Starlux IPL is the most advanced intense pulsed light system available today for hair removal. This procedure can be performed in as little as 15 minutes to 30 minutes, and you can return to regular activity immediately following. Laser hair removal can be performed on any area of the face or body, and is faster and easier than other methods of hair removal.
How Starlux IPL works
Starlux IPL works by selectively concentrating light energy in the hair follicle, leaving the surrounding skin unchanged. Laser and light sources produce a bright beam of light that is preferentially absorbed by melanin (the pigment in hair) and causes damage to the hair shaft and follicle without damaging the surrounding tissue. The dark terminal hair is either removed or replaced with a vellus (fine, light colored hair). The Starlux has several hand pieces, which we tailor to a patient’s skin type. Two of these are used specifically for patients that have darker skin types.
Q & A
What is the treatment like?
All hair removal procedures at Reflection are preceded by a complimentary consultation with the physician, offering you the opportunity to learn more about these exciting procedures and to ask questions. The Starlux uses targeted flashes of light to block the regrowth potential of hair follicles. Each treatment pulse covers a large number of hair follicles, making the procedure quick and effective. The Starlux hand piece has the ability to cool the skin during treatment, a unique feature of this device. This not only ensures a safe treatment, but a comfortable one, too.
Patients describe the sensation to be similar to that caused by the snap of a warm rubber band. Patients can elect to use topical anesthetic cream like Elamax, a cream that contains an anesthetic called lidocaine. This is available in a four percent or five percent formulation. Elamax should be applied in the office approximately 30 minutes to 40 minutes prior to the procedure. To apply, first clean the area with soap and warm water and gently pat dry. Then rub a thin layer of the cream into the area to be treated. Following this, apply a heavy layer of cream, as thick as icing on a cake, to this same area. This is the approach to achieve maximal anesthetic properties from Elamax. We don’t recommend using the cream on a large surface area, such as the legs or back, and this should not be occluded.
Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may appear minimally red in color. This reaction generally subsides within from minutes to hours. Ice compresses can hasten the resolution of the redness, if necessary. It is not necessary to put antibacterial cream on after the procedure. Avoid sun exposure after treatment.
How much does it cost?
Costs start at $200 and ranges, based on the area(s) treated. The lip area generally costs about $200, the face and neck costs from $200 to $450, the underarms and bikini costs from $250 to $300, and the back, shoulders and arms cost from $750 to $1,100. Package pricing is offered.
How many treatments will I need?
Approximately four to eight treatments are required. Treatments are spaced four to six weeks apart for the face, and six to eight weeks apart for the body. The full treatment area is covered during each procedure. Mild redness the day of treatment can be expected.
What should I do before my treatment?
Avoid tanning, tanning beds, waxing, plucking or threading, and bleaching for one to two weeks before treatment. There is no need to let hair grow long before the treatment. Shaving or clipping is fine and it should be performed one day prior to the procedure. Treatment areas should only have mild stubble at time of treatment. Backs must be shaven the day before treatment.
What should I do after my treatment?
Avoid bleaching or self-tanners for two weeks after treatment.
Is there downtime?
No downtime is required.
What are the benefits?
Whereas shaving, tweezing, depilatories and waxing are all temporary, laser hair removal offers a permanent method to remove unwanted hair. Side effects of waxing include the potential for allergic reactions, burns, ingrown hairs, and scarring. Waxing can also be quite painful. Depilatories can cause skin irritation and burns and must be performed weekly. Plucking and tweezing are impractical for large areas, can be painful, and may lead to pigmentation problems and scarring, especially in patients with darker skin