Intense Pulsed Light Laser Hair Removal

HOW INTENSE PULSED LIGHT WORKS | INTENSE PULSED LIGHT HAIR REMOVAL FAQ | IPL HAIR REMOVAL PRICE LIST

In addition to Intense Pulsed Light Laser Hair Removal, our New York City medical spa also offers electrolysis hair removal and waxing. For more information about our hair removal methods, please contact us online or call (212) 644-7400 to schedule a free consultation.

How Does Intense Pulsed Light Laser Hair Removal Work?

Intense Pulsed Light laser hair removal (IPL) in our New York City medical spa provides long-lasting results for permanent hair reduction in both women and men. The Intense Pulsed Light hair removal system works by emitting pulses of intense light into the hair follicles. The dark pigment in the hair follicles absorbs the intense pulsed light and converts it into heat which loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for new hair growth.

After IPL laser hair removal, much of the hair removed will not grow back for months, and will grow back thinner and lighter in color. Other hair will not grow back at all. With multiple intense pulsed light hair removal treatments, clients will see a significant and permanent reduction in hair growth in the area(s) treated.

Many people find IPL laser hair removal to be significantly more convenient and comfortable than other methods of hair removal such as waxing, plucking, shaving, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. Pulsed light hair removal in our New York City medical spa generally take between 5 - 30 minutes.  Unlike waxing and electrolysis, hair does not need to grow out before IPL hair removal treatment.

IPL hair removal treatment in small areas, such as the underarms, upper lip, and bikini line, can be accomplished in about 5 minutes. Other areas, such as a woman’s legs or a man’s back, usually take less than 30 minutes of IPL hair removal treatment.

IPL laser hair removal at Shizuka New York Day Spa includes a free consultation and patch test. For the best results, 3-6 hair removal treatments are recommended per area. We generally recommend 4-6 weeks between IPL hair removal treatments to reflect the natural growth cycle of the hair. Please shave the area prior to IPL laser hair removal treatment. There is an additional charge for in-house shaving of large areas.

With intense pulsed light treatment you can remain virtually hair-free all the time.

Intense Pulsed Light FAQ

How many IPL hair removal treatments will I need to see results?

Although you will see results after the first treatment, permanent hair reduction with intense pulse light may take 3-6 sessions, depending on the individual.

Does my hair need to grow out before my IPL treatment?

No. Unlike waxing and electrolysis, Intense Pulsed Light hair removal grabs onto the pigment of the hair rather than the hair itself.  Please shave or closely trim hair in the treatment area before every treatment.

IPL vs. Laser Hair Removal

Although many people use "IPL hair removal" and "laser hair removal" interchangeably, IPL and laser hair removal actually use different kinds of light to achieve permanent hair reduction.

Is Intense Pulsed Light treatment appropriate for me?

IPL hair removal is appropriate for permanent hair reduction in both men and women. Because IPL works by targeting darker pigments, it is especially effective in individuals with fairer skin and darker hair. IPL hair removal may be less effective for those with blond or gray hair and those with dark or tanned complexions.  For these clients, we recommend electrolysis hair removal or waxing. If you are unsure if IPL hair removal in our New York City medical spa is right for you, please contact us online or call (212) 644-7400 to schedule a free hair removal consultation.

IPL Hair Removal Pre-Treatment Instructions

• Discontinue sun tanning, including the use of tanning beds and self-tanning creams 4 weeks before, and throughout the intense pulsed light hair removal treatment course.  Always use an SPF 30, or greater, sunscreen on any treatment area that will be exposed to the sun and reapply every 2 hours throughout the day. Wear protective, light-occluding hats and clothing.
• Discontinue the use of exfoliating creams that include Retin-A and other Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) ingredients.
• The area treated with Intense Pulsed Light should be shaved or closely clipped before the first hair removal treatment at our New York City medical spa, and before any subsequent hair removal treatments.
• Refrain from tweezing, waxing, sugaring, electrolysis or other epilation methods for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment and for the duration of treatments. It is best to shave or trim excess hair during the course of IPL hair removal treatment.

• If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the area of treatment you should consult your Primary Care Provider for medical evaluation and possible prophylaxis prior to IPL hair removal treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal Post-Treatment Instructions

• A mild sunburn-like sensation is normal after intense pulsed light laser hair removal treatment. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Apply cold gel packs or cool wet cloths to the areas treated with Intense Pulsed Light for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours until symptoms subside.

• Bathe or shower as usual. Areas treated with IPL may be temperature sensitive. Cool showers or baths will offer relief.

• Avoid aggressive scrubbing, use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofa sponges until the hair removal treatment area has returned to its pretreatment condition

• As IPL laser hair removal makes the skin photosensitive, you should avoid sun exposure to treated areas, as well as the use of sun tanning beds and self-tanning creams.

• Use a SPF-30 sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable.  Sun avoidance will decrease the likelihood of skin color changes and hyperpigmentation.

• Appearance of hair growth or stubble will continue for 7- 30 days after intense pulsed light treatment. This is not new hair growth, but the treated hairs being expunged/ purged from the skin.

• Hairs that were in the resting phase at the time of intense pulsed light hair removal treatment may enter the active phase in 1 to 6 months depending on the body area.

• Follow-up IPL hair removal treatment may be performed within 1-2 weeks of new hair growth.

• Avoid, swimming, hot tubs/Jacuzzis, and excessive exercise for 7 days after IPL hair removal or until redness resolves.

• If blisters occur after laser hair removal treatment, apply antibiotic ointment to the areas 2 times a day until healed.

• Do not pick or remove scabs or crusting; this will help decrease the chance of infection and scarring.

• A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as acetaminophen will help reduce discomfort. Take according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Before IPL Hair Removal	After IPL Hair Removal

Note: Individual results from IPL laser hair removal may vary.  For more photos, please visit the Palomar Medical website.

IPL Hair Removal Prices

Areas not listed are usually available for spot treatment at the cost of $15/pulse. Please consult with our staff for further details.