How Treatments Work: Laser, IPL, Microneedling, RF, EMS

IPL Lab School · How treatments work

What actually happens under the skin

Eight procedures, each drawn to the depth it reaches. Watch the beam, the needle or the wave do its work, then read the three facts that matter, the sessions you need and the downtime to expect.

8 procedures · animated3 facts each · sessions · downtime · FAQAll skin tones · settings adapt
Laser hair removalLaser · follicle

Laser hair removal

A pulse of laser light passes through the epidermis, is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, turns to heat and disables the follicle bulb.

  • Diode, alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths cover every skin tone
  • Only hairs in the growth phase respond — hence 6–8 sessions
  • Integrated cooling protects the surface and keeps it comfortable
Sessions6–8 · every 4–8 weeks
DowntimeNone
Does it hurt?

A warm snap, like an elastic band, softened by the cooling tip. Most clients rate it 2–3 out of 10.

Is it permanent?

Treated follicles stop producing hair. Hormonal changes can wake a few over the years; a yearly touch-up handles that.

IPL photofacialIPL · pigment & vessels

IPL photofacial

A broad flash of filtered light is absorbed by brown pigment and red haemoglobin at once; spots darken and flake, vessels close.

  • Treats sun spots, redness and texture in one pass
  • Best suited to Fitzpatrick I–IV; deeper tones use PICO instead
  • Results build over 3–5 monthly sessions
Sessions3–5 · every 4 weeks
DowntimeLight · spots darken 5–7 days
IPL or laser?

IPL is a wide spectrum of light; a laser is one wavelength. IPL is versatile for lighter skin; lasers are more selective and safer for deeper tones.

Can I wear makeup after?

Yes, mineral makeup the same day. Sunscreen is mandatory for four weeks.

PICO laser & carbon peelPICO · carbon peel

PICO laser & carbon peel

Picosecond pulses shatter pigment and a carbon layer into dust the body clears, while the shockwave stimulates collagen without heat damage.

  • Safe for all skin tones — ultra-short pulses, minimal heat
  • Tightens pores and brightens in a single lunch-hour visit
  • Also the engine behind our laser tattoo removal
Sessions3–6 · every 3–4 weeks
DowntimeNone to light
What is the Hollywood peel?

A carbon lotion is applied, then the PICO laser vaporises it with the oil and dead cells it has absorbed — instant glow, no downtime.

Does it help melasma?

Yes, with low-energy toning protocols combined with home care, since melasma also needs its triggers managed.

MicroneedlingMicroneedling · collagen

Microneedling

Sterile needles create thousands of micro-channels into the upper dermis; the repair response lays down fresh collagen and elastin over weeks.

  • Depth is tuned per zone: 0.25 mm around the eyes, up to 2 mm on scars
  • Serums, exosomes and PLLA absorb through the channels
  • Collagen keeps rebuilding for 4–12 weeks after each session
Sessions4–6 · every 4 weeks
Downtime1–2 days of redness
Is it safe on dark skin?

Yes — needling uses no light, so it is a first choice for Fitzpatrick V–VI, including for post-acne marks.

When do I see results?

Glow within a week; texture and scars improve progressively over the series.

RF microneedlingRF · deep tightening

RF microneedling

Insulated needles carry radiofrequency energy straight into the dermis, creating controlled heat zones that tighten tissue and trigger collagen — with the epidermis spared.

  • Reaches 1–3.5 mm — deeper and firmer than classic needling
  • Treats laxity, jawline, neck and deep acne scars
  • Fewer sessions than classic microneedling: 3–4
Sessions3–4 · every 4–6 weeks
Downtime2–3 days
How is it different from microneedling?

Classic needling injures mechanically; RF adds heat at the needle tip, so tightening is stronger and results show faster.

Is it a lifting?

It firms and tightens noticeably but does not replace surgery. Best for early-to-moderate laxity.

EMS body contouringEMS · muscle

EMS body contouring

Electromagnetic pulses pass through skin and fat to the muscle, forcing thousands of supramaximal contractions that build tone and definition.

  • One 30-minute session ≈ thousands of contractions
  • Targets abdomen, glutes, thighs and arms
  • Skin and fat above are not heated or damaged
Sessions4–8 · twice a week
DowntimeNone · like a workout
Does it replace exercise?

No — it complements it. Think of it as an intense, targeted session your muscles could not do alone.

Who should avoid it?

Pacemakers, metal implants, pregnancy and epilepsy. We check at the consultation.

Lymphatic drainage massageManual · lymphatic

Lymphatic drainage massage

Slow, directional strokes move fluid and waste along the lymphatic vessels toward the nodes, reducing swelling and smoothing the look of cellulite.

  • Light pressure, specific direction — not a deep-tissue massage
  • Ideal after treatments, travel or water retention
  • Pairs with EMS and infrared for body programs
Sessions4–10 · weekly
DowntimeNone
Will I feel lighter right away?

Most clients do — fluid moves within the session. Lasting change comes with a series.

Is it good after surgery?

Often yes, once your surgeon clears it. Bring your post-op instructions.

Infrared & red light therapyRed & near-infrared

Infrared & red light therapy

Red and near-infrared wavelengths pass gently through the skin, supporting cellular energy, circulation and recovery over the whole body.

  • Non-heating, relaxing 20–30 minute sessions
  • Supports recovery after laser, needling or sport
  • Can be repeated 2–3 times a week
Sessions2–3 × week
DowntimeNone
Does it tan the skin?

No — these wavelengths carry no UV. You will not tan or burn.

Do I undress?

Light reaches exposed skin, so comfortable underwear or a swimsuit is typical; the room is private.

IPL Lab School · How treatments work

Before you book

How do you choose between these for me?
Concern, area, skin tone and downtime decide. The Skin Finder narrows it in two minutes; a free consultation with a skin assessment confirms the plan.
Can treatments be combined?
Yes — most programs pair a corrective treatment (laser, needling, RF) with maintenance (facials, infrared) and home care. We space them so the skin recovers between steps.
Are the devices approved?
Our lasers, IPL, PICO, RF and EMS platforms are medical-grade devices used within their approved indications. We never promise outcomes; results vary from person to person.
What about pricing?
Packages of 4–8 sessions bring the price per session down and match the biology. Klarna and Affirm let you pay in instalments.

Found the one? Let’s check it suits your skin.

Free consultationSee packages