Intense pulsed light
This article needs more primary sources. (July 2012) |
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a technology used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including
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
Description
Intense pulsed light is the use of intense
Regulations governing IPL vary by jurisdiction.
The first
Hair removal
IPL can reduce hair growth, most effectively in darker, coarser hair.
Protocol
Broad-
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.[
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
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2012) |
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
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
- PMID 21430893.
- S2CID 205081994.
- PMID 25276803.
- PMID 26580874.
- PMID 25594770.
- S2CID 24896902.
- S2CID 39053597.
- PMID 25678687.
- PMID 17870522.
- ^ "Intense Pulsed Light Systems" (PDF). HMP Communications. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 November 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ISBN 978-93-85999-62-8.
- ^ "Laser Information". Florida Department of Health. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ^ PMID 22768357.
- ^ "Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light". Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Jun 2012.
- PMID 19687939.
- ^ Campbell, Leigh (2016-01-07). "The Difference Between Laser And IPL For Permanent Hair Removal". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- ^ ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
- ^ PMID 26893574.
- ^ ISBN 978-93-85999-62-8.
- ISBN 978-93-85999-62-8.
- ^ S2CID 8889666.
- ^ "Trends & Tips - Remington". uk.remington-europe.com.
- S2CID 25398697.
- ^ "Laser Facts". FDA. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
- S2CID 10093379.
- ^ Smith, S.R.; Y. Tse; S.K. Adsit; et al. (1998). "Long-term results of hair photo-epilation". Lasers Surg Med: 43.
- PMID 11360414.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- S2CID 205081994.