Flashlamps/Intense Pulsed Light (ELP) and Permanent Hair Removal

What is Flashlamps aka Intense Pulse Light (IPL)?

According to the Remington Company, more than 70% of men and 77% of women agreed that “the best facial hair is no facial hair.”  The world of hair removal is a vast and comprehensive field; in this article we will talk about flashlamps, what they are and how they can help someone experience permanent hair reduction.

Pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr., flashlamp or intense pulsed light (ILP) is a light-based hair removal method done by using a full-spectrum, broadband light.  There are two main differences between flashlamps and laser hair removal:

1. Type of light:  flashlamps do not use one wavelength of light which is normally used for laser hair removal.  A flashlamp emits every wavelength of light within a visible spectrum and a small amount of infrared radiation.
2. Shape and size of the beam:  most flashlamps emit a beam that is able to penetrate a larger area than a laser.  Lasers use a round type of light beam, while flashlamps use a rectangular spot.

There is very little statistical data to verify how much hair reduction is experienced, however some people experience permanent hair removal, while others notice a permanent hair reduction.

Description of an IPL treatment

Prior to undergoing a flashlamp/IPL procedure, a person needs to visit with a practitioner who will explain the process and answer any questions.  The IPL practitioner should be able to determine from an examination, whether or not the desired results are able to be achieved.  IPL treatments should never be conducted by an untrained or inexperienced technician.

Before undergoing an IPL treatment a practitioner will ascertain a patient’s comfort level and apply a topical anesthetic if necessary.   Once the area has sufficiently numbed, a soothing gel is applied and a pyramid or glass prism is put over the gel.  During an ILP treatment for permanent hair reduction, light pulses are aimed at the hair follicle which causes the hair to fall out and not grow back. 

Generally, IPL is thought to be ineffective for the removal of light colored hair.  IPL can be used on hair located in any area of the body such as neck, back, bikini area, arm pits, chest and legs.  Generally IPL treatments are performed every 3-4 weeks until the desired results are accomplished.

Permanency and appropriate use of Intense Pulse Light treatment

Is Flashlamps/Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Permanent?

The results a person experiences with intense pulse light treatment for hair reduction will vary and depend upon the following factors:

• Skin pigmentation
• Amount of hair to be removed
• Color of the hair to be removed
• How frequent the IPL treatments will be
• Cost of the treatment

The difference between long-term hair removal versus permanent is that with long-term hair removal, the hair will grow back without continued treatment.  When hair is permanently removed it does not ever grow back again and there are no 100% treatment methods for permanent hair removal.

Who is the Perfect Candidate for IPL treatment?

IPL is a painless procedure that works well on most skin pigments and does not usually result in removing any pigmentation.  IPL is also safe and can be used to eliminate hair of any color white, black, red, blond and brown.

If a person is prone to keloids, hyper or hypo pigmentation, dark skinned or deeply tanned or does not respond well to burning (i.e. sun tanning), they may not be a good candidate for IPL treatment.  Certain ethnicities such as Greek, Italian or African American may not respond well to IPL treatment.  People who are insulin dependent cannot be treated, because of the risk of wound-healing difficulties and infection. 

What are the Results of IPL?

Results with IPL will vary from person to person; however, most people report a noticeable difference quickly after starting IPL.  For most people, several sessions are needed to optimize results.  However, some people feel a significant improvement and notice results with just a few treatments.

The following are the pros, cons and complications that can be experienced from an IPL procedure:

Pros:

• Some people have experienced permanent hair removal/reduction
• Hair re-growth that does come back will be a lighter shade and have a finer texture
• Non-invasive and safe when performed by a professionally trained practitioner
• Light-skinned (fair complexioned) people with darker hair color yield the best results
• Can be used for larger areas of the body like the back and legs

Cons:

• There is no long-term studies about the effectiveness or safety of Flashlamps/IPL
• Does not work as effectively on people with red and blonde hair
• Rates of response have not been documented
• Must be used with extreme caution on people with darker skin complexions or people who tan
• Users must wear protective eyewear
• Can be expensive
• If done by an untrained professional IPL can cause burns, skin damage, and patchy hair re-growth
• Some people find the treatment uncomfortable
• IPL regulations vary by state, there are inadequate controls in place to limit incompetent practitioners
• Some people do not respond well to treatment

Complications and Side Effects:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Hyper or hypo-pigmentation
• Blistering
• Redness
• Possible long-term or permanent epidermal damage (rare)
• Skin discoloration

FDA and Flashlamps/Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

During the 1980’s, laser treatments were used primarily for the treatment of eye and skin disorders.  A medical research study in 1990 found that flashlamps were effective in the treatment of vascular lesions.  With the promising results found in the research study, one manufacturer applied and received permission to use flashlamps for hair removal.

Approximate Cost of IPL Treatment

The price for an IPL session will vary according to the size to be treated, with the national average price begin in the range of $350-600 per treatment.  A consultation with an IPL specialist will determine the number of sessions needed and if the desired results can be achieved.

Overview

Hair removal is one of the most common non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States each year.  Individual outcomes vary and anytime a practitioner promises the procedure to be 100% effective and a person will experience 0% hair re-growth, the claims should not be taken seriously.  Certain people have limited response to IPL, whereas others have exceptional results.