FAQ

How does IPL Work?

The Ellipse IPL hair system produces a high intensity flash 
of light from the applicator head, which has been placed in contact with the skin. The energy from the light source is absorbed by the pigment melanin, which is the chromophore which gives hair its colour. 

The skin cells rapidly absorb the filtered light that in turn is converted into heat. The heating denatures the cells.

How is the Treatment Carried Out?

The crystal applicator is placed in direct contact with skin surface and the light is pulsed through onto the skin.

The applicator is then moved a fraction further along the skin surface, and the process is then repeated with pulse light, until the whole area to be treated is similarly treated.

Who Can Be Treated?

Fair skin is more easily treated due to the high contrast of the skin with the age spots or redness areas, which gives maximum absorption, and conversion of light energy into heat.

The upper skin layer of the epidermis also contains melanin. Melanin concentration increases when the skin is exposed to UV light as in tanning.

It is therefore necessary to treat the dark skinned individuals with less energy to avoid generation of excessive heat and pain to the skin. The Ellipse IPL software allows one to adjust the treatment parameters for different hair and skin pigment type.

Does it Hurt?

As the light energy is absorbed by the pigment melanin, the discomfort depends upon the concentration of melanin in the epidermis.
Consequently it hurts more in dark skinned people and those with dense dark hair. No anaesthetic is required and most clients describe the pain as moderate and acceptable.

(Likened to a sharp hot prickle)

Are there any side effects?

The visible light is completely safe however some special precautions are needed apart from glasses preventing excessive bright light absorption generated from the flashes. The skin of some clients turns bright red immediately after treatment and very rarely blisters as from excessive sun exposure may occur.

Normally there are no side effects at all and the described skin reactions as above usually disappear within a few hours to a few days.

Ellipse IPL is
Non-Invasive .

How Many Treatments Will i need?

Normally 4 treatments are required, regularly over a four week period.

However, for acne treatments, three regular treatments are recommended over a four week period (topical ointments may be required, by GP prescription.)

How do I prepare for Treatments?

Patients should avoid TANNING one calendar month before treatments AND immediately after a treatment the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light and strong sunlight should be avoided for 4-5 days. Also, an SPF30 sun barrier cream should be used daily for a fortnight after each treatment session.