Using intense pulsed light for cosmetic purposes: our experience

The authors' experience using intense pulsed light for skin rejuvenation is summarized and analyzed with regard to its efficacy, safety, and complications. Rejuvenation using intense pulsed light was performed on 59 patients over a 6-month period (January of 2002 to July of 2002); these patients served as the study group. The areas treated were the face, neck, chest, hands, and legs. The parameters used during the procedure, patient satisfaction, and complications are described. Ninety-five percent of the patients included in the study had one or two sessions. Good to very good results were reported by 93.1 percent. Most patients had minor side effects and only three patients (5 percent) experienced complications (hyperpigmentation or scars). Intense pulsed light is an effective and safe method for skin rejuvenation. Its efficacy is mainly manifested by eliminating senile pigmentation and telangiectasias and a achieving a younger and fresher appearance of the skin. Although in the literature intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation is mainly reported for the face, the authors have obtained good results by using it for other areas of the body. The majority of the patients were satisfied. The authors conclude that intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation is a safe and effective method for facial and nonfacial rejuvenation.