LASER VS IPL FOR HAIR REMOVAL

There is often some confusion among our patients when it comes to understanding the difference between IPL and laser hair removal.

Both treatments produce energy in order to disrupt the growth cycle of each hair follicle to reduce hair growth without damaging the surrounding tissue. However, this is where the similarity ends.

The main differences between Laser and IPL hair removal, lie in the technology that each use to generate the light.

Laser technology is simply much more effective, and achieves substantially better results than IPL – 90% of patients have permanent hair loss after 3-5 sessions.

Lasers are far more precise, and can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.

Laser machines produce a single wavelength of light, which has a very concentrated beam and specific target (the melanin in hair follicle). Laser machines create more heat directed at the hair follicle than IPL systems, hence achieving better result. The heat is absorbed by the follicle and not the skin, therefore there is a decreased risk of burning when using Laser machines – this also makes laser a safer option for darker skinned individuals.

IPL  produces a broad spectrum of wavelengths (like a light bulb) and cannot be focused to a concentrated beam. Because a range of different wavelengths are dispersed at a variety of depths only some of these will be effective for hair reduction.

A more shallow penetration in comparison to laser means that deeper, thicker hairs are not treated effectively. In addition, some of the light cannot be absorbed into the surrounding tissue as well, leading to heating of the pigment in the skin. This is why there is more of a risk of burns for a darker skin type.

The cost of a Laser treatment in comparison with IPL is higher, however there are a number of factors that determine this price difference, such as: the different costs of the machines (a laser machine is much more expensive to purchase); the different efficacy of the treatment (laser is much more effective than IPL), the necessity of a special trained doctor to do the treatments, the equipment must be authorized by the international agencies for health.

Therefore, the next time you hear about an offer from a friend or see a deal online about hair removal treatments, which sounds too good to be true, always ask what technology is going to be used. Is it a Laser machine or an IPL machine? The answer will hopefully then help you to make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with the treatment or not.

We hope this information was useful, but if you want to know more please call 004 0721 297 207 or visit our website: www.dermestetica.ro.