Intense pulsed light

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a technology used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including

dermatologic diseases such as acne.[1][2][3][4][citation needed] IPL is increasingly used in optometry and ophthalmology as well, to treat evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction.[5][6][7][8]

The technology uses a high-powered, hand-held, computer-controlled flashgun to deliver an intense, visible, broad-spectrum pulse of light, generally in the visible spectral range of 400 to 1200 nm. Various cutoff filters are commonly used to selectively filter out shorter wavelengths, especially potentially damaging

chromophores (e.g. melanin in hair, or oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels) that are heated to destruction and reabsorbed by the body. IPL shares some similarities with laser treatments, in that they both use light to heat and destroy their targets. But unlike lasers that use a single wavelength (color) of light which typically matches only one chromophore and hence only treats one condition, IPL uses a broad spectrum that when used with interchangeable filters, allowing it to be used against several conditions. This can be achieved when the IPL technician selects the appropriate filter that matches a specific chromophore.[9]

Description

Intense pulsed light is the use of intense

coherent light over a range of wavelengths from 500 nm to 1200 nm.[10] Xenon flashlamps produce high output bursts of broad spectrum. Cooling is used to protect the skin in contact with the device.[11]

Regulations governing IPL vary by jurisdiction.

better source needed] A distinction is sometimes made[by whom?
] between beauty-grade and medical-grade machines, mainly to get around regulations.

The first

]

Hair removal

IPL can reduce hair growth, most effectively in darker, coarser hair.

monochromatic laser light.[17]

Protocol

Broad-

papilla.[18] It is also claimed that heat conversion occurs directly in the darker capillaries that bring blood to the follicle.[19]

At any one time, not all hair follicles are 'active', and only active hair follicles can be affected by the treatment.[17] 'Inactive' hair follicles can be treated as they become 'active' over time.[citation needed] For IPL treatments, an average of 8–10 treatments, 4–6 weeks apart, are required to remove most visible hair.[19]

There is no common treatment protocol, as it depends on the equipment used and patient skin type. The area to be treated should be clean shaven and free of sunburn.[20]

Although IPL treatments will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.[21]

Certain skin conditions, health irregularities, and medications can impact whether it is safe for a person to receive a light-based hair removal treatment.[

Remington, manufacturer of an IPL device, all IPL and laser devices should only be used on light to medium skin tones, and work best on darker hair.[22]

Efficacy

In August 1997, IPL was reported to have permanently removed terminal hair in two patients who underwent multiple treatments to their beards.[13] In October of that year, the first IPL system developed for hair removal and resulted in 60% hair reduction after 12 weeks.[23]

It is important to note that these studies utilized a variety of IPL devices on patients with various hair types, skin types, and targeted skin areas. Thus the results are not directly comparable.

According to the FDA, permanent hair removal means the "long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime." In other words, the number of hairs regrowing must be consistently greater than the duration of the complete growth cycle of hair follicles, which varies from four to twelve months by body location.[24] IPL has been found to be much less effective than laser hair removal; however, many patients experience satisfaction with significant hair reduction.[21]

A 2006 article in the journal Lasers in Medical Science compared IPL and both alexandrite and diode lasers. The review found no statistical difference in effectiveness, but a higher incidence of side effects with diode laser treatment. Hair reduction after six months was reported as 68.75% for alexandrite lasers, 71.71% for diode lasers, and 66.96% for IPL. Side effects were reported as 9.5% for alexandrite lasers, 28.9% for diode lasers, and 15.3% for IPL. All side effects were found to be temporary and even pigmentation changes returned to normal within six months.[25]

A 2009 study evaluated the rate of hair removal after a second generation IPL source. Results found that patients had 75% hair reduction after four months, and up to 80% after eight months.[26][27]

Medical use

IPL was first developed for vascular conditions. It is at least as effective as pulsed dye lasers and can penetrate deeper with reduced risk of purpura and hyperpigmentation. IPL can also be used for the treatment of dry eye conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction.[28][29] IPL can treat pigmented lesions with rapid recovery. Dyschromia can be cleared after repeated sessions. Photoaging treatment has been explored. A series of IPL can be used for facial rejuvenation, improving skin laxity and collagen production. IPL combined with facial injections can be used for dynamic rhytids. Home IPL devices have been developed.

IPL is employed in the treatment of a range of dermatological conditions including

Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma).[30]

See also

Further reading

  • Husain Z, Alster TS (2016). "The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology". Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (Review). 9: 29–40.
    PMID 26893574
    .

References

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  10. ^ "Intense Pulsed Light Systems" (PDF). HMP Communications. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 November 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
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  12. ^ "Laser Information". Florida Department of Health. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
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  14. ^ "Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light". Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Jun 2012.
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  16. ^ Campbell, Leigh (2016-01-07). "The Difference Between Laser And IPL For Permanent Hair Removal". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  17. ^
    ISSN 0307-1235
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  22. ^ "Trends & Tips - Remington". uk.remington-europe.com.
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  24. ^ "Laser Facts". FDA. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
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  26. ^ Smith, S.R.; Y. Tse; S.K. Adsit; et al. (1998). "Long-term results of hair photo-epilation". Lasers Surg Med: 43.
  27. PMID 11360414
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  28. ^ Annie Stuart (July 2012). "Managing Blepharitis:Tried-and-True and New Approaches" (PDF). EyeNet. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 5, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  29. ^ Aldave, Anthony J.; Afshari, Natalie; Colby, Kathryn (10 November 2012). "Pushing Surgical Boundaries, Professional Development, and Popular Opinion" (PDF). The American Academy of Ophthalmology. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 23, 2013. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
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