Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

BACKGROUND: IPL devices emit a wide range of wavelengths that can be absorbed by different chromophores in the skin. Selective destruction of a specific chromophore with minimal side effects is controlled by wavelength, pulse duration, and fluence. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions using narrow-band Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) with Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT), which offers more efficient energy usage per pulse to increase safety, and improve clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from 100 patients treated with narrow-band IPL for vascular and pigmented lesions. Efficacy was measured by the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Patient Satisfaction Scale (0-10). Safety was assessed by evaluating pain levels and adverse events. RESULTS: Mean GAIS scores were 8.02 ± 0.84 for vascular and 8.14 ± 0.9 for pigmented lesions with no significant difference between groups (p=0.49, α=0.05). Patient satisfaction correlated with GAIS scores (correlation coefficient 0.8). No pain was reported and two patients experienced temporary and transient side effects. CONCLUSION: Overall, the advanced IPL treatments provided favorable outcomes for vascular and pigmented lesions.

Using an intense pulsed light (IPL) module for the treatment of pigmented lesions.

BACKGROUND: Pigmented lesions are largely benign and may lead to extreme distress. Various light and lasers may be used to treat pigmentation, often Q-switched lasers are considered the method of choice, while intense pulsed light (IPL) devices may offer a less invasive treatment with a shorter downtime. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a narrowband IPL module for the treatment of pigmented lesions. METHODS: A retrospective study of 20 patients with pigmented lesions underwent treatment with an IPL module. Treatment was assessed by blinded evaluation of clinical photographs using a GAIS scale of 0-10, as well as through patient satisfaction ratings on a scale of 0-10. Throughout the treatment, pain levels and adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: The mean GAIS score was 7.55 ± 1.15 (mean ± SD), and the mean patient satisfaction score was 7.3 ± 1.26 (mean ± SD). There was a strong positive correlation between GAIS and patient satisfaction scores (r = 0.83), and no significant difference between them (p-value = 0.516). The number of treatments did not significantly affect GAIS and patient satisfaction scores (p-values 0.364 and 0.126). Additional positive unexpected outcomes were improved skin firmness and reduced wrinkles. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that the IPL module is both safe and effective in treating pigmented lesions and may have the potential to stimulate collagen production.

Therapeutic effect of intense pulsed light on different types of chalazion in children.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for chalazion treatment while also exploring potential variations in sensitivity among different types of chalazion. A total of 149 patients were selected to receive tobramycin combined with IPL treatment and tobramycin combined with hot compress. The treatment groups were divided into cystic type and granulomatous type according to different clinical manifestations. The course of treatment was 3 weeks. The improvement was based on the ultrasound measurement of the masses reduction of more than 50% or disappearance. In the IPL group, 17 (22.67%) cases were cured, 39 (52.00%) were effective, and 19 (25.33%) were ineffective. This includes: cystic type was cured in 3 (15.79%), effective in 5 (26.32%) cases, ineffective in 11 (57.89%) cases; granulomatous type was cured in 14 (25.00%) cases, effective in 34 (60.71%) cases, ineffective in 8 (14.29%) cases. In the hot compress group, 5 (6.76%) cases were cured, 16 (21.62%) cases were effective and 53 (71.62%) cases were ineffective. The cystic type was cured in 2 (8.00%) cases, effective in 3 (12.00%) cases and ineffective in 20 (80.00%) cases; the granulomatous type was cured in 3 (6.12%) cases, effective in 13 (26.53%) cases and ineffective in 33 (67.35%) cases. The cure rate and efficacy rate of IPL treatment is higher than that of hot compress treatment, the treatment effect of IPL treatment on granulomatous chalazion is better than that on cystic type.

Need to Increase the Number of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment Sessions for Patients with Moderate to Severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether patients with moderate-to-severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) will benefit from increasing the number of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment sessions. METHODS: Ninety Asian adult with MGD (stages 3-4) were enrolled in this retrospective study. In Group1, 30 patients completed the five-session IPL treatment, 63.33% of which also received meibomian gland expression (MGX). In Group 2, 60 patients received three-session IPL treatment, 60.0% of which also accepted MGX. Both intragroup and intergroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The population characteristics, clinical baseline characteristics and therapeutic regimen were comparable between Group1 and Group2. The symptoms and most clinical indices improved after IPL treatment finished in both two groups. No statistical difference was found in any improvement level of all symptomatic and physical indices, including the Ocular surface disease index, tear break-up time, Demodex, corneal staining, meibum quality, meibomian gland expressibility, and MGD stage (all p ≥ 0.05) between the two groups at any time, not only month by month, but also at the terminal visit. However, the response rate of Group1 after the five-session treatment (70.00%) was increased compared to that of Group2 after the three-session treatment (63.33%). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the number of IPL sessions is beneficial for patients with moderate to severe MGD to increase the response rate of treatment, rather than the improvement level. However, there is no need for patients who respond well to a routine number of IPL treatments to undergo additional IPL sessions.

[Expert consensus on the clinical application of narrow-band intense pulsed light (2024 edition)].

The continuous innovation of medical cosmetology technology promotes the rapid development of aesthetic medicine. Narrow-band intense pulsed light (NB-IPL), which is developed based on conventional intense pulsed light, is a more accurate, efficient, and safer technique on clinical application. In order to promote more professionalization and standardization of the clinical application of NB-IPL, a panel of clinical experts in plastic surgery, dermatology and other fields developed the consensus based on the evidence-based medicine, clinical practice, and authoritative guidelines of other disciplines. The consensus panel discussed the indications, treatment parameters, contraindications, and precautions for the clinical application of NB-IPL and would serve as a reference for clinicians, nurses, teaching and research personnels engaged in plastic and cosmetics related work.

Narrow-Band Intense Pulsed Light as Treatment for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea can be successfully treated using various laser and light-based devices. However, the use of narrow-band intense pulsed light for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea has not been investigated in detail. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of narrow-band intense pulsed light (500-600 nm) for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea among Chinese individuals.  Methods: Patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea who had completed 3 sessions of treatment with narrow-band intense pulsed light and follow-up from July 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical improvement was assessed by 2 blinded dermatologists based on photographs obtained at each follow-up visit using the clinician erythema assessment scale and 5-grade scale. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea treated with narrow-band intense pulsed light were included in this study. The effectiveness and excellent rates after 3 treatment sessions were 68.9% and 35.6%, respectively. An average of 2 treatment sessions was required among patients who achieved good or excellent clearance of erythema and telangiectasia. Except for transient erythema and edema, no severe adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Narrow-band intense pulsed light is a safe and effective treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Even with a small number of treatment sessions, narrow-band intense pulsed light can deliver a significant therapeutic effect, which may be applicable in clinical practice. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(11):1095-1098     doi:10.36849/JDD.4920.

[Ocular complications in intense pulsed light therapy (case study)]. / Glaznye oslozhneniya intensivnoi fototerapii (klinicheskoe nablyudenie).

A 24-year-old female patient with photophobia, discoria, redness and dryness in her right eye after intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy applied for posttraumatic subcutaneous hemorrhage received a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography of the anterior eye segment. Her best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Medically induced mydriasis revealed discoria with paresis of pupil dilatator in the left eye (pupil size 4.2 mm and 6.6 mm in the right and left eye, respectively). Anterior segment OCT showed anterior chamber cytosis and increased iris vascularity. The patient was prescribed topical 1.0% tropicamide 2 times per day and 1.0% dexamethasone 4 times per day for two weeks. Examination performed after 3 months showed no restoration of pupil dilatator function in the left eye. The case demonstrates potential ocular complications of IPL therapy, which may include iris burn with iritis and persistent pupil dilatator dysfunction.

Safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light in the treatment of severe chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of severe chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (coGVHD). METHODS: A prospective cohort study. Seventeen patients with severe coGVHD were selected for inclusion in this study. All subjects were treated with IPL every fortnight together with conventional treatment, observation time points were pre-treatment (W0), 4 weeks post-treatment (W4), 8 weeks post-treatment (W8) and 12 weeks post-treatment (W12). Dry eye related examinations include Tear meniscus height (TMH), Non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT), Schirmer I test, Tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), Ocular surface staining (OSS) and assessment of meibomian gland. Corneal epithelial cell morphology and inflammatory cell infiltration were analyzed by corneal confocal microscopy, while goblet cell density and squamous epithelial grade were assessed by conjunctival imprinted cytology. RESULTS: Patients did not experience any adverse reactions during the follow-up period. All subjects showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms and most signs after IPL treatment. The corneal confocal microscopy showed that the number of dendritic cells infiltrates in the corneal stroma was significantly reduced after IPL treatment (p < 0.001). Conjunctival blot cytology suggested an increase in the number of conjunctival goblet cells from 5.12 ± 2.71 cells/mm2 before treatment to 22.00 ± 4.58 cells/mm2 after treatment, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). An improvement in conjunctival epithelial cell morphology and a decrease in squamous epithelial grade was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: IPL treatment can effectively increase tear film stability in patients with severe coGVHD without significant side effects.

Tear Film Lipid Layer Changes Following Combined Effect of Heated Eye Mask with Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Evaporative Dry Eye: A Randomized Control Study.

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex ocular surface inflammatory disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Therapies such as intense pulsed light (IPL) and heated eye mask (HEM) have been reported to improve the tear film lipid layer (TFLL) and signs and symptoms of DED. Methods: This randomized study aimed to compare the effects of IPL combined with HEM (IPL+HEM) group, IPL group, and control group in participants with evaporative DED. All participants were examined at baseline (D0), day 21 (D21), day 42 (D42), and day 84 (D84) for noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), TFLL, corneal conjunctival staining (CS), meibomian gland quality (MGQ), meibomian gland expressibility (MGEx), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results: The mean age of participants was IPL+HEM: 28.06 ± 3.88 years, IPL: 29.88 ± 4.68 years, and control: 28.52 ± 3.77 years. At D84, significant improvements in TFLL (p < 0.05), noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT) (p < 0.05), corneoconjunctival staining (CS) (p < 0.05), MGQ (p < 0.05), MGEx (p < 0.05), and OSDI (p < 0.05) were found in the IPL+HEM and IPL groups, whereas the control group had no significant improvements. Furthermore, ΔTFLL significantly correlated with ΔNITBUT (r = -0.678, p < 0.001), ΔCS (r = 0.321, p < 0.001), ΔMGQ (r = 0.669, p < 0.001), ΔMGEx (r = 0.598, p < 0.001), and ΔOSDI score (r = 0.649, p < 0.001). Conclusions: IPL therapy in combination with HEM and IPL therapy only can significantly improve the quality of TFLL and clinically reduce the sign and symptoms of evaporative DED. However, IPL therapy in combination with HEM was found to be more effective than IPL therapy alone.

Novel treatment of chalazion using light-guided-tip intense pulsed light.

We assessed the effectiveness of light-guided-tip intense pulsed light (IPL) with meibomian gland expression (MGX) in chalazion treatment. Ninety-five eyes with chalazion received a light-guided-tip IPL-MGX treatment (IPL-MGX group), and another 95 eyes with chalazion received incision with curettage treatment (Control group). Prior to IPL or incision, as well as 1 month after the final treatment, data were gathered pertaining to the lesion location and size, hyperemia, lesions regression or recurrence, and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. The total size of the chalazia in the IPL-MGX group was significantly reduced after the final treatment, with an average resolution rate of 70.5%, which is comparable to excision surgery. A significant decrease in chalazion recurrence rate was apparent after treatment in the IPL-MGX group compared with control. Moreover, the IPL-MGX demonstrated significant advancements throughout noninvasive tear film breakup time (NIBUT) as well as meibum grade in comparison to baseline and those in the the Control group. The use of IPL-MGX was found to be an efficient therapy for reducing the size and recurring frequency of chalazia, as well as for improving the meibomian gland function. It may be considered as a first-line treatment for cases of primary or recurrent chalazia with inflammation.

Hyperspectral assessment of acne skin exposed to intense pulsed light (IPL) intense pulsed light in acne treatment.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of intense pulsed light action on the skin is based on selective photothermolysis. The light delivered to the tissue is scattered and absorbed by chromophores that absorb a beam of radiation of a specific length. The skin reflectance changes depending on the physiological state of the tissue, as shown by the hyperspectral camera. The aim of the study was to assess the hyperspectral reflectance of acne skin before and after intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and to compare it with the reflectance of healthy skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 27 volunteers with diagnosed moderate acne. The control group consisted of 20 people without acne lesions. All acne volunteers underwent a series of four treatments using IPL at weekly intervals. The volunteers with acne lesions were photographed before the series of treatments and a week after the 4th treatment. RESULTS: Acne skin shows lower reflectance than healthy skin. Acne skin after IPL therapy is characterized by a higher reflectance compared to acne skin before the therapy and resembles the reflectance of the skin of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the acne skin before the treatments and the skin of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of IPL therapy on acne skin is the increase of its reflectance by reducing the number of chromophores, which brings it closer to the reflectance value of healthy skin. Hyperspectral imaging allows for: the evaluation of the treated skin at each stage, a precise selection of the light wavelength depending on the problem, and therefore, for optimizing the number of irradiations and increasing the safety of the therapy.

Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial erythema: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Facial erythema can be seen in many patients. Despite various clinical trials exploring the effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) in treating facial erythema, comprehensive evidence about the specific outcomes remains lacking. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched published studies in the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases based on established inclusion criteria. We calculated odds ratios (OR) to evaluate the effectiveness of IPL in patients with facial erythema. We used Review Manager 5.4.1 software for statistical data analyses with a 95% confidence interval (CI). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: This review includes seven studies with 219 patients, of which five compared the efficacy of IPL with pulsed dye laser (PDL). IPL significantly improved facial erythema compared to no treatment (OR=56.64, 95% CI: 22.70-141.33; P<0.00001). However, there was no significant difference between IPL and PDL treatment (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.31-3.22; P=1.00). Moreover, there was no significant difference in patients with a >50% reduction in telangiectasias between IPL and PDL treatment (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.39-2.56; P=1.00). Furthermore, IPL therapy had no apparent adverse effects for most people besides transitory edema and erythema. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicated that IPL could effectively and safely improve facial erythema with similar efficacy to PDL. Based on its comprehensive function, light side effects, and long curative effect, IPL appears to be a good alternative for treating facial erythema. However, further prospective and high-quality studies are required.

Evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair reduction using a home use laser in comparison to a Diode laser.

BACKGROUND: Lasers of different wavelengths have been developed for use in permanent hair reduction. An increase in the manufacturing of home-use laser hair removal devices allows for these treatments to be performed in the comfort of your own home at an affordable cost. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of permanent hair reduction using a Diode laser in comparison to the Silk'n™ Flash and Go Lux (475-1200 nm) home-use laser. METHODS: Fifteen females received six axillae laser hair removal treatments at two to four-week intervals using either a professional laser or home-use laser device. Photographs and hair counts were taken before each treatment and at a three week follow up. A T-test was used to evaluate statistical significance, and regression analysis to determine a difference in the effects. Pain scores and side effects were recorded by a visual analogue scale in a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: The professional laser showed an overall hair reduction of 85% on the right axilla and 88% on the left axilla. The home-use laser showed an overall reduction of 52% on the right axilla and 46,3% on the left axilla. Mild side effects were experienced for both laser devices. There were no serious adverse effects reported, safety features are effective to a certain extent. CONCLUSION: The Flash & Go Lux home-use laser can effectively reduce hair at a slower rate than the Diode laser. The home-use laser device offers protection against accidental exposure to light and use on darker skin types. Risks of retinal damage due to long-term exposure to home-use laser light are still cause for concern.

Efficacy of intense pulsed light therapy on signs and symptoms of dry eye disease: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

This study reviewed the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). The PubMed database was used to conduct the literature search, which used the keywords "intense pulsed light" and "dry eye disease". After the authors evaluated the articles for relevancy, 49 articles were reviewed. In general, all treatment modalities were proven to be clinically effective in reducing dry eye (DE) signs and symptoms; however, the level of improvement and persistence of outcomes differed amongst them. Meta-analysis indicated significant improvement in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores post-treatment with a standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.63; confidence interval (CI): -2.42 to -0.84. Moreover, a meta-analysis indicated a significant improvement in tear break-up time (TBUT) test values with SMD = 1.77; CI: 0.49 to 3.05. Research suggests that additive therapies, such as meibomian gland expression (MGX), sodium hyaluronate eye drops, heated eye mask, warm compress, lid hygiene, lid margin scrub, eyelid massage, antibiotic drops, cyclosporine drops, omega-3 supplements, steroid drops, and warm compresses along with IPL, have been found to work in tandem for greater effectiveness; however, in clinical practice, its feasibility and cost-effectiveness have to be taken into consideration. Current findings suggest that IPL therapy is suitable when lifestyle modifications such as reducing or eliminating the use of contact lenses, lubricating eye drops/gels, and warm compresses/eye masks fail to improve signs and symptoms of DE. Moreover, patients with compliance issues have been shown to benefit well as the effects of IPL therapy is sustained for over several months. DED is a multifactorial disorder, and IPL therapy has been found to be safe and efficient in reducing its signs and symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-related DE. Although the treatment protocol varies among authors, current findings suggest that IPL has a positive effect on the signs and symptoms of MGD-related DE. However, patients in the early stages can benefit more from IPL therapy. Moreover, IPL has a better maintenance impact when used in conjunction with other traditional therapies. Further research is needed to assess cost-utility analysis for IPL.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between intense pulsed light therapy using two different filters in meibomian gland dysfunction: prospective randomized study.

Our study compared treatment efficacy between cut-off and notch filters in intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) through a prospective, randomized paired-eye trial. Additionally, the efficacy of IPL treatment alone was investigated by restricting other conventional treatments. One eye was randomly selected for an acne filter and the other for a 590-nm filter. Identical four regimens of IPL treatments were administered. The tear break-up time (TBUT), Oxford scale, Sjögren's International Clinical Collaborative Alliance (SICCA) staining score, tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, tear osmolarity, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires were evaluated before and after IPL. Meibomian gland (MG) parameters were measured. When combining the results from both filters, the TBUT, SICCA staining score, OSDI score, and upper and lower lid meibum expressibility were improved after IPL. No significant differences were found between the two filters in the TBUT, Oxford scale, SICCA staining score, MMP-9 expression, tear osmolarity, and MG parameters. Although not significant, the acne filter showed better treatment efficacy than that in the 590-nm filter. IPL alone is efficacious in terms of ocular surface parameters, MG function, and subjective symptoms. Regarding filter selection, both acne and 590-nm filters are promising options for MGD treatment.

Assessment of adverse events for a home-use intense pulsed light hair removal device using postmarketing surveillance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Home-use intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal devices are convenient for consumers. Consumer safety associated with home-use IPL devices, however, remains a subject of interest. In this descriptive analysis, we assessed the most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) for a home-use IPL device from postmarketing surveillance and qualitatively compared these with AEs from clinical studies and medical device reports of home-use IPL treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this analysis of voluntary reports, we queried a distributor's postmarketing database for IPL devices for the period beginning January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021. All sources of comments, for example, phone, e-mail, company-sponsored web sites, were included in the analysis. AE data were coded according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) terminology. Also, we conducted a PubMed search to identify AE profiles from existing literature on home-use IPL devices and we searched the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for reports on home-use IPL devices. These results were qualitatively compared to the data in the postmarketing surveillance database. RESULTS: A total of 1692 cases involving IPL were identified from voluntary reports of AEs between 2016 and 2021. The shipment-adjusted reporting rate for AE cases (number of AE cases/100,000 shipped IPL devices) was 67/100,000 during this 6-year period. The most commonly reported AEs were pain of skin 27.8% (470/1692), "thermal burn" 18.7% (316/1692), and erythema 16.0% (271/1692). Among the top 25 AEs reported, no unexpected health events were observed. The reported AEs were qualitatively similar to the pattern seen in clinical studies and the MAUDE database associated with such home-use IPL treatments. CONCLUSION: This is the first such report documenting AEs for home-use IPL hair removal from a postmarketing surveillance program. These data are supportive of the safety of such home-use low-fluence IPL technology.

Expert opinion about laser and intense pulsed light (IPL)-induced leukoderma or vitiligo: a cross-sectional survey study.

Vitiligo patients may desire laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, vascular treatments, and other laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) assisted treatments. However, there is a risk of inducing new depigmented patches (Koebner phenomenon). In absence of guidelines on the safe use of laser or IPL in vitiligo patients, dermatologists tend to be reluctant to administer these treatments. The aim of this survey study was to provide an estimation of the occurrence and related risk factors of laser/IPL-induced leukoderma or vitiligo. A cross-sectional survey study was performed among 15 vitiligo experts from 11 countries, with 14 questions about affected patients, involved laser/IPL treatments and the physicians' approach. In a total of 11,300 vitiligo patients, laser/IPL-induced leukoderma or vitiligo was reported in 30 patients (0.27%). Of these, 12 (40%) patients had a medical history of vitiligo and seven (58%) of these patients had stable (> 12 months) vitiligo before the treatment. Most frequently reported were hair removal procedures and localization of the face and legs. Side effects like blistering, crusting, and erosions occurred in 56.7% of the cases. These vitiligo experts based their advice on the risk of the laser treatment on stability of the vitiligo (43%) and activity signs (50%), and 50% discuss the risks before starting a laser treatment. Relevant activity signs are the Koebner phenomenon (57.1%), confetti-like lesions (57.1%) and hypochromic borders (50%). Laser-induced leukoderma or vitiligo is an uncommon phenomenon. Remarkably, a minority had a medical history of vitiligo of which 58% were stable. Consequently, most cases could not have been prevented by not treating vitiligo patients. However, a majority had laser/IPL-induced skin damage. Therefore, caution is advised with aggressive settings and test-spots prior to the treatment are recommended. This study showed significant variation in the current recommendations and approach of vitiligo experts regarding laser/IPL-induced leukoderma or vitiligo.

Feasibility and Safety of Using Combined Light-Emitting Diodes Versus Intense Pulsed Light Technology for the Improvement of Facial Hypervascularization in Adult Patients.

Background: Superficial facial vascular lesions can be an aesthetic problem and a symptom of different skin diseases. Objective: It was to compare the efficacy and safety profiles of Dermalux® Tri-Wave MD, based on three combined light-emitting diodes (LEDs) technology and intense pulsed light (IPL) for reducing the excess of facial vascularization due to superficial cutaneous vascular lesions. Materials and methods: The study had a single-center, proof-of-concept, open-label, and prospective design. Two groups of adult patients were treated for facial hypervascularization, LED-Group with an LED device combining 633 and 830 nm and IPL-Group with an IPL (555-950 and 530-750 nm). Variables assessed were hemoglobin hyperconcentration (HH), hemoglobin-affected area (HAA) through Antera 3D®, and pain using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Results: Twenty subjects were included, 10 by group (50% female). LED-Group: Mean age 32.1 years (range, 21-46). IPL-Group: Mean age 34.5 years (range, 25-49). HH: LED-Group 100% had a moderate improvement; in the IPL-Group, 10% was moderate, and 90% was marked. HAA: LED-Group 10% had a slight improvement, 70% moderate, and 20% marked; in the IPL-Group, 100%, the improvement was marked. Seventy percent of LED-Group patients reported no pain, 30% mild; in the IPL-Group, 100% of patients reported severe pain. Conclusions: Treatment with combined red and near-infrared LEDs effectively reduced the excess of facial vascularization with moderate outcomes compared with IPL, but without secondary effects and no pain. This treatment could represent an effective, safe, and well-tolerated approach for facial vascular lesions.