IPL Treatment Schedule
A consistent schedule is the difference between achieving results and not. On this page, you will find the complete treatment schedule for the Laesera Nova One IPL, from your first session to the maintenance phase. Per phase: how often, what intensity, and what you can expect. Clinically substantiated: this schedule is based on the official manual of the Nova One and aligns with the clinical user test in which more than 80% hair reduction was observed after 7 weeks.
IPL treatment schedule in 4 phases
A structured routine for visible results. Follow the phases in order and adjust frequency based on your skin reaction and hair growth.
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Fase 1 StructureWeek 1–4
Wat je merkt
First 2–3 weeks: hair growth still visible (hairs in resting phase). From week 3–4: slight reduction noticeable.
Praktische uitvoering per sessie
- Shave the area to be treated (preferably 2 hours before the session or the day before)
- Clean and dry the skin, no cream, deodorant or make-up
- Always start at intensity 1, gradually build up
- Treat each zone 1x completely. Optionally 2–3x immediately one after the other on the same zone, provided no redness or irritation occurs
- Switch between the standard head and precision head per zone
Belangrijk.Never flash multiple times in a row in the exact same spot, as this can cause overheating and skin burns.
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Fase 2 LessenWeek 4–8
Wat je merkt
Significant reduction in hair density. Remaining hairs become lighter and thinner.
After ~7 weeks of consistent use, many users experience more than 80% hair reduction, as determined in clinical testing. Results vary per person, skin type, and hair color.
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Fase 3 LevelingAfter 12 weeks
Wat je merkt
Significantly less hair than at the start. Remaining hairs are finer and lighter in color.
One treatment per zone is usually sufficient. Only treat the same zone twice if you notice persistent hair growth.
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Fase 4 MaintenanceLong-term
Wat je merkt
How often you need to treat in the maintenance phase varies per person and zone. Some users treat monthly, while others only treat when regrowth is noticeable.
Results vary by individual, skin type, and hair color. Always consult the user manual if in doubt.
Schedule per zone
Legs
- Time per session: ~20 min per leg
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 4-5
Armpits
- Time per session: ~5 min both armpits
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 3-4
- First, standard head in the middle, then precision head on the edges
Bikini line
- Time per session: ~10 min
- Intensity: start at 1-2 (sensitive zone), max 3
- Standard + precision head combination
Face (below cheekbones)
- Time per session: ~5 min
- Intensity: always 1-2, wear the included safety glasses
Poor
- Time per session: ~10 min both arms
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 4
Back & chest
- Time per session: ~15-20 min
- Intensity: start at 2, build up to 4
- Ask for help if needed
Aftercare per session
Proper care after each IPL session speeds up recovery and prevents skin irritation.
Immediately after the treatment
- Cool the skin with a cold pack or aloe vera gel
- Hydrate with a soothing cream
Avoid
- Direct sunlight (use SPF 30+ or preferably 50+)
- Sauna, steam room, hot shower
- Intense exercise and sweating
- Scrubs, peelings, retinol or acids
When to consult a doctor
- Redness or swelling that lasts longer than 72 hours
- Blisters or burns
- Pigmentation changes that do not resolve on their own
If you are concerned about your skin reaction, temporarily stop use and consult a skin therapist or general practitioner.
All about IPL treatments
What happens if I miss a week in my treatment schedule?
One missed week has a limited effect on your final result. Just pick up your schedule where you left off; do not double up sessions to catch up, as this will not improve the result and increases the risk of skin irritation. If you miss several weeks in a row, hairs can grow back undisturbed to full strength. In that case, you should restart at phase 1 (weeks 1-6) to target all hairs in their growth phase. More background on how IPL works can be found in the IPL Hair Removal Guide.
Why do I have to treat for 12 weeks, can't it be done faster?
IPL only works on hairs in the active growth phase (anagen phase). At any given time, only 20-30% of your hairs are in this phase; the rest are in a resting phase and do not respond to treatment. A 12-week schedule ensures that you target each hair growth cycle at least once. Treating more frequently than 2-3 times a week does not shorten this process; the hairs must enter the growth phase themselves before IPL has an effect. The Laesera Nova One IPL is tailored to this rhythm.
Can I treat different zones on different days?
Yes. You don't have to do all zones in one session. Many users divide it up: for example, legs on Monday, armpits and bikini line on Wednesday, face on Friday. It is important to stick to the schedule per zone (2-3 times a week in phase 1) and to use the correct interchangeable attachment, standard for large zones, precision for sensitive zones. Keep a logbook to keep track of when you treated which zone; especially useful in phases 2 and 3 when the frequency decreases.
How does the skin sensor work with the ice cooling?
The two technologies complement each other. The skin sensor determines the correct intensity for your skin tone, the ice cooling ensures that the treatment remains comfortable at that intensity. Together, they make it possible to treat effectively without compromising safety or comfort.
What if I still see hair growth after 12 weeks?
Remaining hair growth after 12 weeks is normal and not a sign that the treatment is not working. In the clinical test, >80% hair reduction was observed after 7 weeks, meaning a minority of hairs remain. These hairs are usually finer and lighter in color. Proceed to the maintenance phase (1-2 times per month). For extra comfort during treatment, the ice cooling of the Nova One also works in this phase, especially useful on sensitive areas with remaining hair growth, such as the bikini line.
May I continue my schedule during the holiday or summer period?
Not recommended on tanned or sunburnt skin. Treating tanned skin can lead to pigmentation changes, burns, or blisters. As a rule of thumb: pause at least 2 weeks before and after sun exposure, and always use SPF 30+ between sessions. The skin sensor automatically blocks if the skin tone is too dark, but this is not a substitute for your own caution. Immediately after each session, it is important to soothe the skin well with the included aloe vera gel. Preferably plan your IPL treatment during autumn or winter.
