The Intense Pulsed Light brief
The Intense Pulsed Light system works on the basis of selective thermolysis. The technology of which is similar to that of Lasers. Intense pulsed light as the name implies is a concentrated amount of light energy that is produced by a Xenon flash lamp in the broad spectrum of 400 to 1200 nm. Different types of filters can be attached to the unit to limit the wavelength / spectrum of the intense pulsed light.
The Hair Removal Head 10x50mm (HR) uses a 640 nm~950nm filter that is best suited to target dark pigments such as melanin. The Skin Rejuvenation 530nm~950nm filter Head (SR) encompasses a broader spectrum of treatment. The Skin Rejuvenation parameters are best suited to target collagen fibers, which stimulates collagen regeneration. This stimulation of collagen regeneration is best suited for the treatment of fine, superficial, static lines / wrinkles and the treatment of enlarged pores and superficial acne scars. The Vascular (VL) and Pigmented (PL) parameters are selective for red blood cells and dark pigments respectively, which make them suited for the treatment of superficial vascular and pigmented lesions.
Overview of Areas Sensitive to Pain
Pain-sensitive zones of face
Pain-sensitive zones of body
Treatment must know
- Prior to treatment, the physician must first get a detailed history, rule out any disorders that may contraindicate this treatment and finally physically inspect the treatment area.
- Cosmetics should be removed with non-alcohol containing neutral cleansing agent such as Bactolinä, CetaphiläGentle Skin Cleanser or Celeteque Facial Wash.
- Apply a generous amount of cooled gel (non-tinted) on the treatment area.
- A slight erythema may appear after the procedure. This is normal and will fade gradually in a few minutes to hours.
- Always record the parameters, fluence, shots and the area treated after each treatment.
- Apply a cold compress prior to proceeding to the next treatment area.
- Avoid use of cosmetics for 24 hours after each treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure after each treatment
Parameters
- Wavelength: Refers to the spectrum of light emitted by the xenon flash lamp (between 400 to 1200 nm).
- Fluence: The intensity or level of power emitted by the flash lamp measured in joules/ cm Generally, the greater the fluence the greater amount of light and heat is produced.
- Number of pulses: The energy of the each pulse can be divided into two, three or five pulses. This method of treatment prevents epidermal burns by allowing the target chromophores to cool between pulses.
- Pulse width: The duration of light exposure (T1, T2 & T3) measured in nanometers (ms). This is the duration of time that the target chromophores absorbs filtered light energy from the xenon flash lamp.
- Pulse delay: The duration (D1 & D2) between Pulse widths measured in ms. This is the interval between pulse widths when the target chromophores are not exposed to the intense pulsed light. The pulse delay allows the target chromophores to remain heated and the surrounding epidermis to cool down before exposure to the next intense pulsed light.
Parameters seting principles
| The darker the skin | 1. Decrease the fluence 2. Increase the pulse delay (allow more cooling) |
| The lighter the skin | 1. Increase the fluence 2. Decrease the pulse delay |
| The darker the hair / pigmented lesion | 1. Decrease the fluence 2. Increase the pulse delay (allow more cooling) |
| The lighter the hair / pigmented lesion | 1. Increase the fluence 2. Decrease the pulse delay |
| Fine blood vessels | 1.higher fluence 2. Decrease the pulse delay 3. Decrease the pulse width |
| Thicker blood vessels | 1.Increase pulse delay (allow more cooling) 2. Increase the pulse width |
| The smaller the target size / lesion | 1. Decrease pulse delay |
| The larger the target size / lesion | 1. Increase pulse delay (allow more cooling) |
| Bony prominences (forehead, malar area, shins) | 1. Decrease the fluence by 10-20% |
Post operative Nursing Care
Sun Avoidance
As with other forms of treatment, the treatment area should be protected from sunlight exposure. An SPF 15 or greater physical-sun block is recommended. Avoidance of direct exposure is also recommended.
Deoderant
For axillary hair treatment, it is recommended that deodorants and shaving be avoided for the 24-48 hours after treatment.
Cosmetics
There is no contraindication to wear make-up after treatment. Likewise the patient may return to work immediately after treatment.
Follow-up Treatment
The treatment duration of SHR therapy extends for a few months. Patients should be reminded of there follow up schedule as to maximize the efficacy of the treatment. Please refer to the provided treatment parameter chart for the treatment intervals.
Side Effect
If at any point of treatment an adverse reaction is noted, hold treatment apply a cold compress and review your parameter setting. The cold compress may be needed for 5 to 10 minutes or until the adverse reaction is remedied.
Some common reactions are (1) erythema; this usually lasts for half and hour or so. This is specially noted during skin photorejuvenation. (2) Residual Warmth / Stinging sensation; apply cold compresses for 10-15 minutes or until symptoms are alleviated. (3) Increase in pigmentation of lesions in pigment reduction treatment; this is expected and normally the lesion will dry up and peel off in a few days. It is recommended that an antibiotic ointment be applied. (4) In rare events. Blister formation can occur especially when the wrong treatment parameter is used (i.e. wrong skin type or high fluence). Apply compresses to dry the blister followed by regular application of an antibiotic ointment.