FAQs for the Ellipse IPL and Laser Training Centre
What is Ellipse Light?
The Ellipse Light is a second generation Intense Pulsed Light system used for Permanent Hair Reduction, Skin Rejuvenation & Acne and Facial Thread Veins. Ellipse Light is manufactured by a company called Ellipse A/S in Denmark. The background of Ellipse is that they are the company responsible for the manufacture and development of the Gamma camera used for cancer diagnostic treatment.
The first system developed was the Ellipse Flex system used for hair removal, vascular lesion removal, photo rejuvenation and pigmented lesion removal. 2001 saw the launch of the Ellipse Light system which was developed for the beauty industry utilizing the same advanced patented technology.
Hair Removal Treatments
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. An applicator is then pressed onto the skin and the light energy is absorbed into the hair causing a heat reaction to destroy the follicle.
Does it 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 lasts for a short moment.
Is any post treatment necessary?
We would advise that the clients avoid sun exposure and sun beds for 30 days after the treatment. It is also advised to avoid all perfumed products and heat treatments for 24-48 hours. Clients with sensitive skin may also benefit from an application of 100% aloe vera gel as and when necessary.
How many treatments are needed for permanent hair reduction?
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. The number of hairs in the anagen phase at any one time varies from 10-70% depending on the body site. We would therefore recommend 3-6 treatments with 4-8 week intervals for the best results. Top up treatments may be required in the future to maintain these results.
What precautions are needed?
Eye protection glasses will be provided for both the technician and the client to wear when receiving and performing treatment. Clients should avoid tanning 1 month ahead of and during the entire treatment scenario to avoid increased pain or burns from excessive light absorption in the epidermis. Immediately after the treatment the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light. A sunscreen of at least 30+ must be used for 30 days after the treatment.
Is permanent hair removal possible?
Permanent Hair Reduction can be successfully achieved with the Ellipse Pulsed Light system. After the first treatment the client gets significant reduction in hair density. Also re-grown hairs tend to become much finer and slightly less dark.
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 thus allowing the energy levels to be adjusted for the client’s individual needs.
How does the Ellipse Light compare to other laser and IPL systems?
The Ellipse is set apart from all other laser and IPL systems due to it’s patented ‘dual mode filtering’ system. All clinical data has been published in the ‘Journal of Cutaneous Laser Therapy’ demonstrating the full potential of the system.
Is the Ellipse like waxing or electrolysis?
No. Ellipse is very different from electrolysis and waxing. In comparison to electrolysis – Electrolysis is a much slower process as the needle has to be inserted into the hair follicle one at a time. Electrolysis can also be painful and can cause scarring. In comparison to waxing; waxing can also be painful. The hair growth needs to be a certain length before waxing can be repeated. In some cases the after effects can be a disadvantage to the client i.e. ingrown hairs and skin reactions. Ellipse treats larger areas of hair growth in shorter periods of time. It is less painful, much faster, and more convenient and has been shown to reduce in-growing hairs and skin reactions.
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments
How does the Ellipse Light work for Skin Rejuvenation?
Age spots and hyper pigmentation contains melanin and diffuse redness contains haemoglobin. The light is absorbed by the melanin in the pigmented area & the heat reaction caused breaks down the melanin in the keratinocytes. A photo toxic reaction occurs in the melanin vesicles and the excess melanin turns darker before it comes away from the skin. The light is also absorbed by the superficial blood vessels in the skin. The heat reaction caused coagulates blood vessels, destroys protein in the wall of the vessel and stimulates collagen production.
What skin conditions can be treated?
Skin Rejuvenation is the treatment of sun damaged skins. The treatment can be used for diffuse redness (high colour) and pigmented lesions such as hyper pigmentation, solar lentigines (sun spots) and freckles.
What can I expect as far as results?
Excess pigmentation and diffuse redness will dramatically reduce and skin texture and pore size will improve. The pigmentation will become darker in colour immediately after the treatment. A few days after the treatment the pigmented areas will develop a light crust (this is a good sign that the treatment has worked). After that the skin will look smoother and fresher. A few more treatment sessions may be required to keep a smooth and youthful appearance.
How many treatments are needed for the best results?
On average 1-3 treatments at 4 week intervals are needed for the best results. Top up treatments may be needed in the future to maintain these results.
What are the treatment requirements for acne treatments?
The Ellipse acne treatment is a combination therapy. We recommend you use adapalene (Differin or Redap) cream or gel for 1 month prior to the Ellipse treatment. Sun exposure should be avoided 30 days post and prior treatment. A course of 4 Ellipse treatments is recommended with 3 week intervals.
Facial Thread Vein Treatments
How does the Ellipse treatment work when treating Facial Thread Veins?
The light is attracted to the oxy-haemoglobin in the blood. As the light is absorbed by the blood in the vessels a heat reaction is caused which coagulates the blood and destroys protein in the wall of the vessel. The vessel then breaks down and the debris is removed by the body’s natural waste disposal system.
What post treatment reactions can be seen after treatment for Facial Thread Veins?
Slight redness is seen immediately the treatment and this will disappear in 1-2 hours or in some cases a few days. A blurring of the vessel is often apparent after treatment, normally followed by a variable degree of swelling. The swelling may last up to 4 days and may appear puffy, particularly around the eyes. These are all signs of inflammation and are an indication of successful treatment.
What post treatment precautions may be needed?
Aloe Vera will be applied after the treatment but if there is excessive erythema a cold compress can also be applied. The client can use 100% Aloe Vera gel at home for the next few days to reduce any continuing redness. It is also recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for 30-60 days post and prior to treatments.
How many treatments are necessary to remove Facial Thread Veins?
On average 2-4 treatments with 4 week intervals are needed for the best results. Top up treatments may be needed in the future to maintain these results.
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