French medi-spa EstheClinic Hong Kong, which picked up a whole host of gold awards in our recent Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards, offers a full menu of effective, pain-free and zero-downtime aesthetic treatments. Among the most popular are IPL treatment (Intense Pulsed Light) and lasers for permanent hair removal. We find out more about both of them below.
Hair removal using laser or IPL treatment
Permanent hair removal is achieved through what’s known as ‘selective photothermolysis’ (SPTL). This is where a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration is matched to obtain the maximum impact on the targeted area – and all with minimum effect no the surrounding tissue.
Both laser and IPL treatments use light to heat the hair follicle and prevent regrowth. But they do this in different ways. Lasers produce a particular type of light that’s like a single beam. It consists of one wavelength or colour of light all going in one direction. IPL devices, on the other hand, produce a wide range of wavelengths of light to produce a single white flash.
In both cases, the light enters the skin and is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft, which causes the shaft and follicle to heat up. When the right amoung of light energy is used, the follicle cells heat to a critical temperature that interrupts the hair growth cycle. The result is permanent hair reduction.
Safety, comfort and downtime with these two treatments
Because they use different technologies, there are some variations in the treatment experience between IPL and laser.
- Treatment time. Because the beam of light used in laser treatments is concentrated, laser devices have a tiny treatment window. IPL devices uses a broader flash of light, which means they can cover a much larger area at once. That upshot? A quicker treatment time compared to laser.
- Pain rating. According to the EstheClinic team, the single pointed beam of light used in laser treatments can result in more discomfort than with IPL. (The team utilises what’s known as MacPeel’s No Pain System, or NPS, in its IPL treatments.)
- Cost. IPL is more affordable, because laser light is expensive to generate.
- Longevity of results. EstheClinic has 15 years of experience of both laser and IPL hair removal, and they believe that results are similar from both treatments.
- Safety. Laser light is very powerful and can even be dangerous. The bonus of IPL treatment is that it’s much safer and so can be used risk-free for long-lasting results.
What next?
Customers can choose to have IPL treatment or laser; the technology is suitable for both men and women, and can be applied to all skin tones.
All EstheClinic therapists use processes developed by doctors, and the company maintains a partnership with physicians to ensure the team is always up to speed with the latest medical advances. This is why the first step at this medi-spa in Hong Kong is always a free, no-obligation consultation to assess the individual’s skin condition and medical history. You can also enjoy 50 percent off on your first treatment.
About EstheClinic
EstheClinic is a premium medi-spa dedicated to one mission: empowering you to feel confident in your own skin. Born in Paris over 25 years ago, the company has brought its signature non-invasive approach to Hong Kong, offering honest guidance in relaxing, beautifully designed spaces.
How to book a hair removal treatment
For appointment bookings, WhatsApp 9379 6859 or email enquiry@estheclinic.com.
- 16/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
- Shop F, G/F, King’s Hill, 38 Western Street, Sai Ying Pun
- 9/F, Daily House, 35-37 Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
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