Iintense Pulse Light (IPL) hair removal was one of the first effective treatments for reducing and removing hair, and has been proven safe when utilized by qualified operators. A topical anesthetic is applied before treatment. Treatment works best when the hairs are present in the follicle; thus waxing and plucking should be avoided six weeks before treatment (it is okay to shave). IPL light energy interacts with the pigment in the hair follicle causing injury to the cells which grow the hair. A series of treatments are needed and with each subsequent treatment the hair follicle is further damaged and will produce hairs that are lighter and smaller in diameter.

It is important to remember that at any point in time, 20–30% of hair follicles are resting (i.e., not growing), and thus are not affected by the treatment. With the ELOS System, which utilizes IPL and radiofrequency energy, light color and red hairs, which often do not respond to laser hair removal, can be treated. Treatments are best administered to untanned skin as the pigment in the tan absorbs the energy meant for the hair follicle deeper in the skin.

**Benefits depicted are actual and not retouched. Patient results may vary. Each set of photos reflects the benefit realized by the person in that set of photos, and not necessarily the viewers final results.