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Hair Removal

Ellipse Super Light long-term hair removal

Humans have had a problem with hair for thousands of years. Flint razors have been found that date back to the time of the cave-dwellers, and archaeologists have discovered obsidian shaving tools that are around 4000 years old. As well as shaving, other methods have been and are still used: plucking, waxing and needle epilation. All have a drawback - shaving, plucking and waxing are all temporary; needle epilation is only capable of treating one hair at a time.

Excess hair may be the result of medical conditions, but the pressure to remove it may be cosmetic. Cultural norms and peer group pressure often require the removal of hair in certain regions such as the face, axillae (armpits), legs and bikini line for women and the chest and back for men.

Ellipse Super Light hair removal treatment offers clinically-proven, safe and effective long-term removal of unwanted hair.

How does Ellipse Super Light treatment work ?

To achieve long lasting or permanent hair removal, it is necessary to destroy the hair follicle from which individual hairs grow. Well controlled pulses of light penetrate the upper skin layer and are absorbed by one of the body's own natural chemicals - melanin - in the hair contained in the follicle.

Melanin converts the light energy into heat. This heat is transferred to the hair follicle, which is destroyed, making it unable to produce a new hair. The treatment is only effective on growing hairs as these are still attached to the follicle. The majority of our hair is in the resting phase which explains why more than one treatment is necessary.

This technique is called "Selective Photothermolysis”.

The visible light produced by the Ellipse Super Light systems are carefully controlled to produce the correct pulse length and right amount of energy to destroy the follicle.

Question and Answers

How does the Ellipse Super Light treatment work?

The visible light from the flash lamp is guided via a glass prism to the hairy area. Hairs contain pigment (melanin) that absorbs the light and converts it into heat. The heat is led through the hair into the hair follicle which is then destroyed and rendered unable to produce hair.

To ensure optimal light transmission to the hair a thin layer of gel (similar to that used in ultrasound examinations) is applied to the skin. The hand held applicator is then slid over the entire treatment area by moving it exactly one width after each flash of light.

Can all hairs be treated?

As the treatment relies on absorption of light in the hair pigment, melanin, the most efficient treatment is seen with dark hairs which are easier to heat up to the required temperature that destroys the hair follicle. The unique software of Ellipse Super Light is pre-programmed for different skin colours and adjusts the energy output to match the requirements of your skin.

How many treatments are needed for permanent hair reduction?

No-one can guarantee permanent removal of all hairs. It is possible to remove the hairs, but not the reason that hairs grow. It is better to think of hair reduction (hair management) than hair removal. Only hairs in the growing phase can be treated, successfully with Ellipse Super Light. The length and timing of the growth cycles are affected by numerous factors such as body site, hair density, thickness, ethnic origin, hormonal level and age. Usually 3 - 6 treatments are needed and the intervals between treatments are typically 1 - 3 months.

Is permanent hair removal possible?

Nobody knows for sure. Hair management and hair reduction are increasingly the terms used. After the first treatment most people get significant reduction in hair density. Hairs which re-grow tend to become finer and lighter in colour. It is important to know that the first treatment is believed to synchronise the growth phase of the non-growing hairs. This causes what seems to be re-growth - but what happens is that the remaining "resting" hairs start growing at the same time.

How long does a hair removal treatment session take?

The glass prism of the Ellipse Super Light applicator which guides the light to the skin is 1 cm by 5 cm so a large number of hairs are targeted in one flash of light. A facial treatment takes around 10 minutes whereas a back or both legs take 1 – 1/2 hours.

Which precautions are needed?

In order to have a successful treatment, there has to be hairs attached to the hair follicle, hence no plucking, threading, waxing or use of depilatory creams are allowed one month before your first Ellipse Super Light treatment.

You should avoid tanning (sun, solarium and self-tanning creams) from one month before treatment and during the course of treatment. This will reduce light absorption by the skin, and reduce the risk of pain or burning. After treatment, the skin is more sensitive to UV-light, and exposure of the treated area to the sun should be avoided for a few weeks, to improve the long-term results. A sunscreen (SPF 30) must be used for one month after the treatment

Are there any side effects?

Most people experience no side effects of treatment. A normal reaction is that the skin becomes quite red immediately after treatment. Occasionally small blisters can occur, similar to those experienced from excessive sun exposure. These skin reactions usually disappear within hours to a few days. In rare cases, temporary pigment changes in the skin might occur, but most people experience fewer problems than after laser treatment.

Does Ellipse Super Light treatment hurt?

No anaesthetics are required and most people describe the pain as moderate (like snapping a rubber band against the skin). Ellipse uses a filter to remove light wavelengths that are absorbed by water in the skin that may cause burning. However, because light energy is absorbed by melanin in the skin surface, people with very dense black hair or with much pigmented skin will find the treatment less tolerable.

How can I be sure Ellipse Super light is safe and effective?

Clinical trials documenting Ellipse Super Light's safety and effectiveness are carried out by leading doctors prior to the release of the product. The results of these tests are then published in respected, refereed medical journals. You are welcome to view these scientific papers clicking on the link Article list. The settings used for your treatment will be based on the settings recommended by the clinicians who carried out the clinical trials.

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