Technology
has become the preferred pathway to beauty in modern
society, enabling people, particularly the more than
40 million American women over age 40, to achieve a
"look good, feel good" appearance. In fact, the latest
trend in cosmetic surgery is toward non-invasive, smaller
and less drastic procedures with little to no recovery
time. This objective characterizes the essence of a
new facial skin treatment using intense pulsed light
(IPL) technology.
As an alternative to the
persistent redness and prolonged recovery time following
laser procedures, Patrick Bitter, Sr., MD, of Los Gatos,
CA, has developed a technique called PhotoFacialTM
that uses intense pulses of light
to improve the signs of photoaging, specifically, pigment
changes and telangiectasias. His recent study of 23 patients
who underwent a series of three to five full-face IPL treatments
showed that skin was revitalized; pore size was significantly
reduced; and facial blushing or redness associated with
rosacea and broken capillaries was eliminated. Anesthesia
was not required, there was no "down time," and no adverse
reactions were observed. Overall patient satisfaction was
extremely high.
"Intense pulsed light technology
is an innovative device that surpasses any rejuvenation
therapy on the market today, offering the cosmetic surgeon
new and ever expanding clinical applications," says Dr.
Bitter, Sr. "Our PhotoFacial treatments are a tremendous
platform for building a plastic surgery practice that capitalizes
on future trends in cosmetic procedures." Further, Dr. Bitter,
Sr. successfully employs intense pulsed light therapy for
preventive and maintenance treatments that promise "less
is more and "sooner rather than later" results.
IPL technology goes beyond
lasers to treat the widest range of cosmetic conditions
on most skin complexions all year round. Unlike conventional
lasers that emit a fixed wavelength, IPL devices produce
a broad spectrum of light in a range of wavelengths that
is adjustable through the use of filters and computer-controlled
parameters of energy delivery. This allows the physician
to customize precisely the characteristics of the light
energy according to each patient's skin type and condition.
For example, IPL technology offers unique pulse pattern
capabilities to maximize thermal energy and depth of penetration
without damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Dr. Bitter, Sr. explains,
"With Photo-Facials, we are delivering heat energy
without injuring or removing the epidermis. Rather, the
broad wavelength spectrum allows us to penetrate below to
the papillary dermis where
there is a rich supply of capillary loops. As these surface
vessels heal, they lay down connective tissue and stimulate
collagen production to rejuvenate the skin."
Experts find that IPL technology
is especially beneficial for treating the early signs of
aging. In addition, IPL treatments offer an excellent fit
with the lifestyle criteria of today's active consumers
who seek speedy treatments, no pain, and no down time. This
is a group that is missed by physicians offering only the
conventional procedures.
"This single technology
has long been recognized for successful treatment of benign
vascular lesions and the vascular symptoms of rosacea,"
notes Dr. Bitter, Sr. "Now, we are using the same IPL device
to perform more than 800 full-face PhotoFacial in
the first six months of this year alone. It's a nice complementary
adjunct to almost any cosmetic procedure, as well as an
impressive method of follow-up and maintenance."
IPL technology is available
from ESC/Sharplan
"Intense pulsed light
technology
is an innovative device that
surpasses any rejuvenation therapy
on the market today,
offering the cosmetic surgeon
new and ever expanding
clinical applications."
Patrick Bitter, Sr., M.D., Los Gatos, CA
ESC/ Sharplan
a recognized leader in laser and
intense pulsed light solutions for a variety of medical,
surgical and aesthetic conditions.
From the annual meeting
of the ASPS
New Orleans LA November 1999
INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) TECHNOLOGY: