Saturday, March 7, 2009

IPL: Intense Pulsed Light Devices for Dermatology Spas

By Jai Barson

Medical Spas have embraced the IPL device to treat a variety of skin and aging conditions, from acne to wrinkles to age spots.

Since IPL medical devices use a 'pulse' of light they deliver their energy into the dermis over a longer time than a laser, providing different treatments and usually resulting in less pain for the patient.

IPLs are a preferred technology for many skin pigment and coloration treatments by cosmetic dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aesthetic physicians and medical spas.

The IPL is a non-laser flash lamp light source which has the ability to emit a broad spectrum, high-intensity visible and infrared light and is used to treat a wide variety of conditions from hair removal/reduction, to Rosacea and acne therapy, removal of dyschromias and telangiectasias, and softening of facial lines and creases. The desired wavelength is chosen by either selecting a particular wavelength filter or attaching a specific treatment head or hand piece that is configured with the filter attached.

The amount of visible improvement in treating fine lines and creases is less remarkable than an ablative laser; however, significant improvement can be seen in the treatment of dyschromias and erythema which results in overall patient satisfaction.

Visible, shorter wavelengths are used to target hemoglobin (blood) and melanin (pigment) with longer infrared wavelengths targeting water in the skin. Since these devices operate with a 'pulsed' light instead of a high-intensity focused beam like a laser does, they emit more scatter (feathering) and are considered to be less selective than a laser. With IPL, there are often more treatments needed to achieve optimal results than with a laser.

IPL devices can't deal with all cosmetic dermatological conditions but they're an important tool in any medical spa or cosmetic medical practice.

Manufacturers of IPL Intense Pulsed Light devices include: Palomar, Cutera, Lumenis and Sciton although there are many others. - 15437

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