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Comparisons
Here is a brief comparison of the intense pulsed light, radio-frequency and cold light techniques with other similar ones, without being exhaustive (please read the legal disclaimer).
Waxing hair removal
Hair removal using wax can be painful, depending on the zone and the hair density. It is only effective for a few days before the hair starts to grow again. Because this must be done every 3 to 4 weeks, the waxing method ends up, after a few years, being more expensive than hair removal using the intense pulsed light technique.
Electric hair removal
Electric hair removal entails inserting a needle through the hair root and then passing an electrical current through it to destroy the hair follicle. This is a painful method which carries the risk of infection. It takes a long time before obtaining a satisfactory result over a large surface.
Laser
The main advantage of lasers is their very high power for medical and surgical interventions. Such a very high power is not required for cosmetic treatment and for hair removal.
Compared to intense pulsed light (IPL), lasers have the inconvenient of not being able to treat large surfaces. Sessions are thus lasting longer with lasers than with IPL. Furthermore, the non-invasive depth of penetration of lasers is lower than RF mono-polar ones.
Lasers can also have the inconvenient, for certain types of cosmetic treatments, to provide only one single wavelength at a time, compared to the larger wave length range of IPL. "The wide spectrum of IPL and its deep effect in the infra-red range (between 700 and 1200 nm) are welcomed from a therapeutic point of view, mainly for non traumatic skin resurfacing, for photo-rejuvenation et for hair removal." (Source: Swiss Society of Dermatology and Venereology, 09.09.2005).
Therefore, the laser are primarily used for medical interventions. They may only be used by qualified medical staff, since they are extremely powerful and there is a high risk of serious burns. Hair removal is only one use deriving from this medical technology. Traditional hair removal is not a medical intervention but simply a part of beauty care. These days the laser in the medical environment is being replaced, slowly but surely by intense pulsed light with complete safety in beauty institutes.
In the area of cellulite reduction and body shaping, in-depth penetration capacity of lasers is less than the one of RF mono-polar (otherwise the skin must be cut). It is difficult to protect the dermis in order not to burn it. Same for the protection of deep tissues, e.g. muscles, in order not to induce retractions. There is no such risk with radio-frequency which a body reshaping treatment being non-invasive, non ablative and without social eviction side effect. There is no need for anesthesia with RF, while lasers can be painful.
In the area of skin resurfacing for wrinkles reduction, compared to IPL and to RF mono-polar, the laser can be seen as intrusive, because it is destroying the surface of the dermis for smoothing purposes. The side effects of this laser treatment are visible during many weeks: redness of the skin, seepage of the skin, extreme and painful skin sensitivity to light and touch.
Ultrasonic
Classical ultrasonic therapy in the area of treatment of cellulite permeabilizes the membranes of the fat cells. Compared to RF mono-polar, their effect is less accurate and more limited, due to their longer wave length. Their in-depth penetration capacity is less than the one of RF mono-polar. It has the inconvenient of not stimulating as effectively the lymph and blood micro-circulation.
Cavitation
Low frequence ultrasonic therapy by cavitation effect is the most advanced non-invasive technology in the area of treatment of cellulite. It is destroying the membranes of the fat cells and liquefying the fat. Compared to RF mono-polar, it is not stimulating as effectively the lymph micro-circulation in the whole body. Some patients are feeling a strong audible irritation during ultrasonic treatment.
Electric micro pulses
Muscles stimulation by electric micro pulses for fat reduction is stimulating the micro-circulation. It is mainly effective for preventing new cellulite and for treating cellulite of stage 1 and 2. Compared to RF mono-polar, their action is limited by their wave length. It is inefficient for the most advanced stages 3 and 4 of cellulite. Electric micro pulses can be a complementary treatment following a RF mono-polar session in order to evacuate the released toxins and fat cells.
Mechanical massage
Mechanical massage for lipo-reduction is a technique almost similar to manual massage. There is a very nice feeling of relaxation. The main benefit of this technique is the stimulation of the micro-circulation. The obtained effect is mainly preventive and not curative. Excessive strengh can damage the skin.
Chemical peeling
Chemical peeling detroys the superficial layer of the skin in order to induce its regeneration. Subsequent peelings may alter irremediably the skin and mainly its pigmentation. There are heavy side-effects. IPL and RF are more efficient and more comfortable techniques than chemical peeling for skin spot treatment, for acne scars, for skin rejuvenation and for wrinkle reduction.
There are many methods and techniques available for esthetic care. Our specialists are able to give you the best advice taking into account your specific case.
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