IPL Clinical Studies and Reviews

Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte

Weiss RA; Goldman MP; Weiss MA. Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte with an intense pulsed light source. Dermatol Surg 2000 Sep;26(9):823-7; discussion 828.
Abstract:

Background: Effective treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte combines elimination of both the vascular and pigmented components simultaneously. A broad spectrum, noncoherent, intense pulsed light (IPL) source delivers multiple wavelengths with software controlled pulse durations and sequencing, which permits treatment of both vascular and pigmented lesions simultaneously. Objective: To determine response and side effects of poikiloderma of Civatte of the neck and chest when treated by IPL.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-five patients randomly selected with typical changes of poikiloderma of Civatte on the neck and/or upper chest were treated with one to five treatments using IPL.

Results: Clearance of more than 75% of telangiectasias and hyperpigmentation comprising poikiloderma was observed. The incidence of side effects was 5%, including pigment changes. In many cases, improved skin texture was noted both by physician and patient.

Conclusion: IPL is an effective mode of therapy for poikiloderma of Civatte. It offers a reduction of pigment and telangiectasias with a low risk profile. Additional benefits include subjective changes of improvement in skin texture.

Treatment of venous malformations

Raulin C, Werner S. Treatment of venous malformations with an intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology: A retrospective study. Lasers Surg Med 1999;25(2):170-177.
Abstract:

Background and Objective: The intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology provides an innovative concept in the treatment of vascular lesions. We investigated the effectiveness of IPLS in the treatment of venous malformations.
Study Design/Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 11 patients with venous malformations (VMA) treated with IPLS was initiated. Clinical VMA characteristics recorded were size and location. Data collected included treatment parameters (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), % clearance, and side effects (e.g., swelling, blisters, crusting, pain, altered pigmentation, and scarring).

Results: Good and very good (70-100%) clearance was achieved in 8 malformations smaller than 100 cm(2). Especially small lesions needed only 2-3 treatments. Three VMA larger than 100 cm(2) could be cleared well in an average of 18 sessions. The most frequently used parameters were the 590 nm filter in long pulse mode, triple pulses, and fluences at an average of 80.4 J/cm(2). Side effects included prolonged erythema in 23.6, swelling in 17.9%, crusting in 4.7%. Bleeding, hypo-, hyperpigmentation, and scarring were rare (0.9% respectively).

Conclusion: IPLS presents an effective method for treating VMA, especially small malformations, with a justifiable rate of side effects when optimal parameters are chosen.

PhotoDerm VL-Flashlamp for skin lesions

Schroeter CA, Neumann HAM. An Intense Light Source: The PhotoDerm VL-Flashlamp as a new treatment possibility for vascular skin lesions. Dermatol Surg 1998; 24:743-748.

Background: Up to now, vascular diseases were treated with various lasers, such as argon, pulsed dye, and copper vapor lasers, which can lead to side effects like hypopigmentations, hyperpigmentations, and scarring. We treated patients with vascular lesions with an incoherent intense light source, the PhotoDerm VL-flashlamp.

Objective: The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness and safety of the PhotoDerm VL for vascular skin lesions.

Methods: One hundred and twenty patients with facial or leg telangiectasias, spider nevi, erythrosis interfollicularis, and senile angiomas were treated with the PhotoDerm VL.

Results: In 73.6% of patients there was an immediate clearing, and in 84.3% a clearing after 1 month was found of leg telangiectasias up to 1 mm in diameter. Facial telangiectasias and erythrosis interfollicularis colli showed clearance up to 90%. Spider nevi and senile angiomas often only needed to be treated once.

Conclusion: From our experience we conclude that the PhotoDerm VL is an excellent device to treat vascular lesions as there were hardly any side effects seen, however, the user needs a sufficient experience to get good results.