Harley Street Clinic Surrey provides IPL hair removal in our Reigate clinic. Before beginning treatment, your skin tone, hair colour, medical history and goals will be assessed to determine whether IPL is an appropriate option for you.
A course of treatments is normally required because individual hairs pass through different stages of growth. Results vary, and complete permanent hair removal cannot be guaranteed.
From £90
From 30 Mins
Minimal Downtime
Not required
Up to 5 years
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. Unlike a laser, which delivers a specific wavelength of light, IPL uses a broader spectrum of light to target pigment within the hair.
When the light is absorbed by melanin in a suitable hair, it is converted into heat. This heat affects the follicle and can reduce its ability to produce new hair. The surrounding skin is protected by selecting treatment settings appropriate for the individual patient.
IPL is most effective when a hair is in its active growth stage. As not every hair reaches this stage at the same time, a treatment course is needed to target different groups of hairs as they become active.
Although IPL hair removal is the term most commonly used, the intended outcome is long-term hair reduction. Some hair may remain or regrow, and occasional maintenance treatment may be recommended.
IPL hair removal treatment can be used on a range of facial and body areas where the hair contains enough pigment to respond to the light energy. Treatment plans can focus on one small area or combine several areas according to your needs.
During your consultation, your practitioner will assess the skin and hair in each area you would like treated. This is important because hair colour, thickness, skin tone and sensitivity can vary across the body. Some areas respond more quickly than others, and the recommended number of sessions varies accordingly.
IPL is generally used on areas where unwanted hair is causing concern, whether because of frequent shaving, visible regrowth, skin irritation or the time involved in other hair removal methods. It is not normally used on the eyebrows or very close to the eyes because of the sensitivity of the area and the need to protect the eyes from light exposure.
Facial hair can sometimes be influenced by hormonal or medical factors. If the pattern or growth of the hair suggests an underlying cause, your practitioner will advise whether further assessment is needed before beginning aesthetic treatment.
Larger areas, such as the legs, back or chest, may take longer to treat than smaller areas such as the underarms or bikini line. If you are treating several areas, your practitioner may recommend dividing the treatment into separate appointments depending on the total treatment time and your preferences.
Upper lip
Chin & Jawline
Sides of the face
Neck
Arms & Underarms
Legs
Bikini area
Chest & Abdomen
Back & Shoulders
Suitability for IPL depends on several factors, including your skin tone, hair colour, hair thickness, medical history and recent sun exposure.
IPL relies on pigment within the hair to absorb light energy. It generally responds more effectively to darker, coarser hair. White, grey, very light blonde and some red hair contains less of the pigment needed to absorb the light, so it may not respond effectively.
Your skin tone must also be assessed carefully. The treatment settings need to target pigment in the hair while protecting the surrounding skin. Recently tanned skin, including skin affected by natural sun exposure, sunbeds or fake tan, may not be suitable for immediate treatment.
Certain medications, health conditions and skin concerns can affect your suitability for IPL treatment. You should tell your practitioner about your complete medical history and any medication or supplements you are taking.
IPL is not suitable for every patient or every type of unwanted hair. An individual assessment allows the clinic to explain whether you are likely to benefit or whether another method is more appropriate for you.
Harley Street Clinic Surrey also offers Soprano Laser Hair Removal as a treatment. Your practitioner can explain the differences and help you understand which treatment is better suited to your skin and hair type.
Your consultation at Harley Street Clinic Surrey is an important part of the IPL treatment process. It allows the practitioner to understand your concerns and select an approach based on your individual skin and hair characteristics.
A patch test is carried out where required before the first full treatment. This applies the IPL energy to a small area so that your skin response can be assessed and appropriate settings can be selected.
Before your appointment, you will receive instructions explaining how to prepare the area. The hair is usually shaved rather than waxed or plucked because the follicle needs to remain present beneath the skin.
The treatment area should be clean and free from cosmetics, creams, deodorant or other products when you arrive.
You will be given protective eyewear to wear during the procedure. The practitioner will prepare the skin and adjust the IPL settings according to the treatment area and your individual assessment.
The IPL applicator is placed against the skin and controlled pulses of light are delivered across the treatment area. You may feel a brief warm or snapping sensation as each pulse is applied.
Your skin may look slightly red or feel warm immediately afterwards. You will receive instructions explaining how to care for the area and which activities or products to avoid.
Harley Street Clinic Surrey is a CQC-registered aesthetic and cosmetic clinic based in Reigate. IPL treatment is planned according to each patient’s skin, hair characteristics and goals rather than applying the same settings or treatment schedule to everyone.
Our approach includes:
You can meet our clinical team and learn more about the practitioners at Harley Street Clinic Surrey before booking.
All treatments are performed by fully qualified and experienced medical practitioners.
Our clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
We will follow up with you and take care of any questions you have before or after treatment.
Our doctors are on the General Medical Council's specialist register.
We only use MHRA-approved, market-leading products for all our treatments.
Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Aesthetic Surgeon
Consultant Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Harley Street Clinic Surrey is located in central Reigate, welcoming surgical patients from across Surrey, Sussex, South London and the wider South East.
The clinic is conveniently positioned for patients travelling from areas including Redhill, Epsom, Banstead, Sutton, Croydon, Oxted, Cobham, Leatherhead, Dorking, Guildford, Woking, Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.
Use the map below to find the clinic and plan your journey.
