Client background and why IPL
The client presented at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic (Sunnybank) with persistent unwanted hair on [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: body area], having cycled through shaving, waxing and at-home depilatory routines for years. Shaving left stubble within a day or two. Waxing came with ingrown hairs and the usual four-week grow-out wait. The client was looking for a considered in-clinic option that could reduce density over time.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) works by selective photothermolysis. A broadband flashlamp delivers filtered light that is preferentially absorbed by the melanin inside the hair shaft and follicle, where it converts to heat and damages the germ cells responsible for regrowth. Because only hairs currently in the anagen (active growth) phase respond well, and only around one in five hairs is in anagen at any moment, a course of sessions spaced across the hair cycle is required. For this client’s dark hair and Fitzpatrick [CLINIC TO CONFIRM] skin, IPL was a considered fit. A full risk discussion was documented at consultation, including transient redness, perifollicular swelling, temporary pigmentary change, and rarely paradoxical growth on the face or neck.
The treatment plan
The plan was structured around a course of 1 treatment spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart depend on client situation. with a review partway through. Intervals were tuned to the hair cycle: shorter on facial and hormonal zones, longer on the body. Treatments were deferred when recent sun exposure or self-tan was noted, since elevated epidermal melanin increases the risk of unwanted pigmentary response. The client was instructed to shave 24 hours before each session, never wax or pluck between sessions, and apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily to treated skin.
The treatment course
Week 0 began with a full skin and hair assessment (Fitzpatrick type, hair colour, medical history, photosensitising medications, recent sun exposure) and a standardised photograph under fixed studio conditions. Each session followed the same rhythm: cleanse, shave check, cool gel, treatment pass, debrief. Mild warmth and pinkness around the follicles were the expected endpoints, settling within a few hours. Treated hairs shed across the following one to three weeks, which is part of the mechanism rather than regrowth. Between sessions the protocol was simple: no waxing or plucking, SPF 50+ daily, no actives for 48 hours post-treatment. Across the scheduled photographs, hair density and coarseness progressively reduced in the treated zone. Coarser hairs responded earlier than finer hairs. Many clients on a similar plan experience progressive, long-term hair reduction across a course of sessions. Individual results vary.
Maintenance and ongoing care
Following treatment, clients should take extra care to protect their skin from sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen daily. It is recommended to avoid active skin care products containing acids, exfoliants, or skin-brightening ingredients during the recovery period. Clients should focus on keeping the skin well hydrated and follow the post- treatment instructions provided by their clinician to support optimal healing and results.
What this means for people considering IPL Hair Removal
IPL is designed to deliver long-term hair reduction on suitable candidates across a course of sessions. Suitability depends on skin type, hair colour, hormonal context, and medication history. Light hair (blonde, red, grey, white) contains little pigment for IPL to target. Fitzpatrick V–VI is not suitable for IPL. Pregnancy, recent isotretinoin use, photosensitising medications, active skin conditions, and a history of keloid scarring are reasons to defer or rule treatment out. The progression in this client’s photos reflects one response to one treatment plan, delivered by a trained, qualified practitioner. Your skin, hair and response will be different.
Important information about this case study
Individual results vary. The images on this page show one client’s response to a specific treatment plan delivered at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic. Your skin, hair, and response to treatment will be different.
Treatment performed: IPL Hair Removal, a light-based treatment that uses filtered broad-spectrum light absorbed by melanin in the hair follicle, designed to support long-term hair reduction across a course of sessions.
Clinician: Registered Nurse, Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic (Sunnybank).
Common side effects disclosed at consultation include: transient redness, warmth, perifollicular swelling (a temporary “goosebump” appearance around treated follicles), itching, temporary darkening of the skin in the treated area, pinpoint crusting, and rarely blistering, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, folliculitis, and paradoxical hair growth (most often reported on the face and neck in hormonal contexts). A full risk profile is reviewed with you in person before any treatment begins.
Suitability for IPL Hair Removal is determined during a clinical consultation. This case study is not a recommendation, diagnosis, or clinical guarantee. It is a factual record of one client’s treatment course, published with their written consent. IPL Hair Removal is not suitable for Fitzpatrick V–VI skin types or for light (blonde, red, grey, white) hair.
Device / product regulatory status: [CLINIC TO CONFIRM: {DEVICE NAME} is registered under {SPONSOR} ARTG listing {NUMBER} / listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods]. Performed by appropriately trained and qualified practitioners at Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic.
Photo conditions: Both photographs on this page were taken under matched lighting, distance, angle, and device. No filters, beauty smoothing, or retouching have been applied. Original files retained on record.
Consent and withdrawal: This case study is published with the client’s specific written consent for use on the Flourish Skin and Laser Clinic website only. The client may request removal at any time by contacting enquiry@fskinandlaser.com.
Book a consultation at Sunnybank to discuss whether IPL Hair Removal is appropriate for your skin and hair (IPL Hair Removal is available at our Sunnybank clinic only; laser hair removal is available at Toowong).
Sunnybank (IPL Hair Removal available at Sunnybank only).