Ellipse IPL

A thin layer of gel is applied to your skin before the treatment to ensure the maximum amount of light enters the skin. The Ellipse applicator is then pressed against the skin and a controlled pulse of light is released.

Because the treatment relies on absorption of light by melanin, there needs to be pigment in the hair, therefore, light blonde, red, grey or white hairs do not respond. The most efficient treatment is seen with dark hair.

A large number of hairs can be targeted in one flash of light. Treatment of upper lip takes approximately 5 minutes, whereas a back or both legs can take 20-30 minutes.

Every hair has a life cycle; it grows for a period of time, falls out and then starts to grow again. Only the hairs that are growing can be treated, so you need to repeat the treatment at intervals until all hair follicles have been treated while growing. Clinical studies have shown that typically 3-6 treatments are needed, and the intervals between treatments are typically 1-3 months.

It is important not to pluck, wax or use hair removal creams during the four weeks before treatment. This ensures that as many hair follicles as possible contain a hair which can be destroyed. It is also important to avoid tanning or self-tanning products before and during the treatment period otherwise your tanned skin will absorb the light instead of the hairs. It is also recommended to use sunscreen (min SPF 30) for four weeks following treatment.

While tolerance of pain is very individual, most people describe the sensation as practically pain-free, similar to that of a rubber band snapping onto the skin.