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Second-degree burn within a tattoo after intense-pulsed-light epilation
Stefan Riml1, Lorenz Larcher, Martin Grohmann
1Department for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Academic Hospital Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria. stefan.riml@tele2.at
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|July 3, 2013
Summary
High-energy light treatments like laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) for photoepilation require expertise. IPL devices pose significant risks due to a lack of regulation and can cause severe harm, necessitating stricter controls.
Area of Science:
- Aesthetic surgery
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- High-energy light sources, including lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL), are increasingly used in aesthetic procedures.
- Photoepilation, a common application, utilizes selective photothermolysis to target melanin in hair follicles for hair removal.
Observation:
- The case study highlights that improper application of high-energy light sources, particularly IPL, can lead to severe harm due to insufficient knowledge of their mechanisms.
- Complications arising from photoepilation must be differentiated from professional errors, which are increasing with IPL devices.
Findings:
- IPL devices are associated with a worse risk-benefit profile compared to laser therapy for photoepilation.
- The use of IPL devices is often in a legal grey area, lacking mandatory physician supervision.
Implications:
- Stricter regulation of IPL devices is crucial, aligning with controls for laser devices, to ensure patient safety.
- Enhanced training and knowledge of the mechanism of action for high-energy light sources are essential for practitioners in aesthetic surgery.
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