flash lamp
Flash lamps (also know as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)) is emitted from a hand device on to the skin. The light targets melanin in hairs and heats the pigment up. The heat in the hairs is then transferred to the hair follicle, causing thermal damage.
If the patient has dark hair and pale skin then most of the light will be absorbed by the hairs, as this contains the most melanin. However, if the patient has pale hair and dark skin then the light is more likely to be absorbed by the skin, resulting in less effective removal treatment.
The cost of removing hairs by flash lamp is relatively high, but this is one of the most effective permanent hair removal products.
Advantages
- Effective removal for large areas such as chests or legs
- Treatment is safe if performed properly
- Many patients have experienced long-lasting, permanent results
- Particularly effective product for light-skinned people with dark hair
- If re-growth occurs then hairs can come back finer or lighter in colour
- A lot of information is available on flash lamps as a result of its original purpose
Disadvantages
- There has been no long-term data analysis on the effectiveness of these products
- Improper treatment can cause burns, lesions, skin discoloration, and patchy re-growth
- Can be fairly expensive
- Can cause discomfort
- Not as effective at removing grey, red or blonde hairs
- Not as effective on darker skin tones
- Some patients do not respond to this treatment
Background
Flash lamps were initially designed to treat other skin conditions but early trials showed that they are effective as a permanent hair remover. Flash lamps work in a similar manner to laser products but with some important differences. Flash lamps use specific wavelengths of light that are set at the optimum for their absorption by the melanin pigmentation in the hair, yet at the same time minimising the trauma to the skin. The flash lamp products use a set of filters to ensure the correct types (or wavelengths) of light are used in the treatment. As there are more variables to adjust using a flash lamp device than with a laser, its effectiveness is more dependant on the experience of the practitioner.
Xenon is one of the most commonly used light sources for flash lamps because of the brilliant, full spectrum illumination it provides.
Treatment
Many people use flash lamps to remove hair from their face, chin, upper lip, neck, chest, nipples, armpits, stomach, back, bikini line, and legs. However, it is not recommended to use this method around the eyes.
After a single flash lamp treatment the hair will be noticeably thinner, but to achieve the best permanent results the patient will require a number of treatment sessions. Following a flashlamp hair removal treatment the skin may be sensitive and reddened. It is recommended that patients avoid direct sunlight on the treated area for a period of time afterwards.
Suppliers
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