About IPL
05 Oct 2008 06:05 AM | Posted by Editor
Where's the best place to go for IPL?
Q)" I'm interested in getting some IPL treatments. Is it better to go to a beauty salon or a dermatologist and what is the difference?" – Jen, VIC
A) Dr Michael Rich, a specialist dermatologist from Melbourne, recommends that if you choose to use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat skin conditions like pigmentation and rosacea, you should visit a dermatologist for the procedure: "Some would say I have a bias, but I don't believe that beauticians should use IPL machines. Like lasers, IPL machines should only be operated by doctors because they are too risky, in my opinion, otherwise.
"For example, if you cause trauma to dark skin surrounding a patch of pigmentation [while using IPL], you'll create a brown mark in that surrounding area too."
However, if you're interested in IPL for hair removal, it's not likely you'll want to go to your GP for a referral to a dermatologist! There are some specialist cosmetic laser centres you could visit. The important thing is that you feel comfortable that the practitioner can tell whether IPL is right for you (eg. light-based hair removal can be unsuitable for people with dark skin) and can inform you of potential side effects (eg. temporary swelling and redness).
Avana cosmetic clinics have a website (laserclinic.com.au) where you can email a consultant any questions that you have about IPL hair removal and that also lists Avana clinics around Australia.
Member Comments
(104)
Posted by:
Kathleen
(Australia)
I'm definately thikning about IPL for hair removal, however cost is always an issue with this sort of thing!
Posted on:
November 07, 2007 (Nov 7, 2007 9:20pm)
Posted by:
rachael
(Australia)
I"ve had IPL from a beuatician and found it was fine. I was treating red skin (rosacia) and it worked really well. I used a good skin product at the same time too.
Posted on:
November 10, 2007 (Nov 10, 2007 9:30pm)
Posted by:
Natasha
(Australia)
I have had IPL from a Beautician and they did a great job. After a 4-5 sessions I am almost hair free. No more waxing (the savings will start now)... and also have not more ingrows.
The best part of the treatments was that they were at my normal salon and the professions from Martin and Rubinstein (http://www.martinrubinstein.com.au/) came to my regular salon. I think they go to Salons throughout Victoria check out their website.
Posted on:
November 12, 2007 (Nov 12, 2007 3:00pm)
Posted by:
glamourcat
(Member since 2007, Australia)
I have been thinking about IPL to remove to small facial scars, as nothing else has worked, not Retin-a, Mederma or Bio-oil/rosehip oil...
Posted on:
November 17, 2007 (Nov 17, 2007 1:09pm)
Posted by:
susanbritney
(Australia)
I don't think I'd get this done
Posted on:
November 19, 2007 (Nov 19, 2007 5:03am)
Posted by:
Miss Bec
(Australia)
IPL sounds good. Can you imagine a life without hair removal! Bliss.
Posted on:
November 22, 2007 (Nov 22, 2007 9:26pm)
Posted by:
fortysixbeauty
(Australia)
Thanks I was hesitant to try, but sound ok now, thanks.
Posted on:
November 29, 2007 (Nov 29, 2007 9:22am)
Posted by:
soniar
(Australia)
definitely going to get this done once i save up enough dough!
Posted on:
December 11, 2007 (Dec 11, 2007 3:18am)
Posted by:
modjo72
(Australia)
i used it for melasma, only lightened it a bit though...
Posted on:
December 15, 2007 (Dec 15, 2007 7:44pm)
Posted by:
tana
(Australia)
I have had two sessions of ipl, for treating my melasma. Having a dark complexion I was warned it could make it worse and it did. I have since resorted to using bleaching creams and lightening acids and have noticed a real difference at a third of the price.
Posted on:
December 21, 2007 (Dec 21, 2007 9:08pm)
Posted by:
hayleybayley
(Australia)
I have a condition called PCOS and a a result got unwanted facial hair. I have had many treatments of IPL. Each session is worth it, and where i go it is tottaly pain free. I have dark skin, thus stronger thicker hair and it has just been a godsend. I would highly recommend the place i go to, to anyone!
Posted on:
December 26, 2007 (Dec 26, 2007 12:58am)
Posted by:
Redlox
(Member since 2007, Australia)
I'd want to use this for hair removal around the belly and rosacea on cheeks, but I'm worried about how expensive it must be.
Posted on:
January 07, 2008 (Jan 7, 2008 10:44pm)
Posted by:
Bronze Baby
(Member since 2008, Australia)
It'd be expensive
Posted on:
January 13, 2008 (Jan 13, 2008 4:54pm)
Posted by:
Katie_B
(Member since 2007, Australia)
A dermatologist would probably have a greater insight into IPL.
Posted on:
January 14, 2008 (Jan 14, 2008 9:45am)
Posted by:
seaqueen
(Australia)
Curious to know which bleaching products Tana used?
Posted on:
January 21, 2008 (Jan 21, 2008 6:08pm)
Posted by:
Jess84
(Member since 2007, Australia)
I was told that I was a good candidate for IPL to remove hair as I have fair skin and dark hair. I had the recommended 6 treatments and it seemed like it worked at first - but now 6 months later the hair has grown back.
Posted on:
January 21, 2008 (Jan 21, 2008 7:05pm)
Posted by:
lynx
(Member since 2008, Australia)
I don't think my empty pockets are enough to pay for something like this.
Posted on:
January 23, 2008 (Jan 23, 2008 4:42pm)
Posted by:
pipster
(Member since 2007, Australia)
Would probably not go ahead with this.Especially if you'd have to keep coming back.
Posted on:
January 28, 2008 (Jan 28, 2008 12:40am)
Posted by:
gogirly
(Member since 2008, Australia)
don't think this one is for me
Posted on:
January 29, 2008 (Jan 29, 2008 6:09pm)
Posted by:
vicki333333
(Australia)
Me either..but interesting
Posted on:
January 30, 2008 (Jan 30, 2008 9:25pm)
Posted by:
sanctuary
(Australia)
Yes its expensive but so worth it. I have just done one section of my body at a time to deal with the cost. Start with one area such as underarms first, when you've finished there, go on to the next section. Is more affordable that way.
Posted on:
January 31, 2008 (Jan 31, 2008 9:49am)
Posted by:
softness
(Member since 2007, Australia)
Yes skin specialists and dermatogists are great knowledgable people to visit when you have a skin problem. I've visited one 15 years ago for acne (no acne now!!) and also for my daughter for eczema and allergies. They are so quick to find perfect answers and I'd recommend these doctors over laser people anyday.
Posted on:
February 02, 2008 (Feb 2, 2008 8:31am)
Posted by:
tuiman
(Member since 2007, Australia)
It sounds really interesting, but with the cost I don't think I'll get it done for hair removal.
Posted on:
February 02, 2008 (Feb 2, 2008 3:19pm)
Posted by:
cosmeticsseller
(Australia)
sounds interesting, but is the cost worth it compared to say DIY waxing, or shaving? Can you imagine your brazillian at 70 years of age.
Posted on:
February 03, 2008 (Feb 3, 2008 4:29pm)
Posted by:
lgauci
(Member since 2008, Australia)
Thank you interesting facts on ipl
Posted on:
February 04, 2008 (Feb 4, 2008 1:18pm)
Comment on this article
Posted by: Kathleen (Australia)
I'm definately thikning about IPL for hair removal, however cost is always an issue with this sort of thing!
Posted on: November 07, 2007 (Nov 7, 2007 9:20pm)