleasant side effects. You can spend thousands of dollars buying materials for temporary hair removal over your lifetime. In contrast, IPL and laser hair removal produce nearly permanent results for a fixed price.
No matter which procedure you choose, you are in good hands at our office.
Book a Hair Removal Appointment in Greater Los Angeles, CA
If you are near greater Los Angeles, CA, and want to achieve smooth, soft, hair-free skin, come to Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center. We provide high-quality hair removal services for competitive prices. Book your appointment with us today!