Braun Silk-expert Pro 3, PL3122 Manual

Description

1. Treatment window
2. SensoAdapt™ skin tone sensors
3. LED Power bars
4. Sensitive mode button with indicator light
5. Treatment button
6. Handle
7. Base station with serial number
8. Mains cord
9. Glass filter
10. Standard head
11. Wide head*
12. Precision head * * not with all models

Skin tone & Body hair type chart:

= suitable
= not suitable or effective for use
Please note that the skin tones above do not relate to the Fitzpatrick scale

How Does Silk·expert Pro3 Work?

Silk·expert Pro3 is designed to help break the cycle of hair growth. Light energy is transferred through the skin's surface and is absorbed by melanin present in the hair shaft. The absorbed light energy is converted to heat energy (below the surface of the skin), which disables the hair follicle. Treated hairs naturally fall out over the course of a few days to 1-2 weeks.

What to Expect
Immediately post treatment, you should not see any significant side effects from treatment (Refer to "Potential Risks, Side Effects and Skin Reactions" section for more information on side effects).
In the first few weeks following the initial treatments, you will still see some hairs growing. These are likely to be hairs that were missed during treatment i.e. they were lying dormant and not in their growth phase (Anagen) during treatment, when IPL is most effective.
Around 6 weeks into the 12 week treatment program you should see a reduction in hair growth. However, many hairs may still not have been treated in their growth phase. It is important to continue the weekly treatments.
After the 12 week program, you should see a significant reduction in hairs within the treated area. Any remaining hairs should be finer and lighter in color. Continued monthly treatments, or treatments as required, should maintain the reduction in unwanted hair.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

DO NOT use the device if you have very dark skin. The Skin Tone sensors located near the output window of the device will determine the tone of your skin. If the Skin Tone sensors determine your skin is too dark for safe use, operation will be prevented.
DO NOT use the device if your skin has been artificially or naturally tanned recently or is burned from sun overexposure. Your skin may be extra sensitive following sun exposure and particularly susceptible to burning, blistering, discoloring or scarring if you use the device. Wait 1 week until sunburn or tan disappears before using the device. Treating tanned skin with IPL may result in permanent Hyper (darkening) or Hypo (lightening) changes to the treated skin.
DO NOT expose treated areas to the sun. Wait at least 7 days after treatment before exposing treated skin to direct sunlight. Your skin may be extra sensitive following IPL treatment and particularly susceptible to sunburn. Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) to the treated area or cover the treated area with suitable clothing.
DO NOT use the device directly on the nipples, genitals or around the anus. These areas may have a darker skin color and/or greater hair density. Using the device in these areas may cause discomfort/pain or injure (burn, discolor or scar) your skin.
DO NOT use the device if you have a history of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions (e.g. nevi or a large number of moles).
DO NOT use if you are pregnant, lactating, as this device has not been tested with these individuals.
DO NOT use on dark brown or black spots such as birthmarks, moles or warts in the area you wish to treat. Using the device may injure your skin or make existing conditions worse. You may experience side effects such as burns, blisters and skin color changes or scarring.
DO NOT use if you have any skin condition in the treatment area, including psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, acne, herpes simplex or active infections, wounds or blisters.
DO NOT use if you are under the age of 18 as this device has not been tested on these individuals.
DO NOT use on scars, tattoos or permanent make up in the treatment area.
DO NOT use on beard/facial hair for men.

Warnings

DO NOT use if you have a known sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) or are taking a medication that causes photosensitivity e.g., certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or retinoids such as Accutane and/or topical retinoids such as Retin A. Always check the instructions that come with your medical products to see if photosensitivity is listed as a side effect. Using the Silk Expert device on photosensitive skin could result in skin damage including blisters and swelling.
DO NOT use more than once a week on the same area. Damage of skin may occur after prolonged or repeated treatment on one site.
It is not recommended to use this device where dermal fillers are present.

Women who are using the device on the face:
DO NOT use if you have had a skin peel treatment on the area of the face you wish to treat. You should wait 30 days after a skin peel before treating.
DO NOT use if you have had a laser skin resurfacing procedure on the area of the face you wish to treat. You should wait 6 months following a laser skin resurfacing procedure before treating.

EYE SAFETY
The device emits flashes of Intense Pulsed Light. Direct exposure is potentially harmful to your eyes. Take care to follow the safety precautions below.
Possible eye injury (potentially leading to loss of vision) or skin injury if instructions are not followed. Protect the eye from exposure. Do not use the device over the eye lids or close to the eye.
The device can only be activated (flashed) if both Skin Tone Sensors (2) detect a valid Skin Tone reading. However:
DO NOT look directly into the treatment window (1) when the device has electrical power and is activated.
DO NOT attempt to activate (flash) the device towards the eye.
DO NOT treat areas around the eye (eyebrows or eyelashes).
ONLY attempt to activate (flash) the device when the treatment window is in good contact with the area you wish to treat.
WE RECOMMEND you look away from the device when pushing the treatment button.

ELECTRICAL AND FIRE SAFETY
As with any electrical device, certain precautions must be taken in order to ensure your safety.
DO NOT try to open the device, as this may expose you to dangerous electrical components.
DO NOT use if the device is damaged; for example, cracked housing, cable damage (internal wires visible), cracked or broken glass filter etc. This may result in injury.
DO NOT use near bathtubs, showers, basins or other vessels containing water. If the device becomes wet, it should not be used.
DO NOT use if the device becomes uncomfortably hot to touch. This may indicate that the unit is damaged.
DO NOT attempt to activate (flash) the device onto any surface other than skin.
DO NOT operate the device if the mains plug is not easily accessible. You should be able to disconnect at any time.
DO NOT override the safety mechanism inherent to the device.

No modification of this equipment is allowed.
Do not use any other component, nor manipulate the device. This may damage the unit and cause it to stop working.

GENERAL SAFETY
The device should be kept out of the reach of children under 18 years of age. Children should not use, play with, maintain or clean the device. There are a number of potential risks – exposure to the light output causing burns or eye damage, electrocution, strangulation from the cables, choking on the Removable Front.
People with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge may use the device if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the safe use of the device and understand the hazards involved.
The Glass filter (9) is a critical component that will get hot during use.
Keep the device out of reach of pets and pests which could damage it.
DO NOT touch the glass filter during or directly after use. Regularly inspect the filter for damage.
DO NOT use the device if the filter is cracked or missing.
DO NOT use if the built-in reflector is missing or not in correct place.

Precautions

Hair removal by lasers or intense pulse light sources can cause increased hair growth in some individuals. Based upon currently available data, the highest risk groups for this response are females of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian heritage treated on the face and neck.
DO NOT USE the device on any area where you may want hair to grow back.
The device is not recommended for use on red, grey, white or blonde hair since it is not effective on these hair colors.

Potential Risks, Side Effects and Skin Reactions

The use of this device could result in side effects. The table below lists the known skin reactions that may occur following treatment with the device.

In a clinical trial of 50 subjects, each subject received 12 weekly treatments. The recorded effects were:

• Itchiness: Four subjects experienced mild itchiness after treatment.
• Slight Redness: This was reported by 1 subject.
• Mild Stinging Sensation: Five subjects reported mild discomfort following treatment.
• In-growing Hair: One subject reported experiencing an in-growing hair following treatment.
• Follicle Redness: One subject reported a red spot at the treatment site following treatment.

In all cases, the treated skin returned to normal within 7 days.

Benefits

The device is indicated for the permanent reduction of unwanted hair.
A clinical trial was performed to assess both the safety and efficacy of the device. The key features of the clinical trial were:

• All treatments were performed by non-medically trained operators at a single location using devices identical to the one provided in this package;
• All subjects were required to complete questionnaires related to their general health and those who could not be treated, e.g. those who had one or more of the contraindications as listed in "Important Safety Information" Section of this User Manual were excluded. In addition, all subjects were required to provide Informed Consent as per international clinical trial requirements;
• A total of 53 female subjects, aged between 19 and 45 years old, commenced the trial;
• Three subjects left the trial during the treatment period for personal reasons. No subjects left the trial due to problems associated with the use of the device;
• Each subject received 12 weekly treatments to their chosen body location. A typical treatment consisted of shaving the site then applying the device following the same process as outlined in "How to Use" Section, Step 3 of this user manual;
• Hair counts were used to measure the change in the amount of hair 6 months after the last treatment and 12 months after the last treatment. The hairs in the treatment sites were counted via high resolution photography and the difference in hair counts was calculated as a percentage change;
• When used as directed, the clinical trial participants showed on average 44% less hair 6 months after their last treatment and 36% less hair 12 months after their last treatment when compared to hair counts taken before treatment (see table below). Actual results did vary from person to person.

• The incidence of side effects during the clinical trial was minimal (as outlined in "Potential Risks, Side Effects and Skin Reactions" Section above) and the majority of subjects (48 out of 50) would recommend the device to their friends.

Intended Use

USE
The device is intended for the permanent reduction in unwanted, visible hair for a single user.

BODY AREAS
Women: Legs, arms, underarms, bikini area and face (below the cheek bones)

Do not use the device near the eyes, along the forehead, on the lips or nostrils. Do not use it in the genital area.
Men: Shoulders and below (chest, back, arms, stomach, legs)

Do not use on the face, neck or genital area.
The device is intended to be used on body hair below the neck, including arms, underarms, bikini line, stomach and legs.

SKIN COLOR
The device is intended for use on light, medium and dark skin tones up to and including skin tone V (see Skin tone chart). The device incorporates two Skin Tone Sensors that measure the color of your skin and will prevent use if your skin tone is too dark.

HAIR COLOR
The device is intended for use on naturally black or brown hair. It may not be as effective on white, grey, blonde or red hair.

How To Use

Follow each step in the treatment process ensuring you complete all aspects of each step before progressing to the next.

1. Preparing the treatment area
   Remove all visible hair on the skin before using the device. You may use your preferred hair removal method. Remove any cosmetics, lotions and cream from the area you wish to treat. Cleanse the treatment area and pat dry. To keep the treatment window clean and intact and prevent hair burns, make sure there is no more hair remaining on the skin surface.
2. Doing a Test Patch
   Before your first treatment on each new body area, we RECOMMEND you test your skin (in that area) for reactions.
   The patch test area should be approximately 3 cm x 2 cm in size (equivalent to 2 flashes applied to the skin side by side). Follow Step 3 to treat the area.
   Wait 24 hours following the patch test, to ensure your skin is suitable for treatment and there is no adverse reaction to the light energy. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, you may treat the area around the test patch. The 'patch tested area' should not be re-treated for at least one week.
3. Treating with Silk·expert Pro
   1. Use the mains cord (8) to connect the base station to an electrical outlet. Press any button to activate the device. The LED power bars (3) will light up once and a fan will start running. This means the device is in READY mode. During operation, the device will heat up slightly.
   2. Press the treatment window (1) firmly against the area to be treated ensuring both skin tone sensors (2) are in contact with skin. The device will not operate if only one skin tone sensor is in contact with skin. Once both skin tone sensors measure a valid skin tone, the pre-set output power is displayed on the LED Power Bars (3) located on both sides of the device.

Silk·expert Pro uses skin tone sensors that continuously measure the color (tone) of your skin and automatically set the correct level of output power needed based on the measured skin tone. This is not related to the Fitzpatrick skin tone classification. If your skin is too dark for treatment with Silk·expert Pro, the skin tone sensors will detect this and prevent the unit from operating.
RED lights will be shown in the Power Bar if your skin is too dark.
If a valid skin tone is detected, the Power Bars will illuminate WHITE.

	light skin tone high power setting
	dark skin tone low power setting
no lights	no skin contact device cannot be activated
red light	invalid skin tone device cannot be activated

Thanks to the built-in, intelligent SensoAdapt^TM, which automatically measures the skin color, there is no need for the user to make any manual adjustment for skin tone. The skin tone chart is displayed also on the sales box as a guidance to potential purchasers to determine if the device will work on their skin colouration. This does not relate to the Fitzpatrick scale, it is simply a color guide.

3. Press the treatment button (5). The device will flash and a warm sensation should be felt.
   If you find the treatment uncomfortable, you can reduce the light intensity using the sensitive mode button (4). The sensitive mode indicator lights up when it is activated. To deactivate it, press the sensitive mode button again.
   The power bars flash to confirm a change in the light intensity setting.
   When holding the sensitive mode button (4) longer than 3 seconds, the device is deactivated. After 10 minutes without use, the device is automatically deactivated. To re-activate, press any button.
4. Move the treatment window to the next area to be treated and repeat. The device needs to recharge between flashes. This will take less than a second.
5. Ensure that the entire area receives treatment, but DO NOT treat an area twice (overlapping flashes).
   If the device is used in high ambient temperatures for extended treatment sessions, short pauses in treatment may be seen to allow cooling. This is normal and operation will resume once the device is cooled.

Treatment Modes

The area to be treated has to be hair-free, clean and dry. Before pressing the treatment button, look away from the device to avoid the bright light. In seldom cases, a user may find the flash too bright, however there is no safety risk associated with this. For increased comfort, we recommend treating in a well-lit room to help reduce the perceived brightness.

GLIDING for fast and efficient treatment of large areas (e.g. legs).	STAMPING for treating small, hard-to reach areas (e.g. face for females, bikini line, underarms, knee, chin, ankles)
Place the treatment window (1) firmly on your skin, ensuring both skin sensors (2) have skin contact. Power bars (3) show white LEDs.
Press and hold the treatment button (5). The device will begin to flash.	Press and instantly release the treatment button (5). The device will emit a flash.
Move the device slowly and continuously from the bottom to the top of the treatment area to avoid missing areas. Make sure to always keep full skin contact so that the device flashes continuously.	Lift off the device and place it onto the next adjacent spot to be treated. Wait for the power bars to show white LEDs. Then press and release the treatment button.
Once you have completed your first gliding stroke, lift the device off the treatment area. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to treat the next adjacent area in a parallel stroke.	Continue treatment spot by spot until you have completed the entire area you wish to treat.

Make sure to avoid missed areas by placing the treatment window directly next to the previously treated spot without leaving any space between treated areas.
If you feel intense pain, stop treatment immediately and consult your physician before using the device again.

Treatment head(s)
The standard head (10) can be used on all areas.
The wide head (11)* is for large body areas.
The precision head (12)* has been specifically designed for small, curvy, hard to reach areas.
* not with all models

4. Your Treatment Schedule
   For optimal results, Silk·expert should be used once a week for 12 weeks to ensure all hair follicles are treated. After the initial treatment phase (12 treatments), we recommend the device is used once a month, or as required, to maintain results.
5. Switching Off the Device
   When the treatment is finished, unplug the device. Refer to "Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage" section for details of how best to look after your device.

Cleaning, Maintenance and Storage

After treatment, always unplug the device.
After use, the handset, the skin tone sensors (2) and the treatment window (1) should be inspected for damage and wiped down with a dry, lint free cloth. If any marks or black spots are seen, then it is best to clean them off straight away after treatment.
NEVER use water or other cleaning fluids, as these can damage the device leading to a potential safety hazard.

The glass filter (9) can get hot during use. DO NOT touch or clean the filter for at least 5 minutes after use to allow it to cool down.
To ensure maximum performance, keep the heads (10, 11, 12) with their built-in reflectors free from dirt, hair or other debris. Do not clean them in water, but use a dry cloth for cleaning them carefully.
Store the device in a cool, dry place. Make sure that the treatment window and skin tone sensors are protected from damage.
Regularly check the device (including cords) for visible signs of damage. In case of damage or cracks, stop using the device.

Travelling with the Device

The device will work with all commonly encountered mains supplies. Providing you have a suitable adaptor for the mains power cable plug, the device will operate as normal.

Troubleshooting

Labels and Symbols

The base station is marked with the following symbols:

	Type BF Applied Part
	Class II equipment
	Follow instructions for use
	Keep Dry
	Optical radiation
	Not suitable for use in a bathtub or shower

Other symbols shown on the base station refer to requirements for other regions.

Technical specifications

Braun Silk·expert Pro3 is a filtered broadband Intense Pulsed Light system with the following technical specifications:

Transport Conditions: