laser versus intense pulsed light (IPL)
for hair removal
Lasers and IPL are the most common types of devices used for permanent hair reduction. Many companies advertising laser hair removal perform their treatments using an IPL device. However, an IPL device is not a laser. Before beginning a treatment program, it is important to have a basic understanding of how these devices work and which device will best suit your needs. Our professional observations along with evidence from clinical research studies indicate that a true laser is more effective at removing unwanted hair than an IPL device.
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Laser | | |
IPL |
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The Basics | |
Unlike ordinary sunlight which contains lots of different wavelengths, a laser has only one wavelength. Furthermore, all the wavelengths are in the same phase, with the waves running parallel to each other and in the same direction. Because of these properties, all of the laser's energy is focused to produce a narrow beam of intense power.
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IPL devices emit high-intensity light. Unlike lasers, the light from an IPL device contains a variety of wavelengths, the wavelengths are not in phase with each other, and the waves do not run parallel and in the same direction. As such, an IPL device cannot create a pinpoint-sized high energy beam of light.
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Efficacy | | Clinical research studies support our observations that hair removal with a laser results in greater follicular destruction, decreased incidence of hair regrowth, and higher patient satisfaction compared with hair removal using an IPL device.[1,2]
| | | For the ideal patient, e.g. those with very fair skin and very dark hair, IPL has produced good results. However, lower contrast individuals with dark skin and dark hair or light skin and light hair typically do not have satisfactory results. Due to the non-selective nature of IPL, inadequate parameters must be used in lower contrast clients. This results in less follicular destruction - leaving increased quantities of fine hair instead of the more complete removal that is seen with a laser.
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Safety
| | Comparable
| | Comparable
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| Number of Treatments | |
Approximately 6 treatments
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8-12 treatments |
Cost | | Comparable
| | Comparable
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1 Leheta TM. Comparative evaluation of long pulse alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light systems for pseudofolliculitis barbae treatment with one year of follow up. Indian Journal of Dermatology 54(4): 364-368 (2009). 2 McGill DJ, Hutchinson C, McKenzie E, McSherry E, Mackay IR. A randomised, split-face comparison of facial hair removal with the alexandrite laser and intense pulsed light system. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 39:767-772 (2007).
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