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A retrospective study of the efficacy of intense pulsed light for the treatment of dermatologic disorders presenting to a cosmetic skin clinic
Author(s) -
Myers Paul,
Bowler Patrick,
Hills Samantha
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.00202.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intense pulsed light , dermatology , hyperpigmentation , telangiectasia , rosacea , patient satisfaction , poikiloderma , erythema , retrospective cohort study , actinic keratoses , surgery , acne , basal cell
Summary Background One hundred seven patients presenting to a cosmetic skin clinic were treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) over a 12‐month period. The main categories of patients offered treatment were those with vascular problems such as rosacea, facial telangiectasia, and spider nevi; pigmentation disorders such as solar damage, lentigines, and hyperpigmentation; and assorted problems such as scarring and poikiloderma. Methods Each patient who entered into the study had the full medical history taken and a dermatologic assessment. Polaroid photographs were taken and the images used for comparison before and after treatment. Outcomes were assessed by physicians’ global assessment and a patients’ postal questionnaire. Patients were treated with a Lumina IPL (Lynton Lasers Ltd) using a multiple pulsing facility with variable interpulse spacing, incorporating a 585‐nm head. Fluence levels varied between 10 and 40 J/cm 2 , although the average fluence over all patients was 25 J/cm 2 . The delay was set between 10 and 30 ms and two to four pulses were used. Results Excellent results were seen in 80% of patients treated. There was a high patient satisfaction rate and low prevalence of side effects. Conclusions IPL has been shown to provide a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for a wide range of dermatologic disorders and is suitable for wider use in primary care.