A retrospective study of the efficacy of intense pulsed light for the treatment of dermatologic disorders presenting to a cosmetic skin clinic

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.