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Intense pulsed light: The early years
Author(s) -
Almukhtar Rawaa,
Carr Emily,
Goldman Mitchel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
dermatological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2637-7489
DOI - 10.1002/der2.51
Subject(s) - intense pulsed light , medicine , dermatology , food and drug administration , environmental health
Background Intense pulsed light (IPL) is one of the most controversial and widely used light‐based technologies that had its origin in San Diego in 1992 and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in late 1995. Aims The purpose of this review is to highlight the early years’ experience with IPL and development of its use over time. Material and Methods Articles from PubMed on this subject were reviewed and clinical experience of the authors were shared. Results IPL was initially developed as an improved treatment for leg telangiectasias. Its ability to successfully treat vascular lesions while minimizing purpura, a common complication of pulsed dye lasers, as well as exfoliating superficial pigmented lesions and eliminating hair, extended the clinical utility of IPL to treat both pigmented and vascular lesions, providing the basis for its role in photo‐rejuvenation. Discussion IPL is an effective and safe treatment modality for a wide range of dermatologic conditions from pigmented to vascular and inflammatory disorders.