IPL hair reduction

Long-term reduction in hair growth using intense pulsed light, at our
Mermaid Waters clinic. IPL reduces hair growth; it does not permanently remove all hair.
Most people need a course of 4–8 sessions and periodic maintenance sessions
afterwards.

How it works

The skin is cleaned and a cooling gel applied. Pulses of light are delivered through a
handpiece and absorbed by pigment in the hair. Treated hair sheds over the following one
to two weeks. A session takes from about 15 minutes for a small area.

Who it is suitable for

IPL relies on a contrast between the pigment in the skin and the pigment in the hair. It
is less suitable for deeply pigmented skin, where the light is absorbed by the skin itself
and the risk of burns and pigmentation change is higher. It does not work on very fair,
grey or red hair. A patch test is required before your first session, and we may advise
that IPL is not suitable for you.

Preparing for your session

Do not pluck, epilate or wax for six weeks beforehand. You may shave.
Shave the area the day before.
No fake tan for two weeks beforehand. We cannot treat skin with fake tan on it.
Avoid recent sun exposure.
Come with clean skin, free of deodorant and creams. Avoid vitamin A or retinol
products beforehand.

Risks, recovery and what to expect

This is a considered decision

IPL uses light energy absorbed by pigment. It carries a real risk of burns and pigmentation change, and it is not suitable for everyone.

Common effects

Redness and warmth in the treated area
Mild swelling around the hair follicles
Treated hair shedding over one to two weeks

Less common and serious risks

Burns and blistering
Temporary or lasting change in skin pigmentation
Scarring — rare
Paradoxical hair growth — uncommon

Recovery

The treated area is usually red and warm for a few hours. Avoid sun exposure, hot showers and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours. Sun protection afterwards is important.

Pain

Most people describe a sharp snapping sensation with each pulse. Pain thresholds differ; some people find IPL uncomfortable, particularly in sensitive or bony areas.

Outcomes and how long they last

Most people need a course of 4–8 sessions to achieve long-term reduction, and periodic maintenance sessions afterwards. Results vary with hair colour, hair thickness, skin tone and hormonal factors, and some hair does not respond.

Individual responses and results vary. The outcome experienced by one
person does not necessarily reflect what another person will experience. Some people see
little or no change. We cannot and do not guarantee an outcome.

Who performs this treatment

Skin treatments at our clinic are performed by our skin therapists, Aymie Lottier
and Alisha Roth. They are not registered health practitioners and do not perform
cosmetic injection or thread procedures.

Book a consultation

Every procedure begins with a consultation at our Mermaid Waters clinic, where we
assess whether it is appropriate for you, explain the risks and recovery, and give
you a written treatment plan including costs. Attending a consultation does not mean
a procedure will be recommended — sometimes we advise against one, and cosmetic
procedures are not the only way to address concerns about appearance.

Contact the clinic · 07 5616 8481