Intense pulsed light source for treatment of facial telangiectasias

This study examined two dozen patients who had facial telangiectasias treated with IPL. Positive results of varying degrees occurred in every patient and side effects were moderate.

PubMed Reference:Bjerring P, et al. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2001 Dec;3:169-73.

Study Details:

• 24 subjects (19 females, 5 males) with mean age 47.8±9.5 years, Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-III with facial telangiectasias
• 1-4 IPL treatments (555-950 nm) at 1-month intervals: 10x48-mm spot size; fluence 13-22 J/cm² (mean 17.1±2.0J/cm²); pulse durations of 10 ms for diffuse redness, 15 ms for visible thin vessels & 30 ms for thick vessels
• Blinded clinical and photographic evaluation by 1 independent dermatologist, based on mean result for % clearance of visible vessels and % clearance of diffuse erythema

Study Results:

• 100% of subjects showed a reduction in visible vessels: 83.4% had > 50% clearance, 66.7% had > 75% clearance
• 90.4% of subjects showed a reduction in diffuse erythema
• Average cosmetic clearance was 62.7% ± 23%
• Edema developed 1-2 days after treatment and lasted up to 5 days
• No purpura, hypertrophic or atrophic scars, or pigmentary disturbances