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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Overview and Hyperhidrosis Treatment

What is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum wavelengths of light to target pigment, blood vessels, hair follicles, and other skin structures. IPL emits multiple wavelengths, differentiating it from traditional lasers that use a single wavelength, allowing it to treat various skin conditions.

How Does IPL Work?

• IPL delivers pulses of light that penetrate the skin and are absorbed by target chromophores such as melanin in pigment cells or hemoglobin in blood vessels.
• Absorbed light energy converts to heat, destroying the target tissue without damaging surrounding structures.
• This process also stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness over time.

IPL Uses for Skin Conditions

• Treats hyperpigmentation, sun damage, age spots, freckles, rosacea, broken capillaries, and superficial vascular lesions.
• Used for hair removal and improvement of skin laxity.
• Enhances skin tone and reduces acne scarring.

IPL for Hyperhidrosis

• IPL has been proposed to treat axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) by targeting and damaging sweat glands through photothermal effects.
• However, recent clinical trials show that one session of IPL therapy at commercially available settings does not produce significant or lasting sweat reduction compared to untreated areas for primary axillary hyperhidrosis.clinicaltrials+1​
• Nd:YAG laser, a similar but more focused laser, also showed limited efficacy in single-session treatments. Multiple sessions and other technologies may be required for meaningful improvement.

Safety and Side Effects

• IPL is generally safe with minimal downtime. Temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort may occur after treatment.
• Proper patient selection and settings customization are essential to minimize risks, especially in darker skin types.

Summary

• IPL therapy effectively treats various skin cosmetic conditions by targeting pigmentation and vascular lesions.
• Current evidence does not support IPL as a standalone effective treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis after a single session.
• Emerging technologies and combination treatments are under investigation for better hyperhidrosis control.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

For expert evaluation of IPL suitability for your skin concerns and comprehensive hyperhidrosis treatment plans, consult with our dermatology specialists who tailor advanced, evidence-based therapies.

References:

1. Taudorf EH, Henning M, Olsen J, Thorlacius L, Christensen R, Jemec GBE. Attempted Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis with One Session of Either Neodymium YAG Laser or Intense Pulsed Light: A Within Patient Randomized Trial of Treated Versus Untreated Contralateral Axilla. Lasers Surg Med. 2023 Oct;55(8):748-757. doi:10.1002/lsm.23697. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37313834/​
2. International Hyperhidrosis Society. Lasers in Hyperhidrosis Treatment. 2019. Available at: https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/lasers.html​
3. Dermatology Associates. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). 2024 Oct 10. Available at: https://da-pdx.com/cosmetic/laser-and-light-treatments/ipl-intense-pulsed-light/​