The question most asked by consumers of this service: laser hair removal or fotodepilation?
However, the question is not technically correct, since the term fotodepilation means “removal by light, the photon”, which we refer to both types of systems, both the laser and the IPL.
The main difference between hair removal systems lies in the way of emitting light. Laser systems are able to extract and stimulate a single wavelength, while IPL systems emit more or less broad band of wavelengths using a xenon lamp.
LASER
(Light Amplified by Stimulated Emision of Radiation)
Single wavelength: Each travels in a different direction. As a result the laser is punctual and precise.
Monochromatic (single color): It only has absorption in one color, so it is more easily absorbed by the chromophore feeling the attraction.
Unidirectional: photons (unit composing the beam) are going in the same direction = beam of coherent light.
Consistent: Focuses on a single point. Keeps the energy on the course.
Penetration and absorption capacity determined according to the wavelength.
IPL
(Intensed Pulsed Light)
A band of wavelengths: IPL is unfocused and versatile, so that a single equipment may treat different colors.
Polychromatic light (various colors) is absorbed
in various colors.
Defocused: consists of several wavelengths forming flashes of light in all directions.
Incoherent: emission loses power by distance in all directions.
Penetration and absorption capacity determined according to the the emission band.
I²PL
(Intense Pulsed Light Second Generation)
The pure light of a lamp used in an Intense Pulsed Light system includes invisible ultraviolet and infrared light and visible white light. The first generation of Intense Pulsed Light filtered ultraviolet light but not infrared.
The Second Generation Ellipse system (I²PL) has patented extra filter to remove infrared. These wavelengths of light are not absorbed by the chromophores which we treat, neither melanin and hemoglobin, but are absorbed by the fluid (interstitial). This ensures that the light directed to the skin contains only the wavelengths necessary to perform the treatment.
The I²PL treatment is more effective because it uses much less power and requires no artificial cooling. It also reduces the risk of side effects.
Conclusion
The two systems (both laser and IPL) are well developed, but like all products in the market there are many brands and quality levels. There are few companies recognized worldwide.
If we compare two systems on the same quality level, a laser and IPL, the result will be just as effective. In both permanent hair removal is achieved on thick or medium hair with color.
However, day to day experience shows that the hair does not always have these conditions and this is where the IPL system provides superior performance than a laser.
Using the laser, it should be applied a certain type of light beam (wavelength) appropriate for each skin type and hair type. This requires centers have several lasers to suit each patient.
In conclusion: the lasers are very precise and effective systems but with little versatility and that is their limitation.
In contrast, the high quality IPL clinically proven as safe and effective is a versatile system that can treat most skin types and conditions of thickness and color of the hair. Thanks to its broad emission band it is effective in this and other treatments.
Yes, its effectiveness, as well as the laser is always greater where the color contrast between the hair and skin is greater.
