One of the most common stigmas of hair removal is that laser is far more effective than IPL. This common misconception is a result of several underlying reasons: 1. Better positioning of laser as a technology. 2. In many countries, only physicians are able to operate a laser system. 3. An abundance of lower grade IPL machines throughout the beauty industry utilizing outdated technology. 4. A lack of clinical knowledge among IPL practitioners regarding hair growth and dermatology. A number of comparison studies aimed at selecting the best photoepilation system have been conducted, however different users have different comparison criteria. When the performance to cost ratio is the main criteria in the present stage of technological advancement, IPL systems may have a competitive edge over laser-based systems [1].
IPL is more cost effective!
Below a list of different comparison studies: 1. According to Manstein et al. (2001), from the melanin absorption criterion, IPL has a thermal efficiency similar to most lasers used for photoepilation. The thermal effect of the IPL 480 nm filter is equal to the ruby laser (694 nm), 570 nm filter is equal to the alexandrite laser (755 nm), 620 nm filter is equal to the diode laser (800 nm), and 920nm filter is equal to the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) [1].
Viora’s V-IPL 570 nm HR filter has the same thermal effect as the alexandrite laser (755 nm), while Viora’s V-IPL 630 nm HR filter has the same thermal effect as a diode laser (800-810 nm)!
2. Marayiannis et al. (2003) retrospectively examined the outcome of long- and short-pulsed alexandrite lasers (LP-Alex, SP-Alex) and IPL sources. 389 patients (Fitzpatrick II-V) were admitted to the study, with a total of 532 treated sites [2].
The Moderate and Severe Side effects were more frequently observed with LP-Alex and SP-Alex, as compared with IPL technology
V-IPL is safer than the Alexandrite laser!
© 2016 Viora Ltd. The shortest mean number of sessions and mean treatment periods were found with IPL
Mean hair count reduction 6 months after final treatment with no statistical significance:
V-IPL has the same efficacy as the Alexandrite laser!
3. El Bedewi (2004) conducted a study with 615 nm IPL on 210 patients (Fitzpatrick III–V). Results found the success rates comparible with treatments from Ruby, Alexandrite, diode lasers and IPL, however ND:Yag was to be ssomewhat lower. IPL was also found to 3.94 times more effective than the ruby laser, and there was no need to treat the chin and neck with more than three sessions [3].
IPL has the same efficacy as diode lasers!
4. Snehal and Goldberg (2006) compared 2 IPL systems and 2 diode laser systems on the same individual. They took 10 patients (Fitzpatrick I-III) that undertook two treatments on the back or thigh [4].
© 2016 Viora Ltd. There was no statistical difference in efficacy between the four different light devices (Figure 5, 7). 5. Manstein et al, (2004) conducted in-vitro experiment, compering the 800 nm diode laser with the 530 nm IPL system. According to the study, the hair bulb and hair shaft threshold energy fluence was similar comparable in both systems [5].
IPL has the same efficacy as other lasers!
6. de Mello de Souza et al. (2010) compared Light Sheer diode laser (Lumenis) with 695 nm IPL (Quantum) in a split axillary epilation on 15 patients (phototypes II and III). Both techniques provided similar results with significant reduction in hair density (p < 0.01, paired Student’s t), with a mean reduction of 75.6% for IPL and 70.5% for DL (p=0.17,Wilcoxon) [6].
IPL has the same efficacy as other lasers!
Reference: 1. Manstein D., Pourshagh M., Anderson, R.R., 4. Snehal, P.A., & Goldberg, D.J. (2006). Clinical Erofeev A., Yaroslavsky, I., Altshuler G., & Anderson comparison of four hair removal lasers and light R. (2001). Effects of fluence and pulse duration for sources. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 8, flashlamp exposure on hair follicles.21 st Annual 65–68 Meeting of American Society for Laser Medicine & 5. Manstein D., Pourshagh M., Erofeev A., Altshuler Surgery. G., & Anderson R. (2004). Effects of Diode Laser 2. Marayiannis KB, Vlachos SP, Savva MP, Kontoes PP Versus Flashlamp Exposure on Hair Follicles. Lasers (2003). Efficacy of long- and short pulse alexandrite in Surgery and Medicine, 150. lasers compared with an intense pulsed light source 6. de Mello de Souza FH, Ribeiro CF, Weigert S, for epilation: a study on 532 sites in 389 patients. J Schmidt J V, Fabricio L Z, de Torre Ataíde DS. (2010). Cosmet Laser Ther. 5, 140-5. The use of 810 nm diode laser versus intense 3. El Bedewi AF. Hair removal with intense pulsed pulsed light (filter 695 nm) in axillary epilation: light. (2004). Lasers Med Sci. 19, 48-51 A comparative study. Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology, 2, 185-190
© 2016 Viora Ltd.