IPL and Laser arethe same thing, aren't they??
No. There is a major difference between how IPL and Laser machines work.
Many people receive hair reduction treatments withIPL, believing it islaser.
Whilesome hair reductioncan be achieved with IPL, for most people the benefits vsrisks of that machine prohibit successful treatment.
This page will help explain the differences.
What's the difference?
The main difference is the 'kind' of light they produce.
IPL machines produce 'broad spectrum light' (all the colours of the rainbow). It is very bright, but not focused, so itdoes not target things very specifically.
Lasermachines produce a 'single' wavelength (one tiny part of that rainbow). It is very focused, and targets specific things very effectively.
Think of it like a torch compared toa laser pointer. A torchproduces a broad spread of clear light that illuminates everything. A laser pointerproducesa very precise, thin beam of coloured light, that travels much further.
Whatdoes that have to do withhair reduction?
The aim of laser hair reduction treatment is to destroy the hair follicle.
To do this successfully we need a form of light (energy) that will very specifically target the hair follicles, withenough power to reach the base of the follicle to destroy it, withoutoverlyaffecting surrounding skin.
Laser does this more safely and effectively than IPL.
This diagram shows the different kindsof light produced by Laser and IPL.
I was told I was definitely getting laser hair removal!
Many businessesfalsely advertise IPL as LASER.We regularly meet new clients that believe they have been receiving Laser treatment, and are disappointed to find out they have only been receiving IPL.
Because laser treatment is far more targeted, it is highlylikely that you will receive greater reduction in hair, with fewer treatments.
How can you tellthe difference?
If you have had gel applied to your skin before hair removal treatments, it is verylikely that you have been receiving IPL - not laser.Almost no lasers require gel to be applied to the skin before treatment.
A second difference is the type of hand-piece used to deliver the light. Laser hand-pieces are smaller, and IPL hand-pieces are quite large.
This picture demonstrates the different hand-pieces used to deliver treatment.
What is IPL good for then?
Whilst IPL is not the bestoption for hair removal, it is excellent at performing a number of skin treatments.
IPL can be highly effective for reducing general redness and flushing, removing fine capillaries, treating acne and rosacea, reducing certainpigmentation and itcan stimulate collagen formation, resulting in smoother and firmer skin.
Remember, all lasers and light therapy machines perform different tasks. Onemachine cannot do everything. At Gippsland Cosmetic Laser Clinic we have 6 completely different types of laser and light therapy machines to ensure your concerns willbe treated with the right device, specifically designed to addressyour particular concern.
If you have tried IPL before and had unsatisfactoryresults,it would be well worth trying hair reductiontreatments with ahigh-quality laser, such as our GentleMax Pro.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss this topic some more.
