Intense Pulsed Light

Question 1

What is IPL used for?

Answer 1

-permanent hair removal ( photo-epilation)
-treatment signs of aging
- pigment spots (photo-depigmentation)
- rejuvenation (photo-rejuvenation)
Has shown positive effect in acne, rosacea & capillary malformations

Question 2

What are the dominant colors?

Answer 2

-Red 600nm-700nm hair reduction
- Yellow 500nm-600nm skin rejuvenation & pigmentation
-Green 500nm vascular pigmentation & pigmentation
-Blue 400nm Acne treatment

Question 3

What is chromophore?

Answer 3

A group of atoms, containing one or more double bonds & forming with the rest of the molecule a sequence of conjugated double bonds.

Question 4

What is hemoglobin?

Answer 4

A respiratory pigment ( of the molecular family of metalloproteins, here containing iron) present mainly in the blood of vertebrates, within their red blood cells, as well as in the tissues of certain invertebrates
- function is to transport oxygen from the respiratory system ( lungs, gills) to the rest of the body.

Question 5

What is a photon?

Answer 5

Is the quantum of energy associated with electromagnetic waves ( ranging from radio waves to gamma rays through visible light), which has certain characteristics of elementary particle.

Question 6

What is thermolysis?

Answer 6

Consists of all the systems put into play by homeothermic organisms to dissipate excess heat & maintain & stabilize the internal temperature.

Question 7

What is a Visible spectrum?

Answer 7

Is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceptible by humans. Spectrum is broken down into monochromatic radiation by the passage of light through a dispersing device.

Question 8

What is a wavelength ?

Answer 8

A physical quantity homogeneous to a length, characteristic of a monochromatic wave in a homogeneous medium, defined as the distance separating two consecutive maxima of the amplitude.

Question 9

What is IPL?

Answer 9

• it uses wide range of wavelengths of light to produce a single white flash.
• can treat a large area of skin in a shorter time than laser therapy.

Question 10

What skin issues does IPL treat?

Answer 10

• acne
• birthmarks
• rosacea
  -hyperpigmentation
  -melasma
  -hair removal
  -spider veins
  -stretch marks
  -sun damaged skin

Question 11

2 factors that play a large part in how IPL works are?

Answer 11

-Fitzpatrick skin typing
- parameters

Question 12

How many years is it recommended to maintain hair removal with IPL?

Answer 12

7-10 years

Question 13

What is a photo rejuvenation/ skin rejuvenation?

Answer 13

-IPL passes through the epidermis, it eliminates collagen cells, which are responsible for the aging of the skin.
- causes the production of good collagen & elastin which are necessary to restore the skin’s suppleness & firmness

Question 14

Photo capillary

Answer 14

-Vascular pigmentation includes superficial veins, broken blood vessels & broken capillaries
-once vessel is treated you will notice whitening, graying, darkening of the purple or blackening of the vessel.
-dark collection may last up to 3-4 days
-3-7 days after Rx vessel will be broken down & absorbed naturally.

Question 15

Does IPL treat varicose veins?

Answer 15

No

Question 16

Acne treatment

Answer 16

• Active acne
• ideal for cystic acne, large pustules, severely inflamed skin & stubborn active acne- during Rx you will notice deepening of lesion color, lesion sensitivity (if cystic), whitening of pigmentation
  -May experience enema/ erythema (may last up to 5-10 days after Rx)
• Active pustules may burst
  -advise client not to squeeze, pop, push, or touch the open pustule after leaving the clinic
• apply ice followed by bandage
• can do up to 2 passes on an average acne client but can do maximum 3 passes Depending on client’s stubborn acne you can increase the joules & frequency for an extra pass

Question 17

Contraindications

Answer 17

• recent sunburn
• cancer patients or history of cancer is last 10 years
• disease simulated by light or heat (epilepsy)
  -history of keloid scarring
  -pregnancy or breastfeeding
  -history of seizures
  -severe dermatitis or eczema ( within Rx area)
  -Active infections
  -herpes 1 or 2 (within the Rx area)
  -smoking ( delays healing process)
  -removing hair by the root eg. waxing or tweezing 4 weeks prior to Rx ( hair removal only)
• photosensitizing medications are best avoided

Question 18

Why is the pressure on the applicator very important when performing laser hair removal?

Answer 18

It ensures patient comfort

Question 19

Why is pressure on the applicator not recommended for pigmentation spots/telangiectasia?

Answer 19

It can penetrate the light deeper, past the pigmentation intended to treat

Question 20

Which fitz types must wait 48hrs after 3 test spots are performed to ensure no pigmentation issues occur?

Answer 20

Fitz 4-6

Question 21

Can IPL treat red or blond/ white hair?

Answer 21

No because the laser can not differentiate between the skin pigment & the pigment of the hair follicle

Question 22

Why do we use a clear conductor gel?

Answer 22

So it doesn’t leave a color residue behind when it penetrates into the skin

Question 23

Adjusting the cooling system

Answer 23

-Cooling system is what protects the upper layers of the epidermis & if the cooling setting is used incorrectly, it can leave burns, blisters, severe redness & damage the client’s melanin.
-Damaged melanin appears in hyperpigmentation & hypopigmentation.
- damage can recover naturally but it can take up to 10 years

Question 24

Pigment cooling

Answer 24

•0-100%
-shallow pigment uses lower cooling & deeper pigment uses higher cooling

Question 25

Acne cooling

Answer 25

•should remain at 100%

Question 26

Vascular cooling ( capillaries)

Answer 26

• 0-100%
-lower cooling setting for Fitzpatrick types l-lll
- Fitzpatrick types lV-Vl should be treated with cooling below 60-80%

Question 27

Treatment protocol of acne

Answer 27

Number of sessions- 10-12 depending on condition

Treatment frequency- 2 times per week, for 5 weeks. Sessions should have 3 days of downtime in between

Number of passes-3

Question 28

Skin rejuvenation, pigmentation & photo - capillary

Answer 28

Number of treatment- 3-6 depending on condition

Frequency: once every 4-6 weeks

Number of passes- Fitzpatrick l-lV are recommended 2-3 passes. Fitzpatrick V & Vl require only 1-2 passes

Question 29

Hair removal

Answer 29

Number of treatments- 10-14 treatments

Frequency- once every 4-6 weeks

Number of passes : up to 3 passes overlapping 20-30%

Question 30

Post treatment

Answer 30

• a sunburn- like sensation is expected for about 2-5 hours after the treatment. If this is uncomfortable apply cold compress or ice the treated area
• your skin may be temperature sensitive for the following 2 days, so do not use very hot water or your shower or bath
• protect skin from sun
• do not exfoliate the skin for 1 week after the treatment
  -your skin may be more sensitive to certain skin care
  -do not pick blisters or skin crusting as it may lead to a scar