IPL machines -how long do they last?

[GoldilocksZone]

I know they have a limited number of blasts: if I invested would I be able to do my face, legs and bikini line before it gave up the ghost?

I've had mine 2 years and it's still going strong. You'd definitely be able to treat all those areas and see improvement, but it's not a permanent form of hair removal so you need to keep doing it periodically.

Honestly had mine since about 2012 and it’s only recently stopped working (and not significantly). Getting another for Christmas

I thought it was permanent after a few goes :-(

According to Phillips website they are, but mine has not been treated with respect over the years

It's not permanent, the Philips website is very clear that it can last up to 6 months (although I suspect that's with perfect use and if you're very lucky). It's still really good though, I've gone from shaving more or less daily to being able to go a couple of weeks without shaving my legs and a few days without shaving my armpits. If you get the cordless Lumea you must plug it in to charge every so often or it'll die.

I've had mine for 7 years. It's still going strong. I've my legs, underarms and arms. The hair belong the knee has basically gone. The rest is much sparser than before. I only use about twice a year because I've got lazy. Best purchase ever (i used to live in a hot country and honestly it changed my life).

It can reduce the regrowth on a pretty long term basis. I've don't mine on and off over the years and even if I go a long time between, the regrowth is pretty minimal.