WHAT IS ELLIPSE LIGHT?

Ellipse light is a second generation Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system used to safely and effectively reduce unwanted hair. A course of treatments is advised with 4 – 8 week intervals in-between for the best results. As treatment progresses, the amount of hair present on the area will become reduced and finer in texture so you will not be as aware of it.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The visible light source used in this procedure is attracted to melanin, which is found in hair. Because there is more melanin found in darker hair the darker the hair is, the more effective the treatment. During the treatment an Optical Coupling gel is applied to the skin to aid the treatment. The applicator is then pressed onto the skin and the light energy is absorbed into the hair causing a heat reaction to destroy the follicle.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Typically, a course of 6 treatments, at 4-8 week intervals, is adequate to provide permanent hair reduction. The number of treatments required however can vary depending on hair density, hair colour, skin type, the area being treated and your hair growth. In turn, the density of your hair and its growth depend on other factors such as age, hormones, medication and your ethnic background. This will be discussed during your consultation.

WHY DO I NEED REPEAT TREATMENTS?

There are 3 different stages of hair growth: Anagen (growing stage), Catagen (transition stage) and Telogen (resting stage). When we treat an area all hair growth stages are targeted however only hair in the anagen (growth) stage can be treated successfully as this is where the hair is attached to the dermal papilla and blood supply and is most likely to be destroyed. The hairs can be in any of these three stages at any one time. For this reason the treatment must be repeated until all the hair follicles have passed through the growth stage. We therefore recommend a minimum of 6 treatments with 4 -8 week intervals for the best results.

WILL MY HAIRS EVER GROW BACK?

Actively growing hairs that are treated should not grow back. Once a hair follicle is damaged it cannot grow hair. However, hair follicles that did not enter the active growth phase at the time of your treatment will still need to be treated. It is therefore not unusual for patients to have a touch-up treatment 6-12 months after the initial treatment. Patients experiencing hormonal changes may also require touch up treatments from time to time.

DOES IS HURT?

The treatment sensation varies from area to area and from client to client. As the light energy is absorbed by melanin, the sensation that is felt depends upon the amount of melanin found in the epidermis and the hairs. Therefore it hurts more in darker skinned/tanned individuals and those with dense black hair. Most clients describe the sensation as quite moderate almost like the snapping of a rubber band, which only last for a short moment.

IS THE ELLIPSE LIGHT TREATMENT SAFE?

Yes. It is completely safe. Ellipse is a 2nd generation Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system utilising a patented ‘dual mode filtering’ system, which removes all unnecessary and potentially harmful wavelengths. The Ellipse has pre-programmed treatment suggestions for different skin and hair types.