Hair Removal

Hair becomes more visible during and after puberty. Most of the time, a woman only has fine hair at the upper lips, the extremities or their back. However, there are women with thick, dark hair in these areas and it may be cosmetically displeasing. Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) is an excellent choice and highly effective hair removal machine used worldwide since 2012.

How does Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) reduce hair count?

Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) is the 6th generation of the multi-application platform that utilises OPT (Optima IPL) technology. It works by sending “intense light energy” through the skin and into the hair follicles, targeting the black pigments there. After being absorbed by the black pigment in the hair follicle, the light is converted into heat and destroys the hair follicle, thus removing unwanted hair from the root.

With this technology, only black or dark brown hairs are suitable for treatment and lighter color hair e.g. grey, white, blonde hair will not respond.

Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) Hair Removal vs waxing / plucking / threading

Waxing, plucking and threading methods remove only the hair shaft and results are temporary. This leaves the hair follicle in place to grow new hair. The advantages of Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) Hair Removal are as follow:

  • Selectivity– OPT can selectively target dark, thick hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
  • Speed– Each pulse of the OPT takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. Small areas such as the chin or jawline can be treated in less than 5 minutes
  • Predictability– Many patients have good hair reduction results after completing a series of treatments

Clinical results from Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) Hair Removal

In general, 70-85% hair reduction is an acceptable clinical result and this can be obtained after a series of OPT hair reduction treatments. There will always be some hairs that are resistant and have escaped the pulse light destruction. You may have a few hairs regrow over a period of time so touch-up treatment may be needed from time to time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Removal

What are the areas of the body that can be treated?

The common areas include chin, jawline, underarm, forearm, bikini area and lower legs. Other uncommon areas include anus, ear, nipple and umbilical area. In patients with recurrent infection e.g. folliculitis of the hair follicle of the beard and lower leg area, Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) hair reduction treatment can be carried out to remove the hair to help prevent and eliminate the infection.

How is the Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) Hair Removal treatment carried out?

A topical anaesthetic cream is applied 45 to 60 minutes before treatment to minimise discomfort during treatment. The OPT light beam gives a rubber-band snapping sensation and some of the treated hairs would be burned off immediately. The remaining treated hair will not fall out until 2 weeks later. Mild redness and swelling after the treatment are expected and they should subside within a few hours. Hair removal becomes permanent after several sessions of treatment. The number of sessions needed depends upon the amount and type of hair being removed.

Why do I need several sessions of treatment?

Hair goes through different growth phases and only hairs that are in the active growth phase will be hit or destroyed. The “hit rate” i.e. the percentage of hair destroyed, varies from 10 to 30% for each session of Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) hair removal treatment. Therefore the average number of sessions required to achieve permanent hair removal is around 3 to 5. Some people may need more sessions. Initially, it is recommended that you undergo 3 treatments at four to eight-week intervals depending on the area treated.

How long does each treatment take?

An upper lip and chin can be done in 5 minutes. Underarms usually take 10-15 minutes. Legs and back can take up to 45-60 minutes.

What is the care before and after treatment?

It is advisable to avoid too much sun exposure or getting a tan 2 weeks prior to Stellar M22 OPT (Optima IPL) treatment. The tanned pigment would absorb the light and skin darkening (hyperpigmentation) may occur. There are no special precautions needed after the treatment.

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    Assurance Skin, Laser & Aesthetics

    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
    #10-22/23, 38 Irrawaddy Road ,
    Singapore 329563

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    Dr. Wong Soon Tee

    Consultant Dermatologist
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    Dr. Wong Soon Tee

    Consultant Dermatologist

    Care and Professionalism Refined by
    Over 30 Years of Dermatology Experience

    • MBBS, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
    • MRCP. Member of Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom
    • FAMS, Fellow of Academy of Medicine, Singapore
    • Adjunct Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
    • Visiting Consultant, University Dermatology Division, National University Hospital
    • Visiting Consultant, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre, National University Hospital

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