Intense Pulsed Light

Our most versatile treatment option in Dermatology.

What is IPL? It's a revolutionary advancement to conventional 'laser' cosmetology/dermatology (which includes permanent hair reduction and more). 

Laser devices have highly specific wavelengths which limits what can be achieved with their application.  IPL, on the other hand, produces high fluence energy from 400-1200nm on the EM spectrum, which allows them to be an effective treatment for a very wide variety of cosmetological and dermatological conditions including; but not limited to, permanent  hair removal, vascular-vein reduction, skin toning-tightening, hyper pigmentation issues, wrinkle reduction, acne treatment, scar/stretch mark reduction, tattoo removal and more.

This is achieved by way of IPL filtering with the use of photodynamic chromadyes which allow only certain wavelengths of energy to pass through.  Rather than just exposing dermal tissue to high intensity broad spectrum light, the IPL emission is limited to a specific range of the spectrum which is proven most effective on each dermatological condition. 

For example, Intense Pulsed Light in the 405-500nm range is clinically proven to kill bacteria responsible for severe acne vulgaris.  IPL energy in the 700-800nm range is shown to promote the condition by stimulating excess oil production in the skin. Applying broad spectrum IPL energy would not produce measurable improvement (and in fact has shown to worsen the condition in testing).  However, by filtering out light energy except for what is in the 405-500nm spectrum range, IPL treatments become highly effective in controlling and reversing severe acne.  IPL Study: 85% of patients showed greater than 50% improvement in their acne lesions*1

The following section outlines ideal wavelength/power suggestions for effective treatment on most dermatological conditions.

• Permanent Hair Reduction: 800-1100nm 25-35 jcm2/pulse, 180-220jcm2/sec.

• Spider & Varicose Veins: 630-750nm 30-40 jcm2/pulse, 220-300jcm2/sec.

• Deep Wrinkle Reduction: 450-530nm 30-40 jcm2/pulse, 220-300jcm2/sec

• Skin Toning & Tightening: 640-780nm 25-35 jcm2/pulse, 180-220jcm2/sec.

• Hyperpigmentaton Issues: 515-640nm 25-35 jcm2/pulse, 180-220jcm2/sec.

• Acne Treatment: 410-535nm 15-20 jcm2/pulse, 120-180jcm2/sec.

• Scars & Stretchmarks: 505-670nm 35-45 jcm2/pulse, 220-300jcm2/sec

• Rosacea Reduction: 630-750nm 25-35 jcm2/pulse, 180-220jcm2/sec.

• Tattoo Removal (Light Inks): 480-600nm 45-55 jcm2/pulse, 220-300jcm2/sec

• Tattoo Removal (Dark): 705-1180nm 35-45 jcm2/pulse, 220-300jcm2/sec.

Photorejuvenation and Hyperpigmentaton

Age spots, freckles, discoloration.

IPL has shown to be highly effective in the treatment of photodamaged pigmented lesions and generalized dyscromia*2

Wrinkle, Scar, Stretchmark Reduction

Three intense pulsed light treatments improved skin texture, telangiectasia, and irregular pigmentation. Blinded clinical evaluations found significant improvements of skin texture*3

Spider and Varicose Vein Reduction

Nose, Face, Neck, Legs, Arms, Body.

IPL energy is absorbed by the vessels. Heat absorption causes a thermocoagulation of the capillary or vein, and absorption by the body over 1-3 treatments.

Permanent Hair Reduction

Underarms, Bikini Line, Legs, Back, Chest.

IPL is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turns to heat which kills the growing cells.  IPL Study: 83% hair reduction was obtained after two to six treatments*4

So, what sets the Avance Beauty Line of IPL Systems apart from the rest of the industry? 

Versatility and Adaptability

to the dynamic needs of the practitioner.

1.  E-Light Flux:  Two highly effective technologies in one platform.  IPL with the incorporation of Shortwave Energy (known as E-Light) results in performance that is unparalleled.  Permanent hair and tattoo removal can be safely achieved in less than half the total treatment hours as compared to regular IPL procedures by amplifying the thermolysis effect in select tissues without the risk of thermal injury.

2.  Single Pulse VS Sequential Pulse Techniques:  Higher thermal retention in desired tissues with greater thermal dissipation in tissues which are not to be targeted.  For example: step up thermal rise in hair follicles to critical thermolysis and coagulation is accomplished while allowing dermal tissues the time to dissipate excess thermal energy.

More specifically, if applying 220 joules of energy in a single pulse, you will permanently damage a hair follicle by creating a temperature inside the papilla matrix over the coagulation threshold of 60°C.  However, it can also do great harm to the adjacent tissues, especially the circulatory system in the skin.  It is therefore safer to deliver the 220 joules in a series of 7 rapid sequential pulses.  This results in core temperatures in the papilla matrix of over 65°C (and guaranteed destruction of the tissue) but allows the skin time to dissipate heat build up, as it naturally does, to avoid thermal injury.

The Avance Beauty Line is one of the only choices which can deliver rapid sequential pulses due to revolutionary technology which does not use a capacitor driven emitter.  Other manufacturers are limited by what is known as 'capacitor recharge delay' which means their machines can only pulse once ever 1-2 seconds. 

3.  Modulated Energy Delivery:  The Avance Line gives practitioners the choice of single or sequential pulse mode at the turn of a knob.  It also gives the practitioner the choice or E-Light Flux or Standard IPL Mode at the flip of a switch.  The machines are very user friendly and no advanced training is required to operate them.  The IPL850-LS and IPL950-LS come standard with a programmable fluence meter which takes all guesswork out of energy delivery by automatically cutting of pulses at the pre-selected fluence. 

4.  A Complete Line of Avance Beauty Accessories and Supplies:

• Cooling and Coupling Gels: Improving Client Comfort/Safety.

• Filtering Coupling Gels: Covering the Entire 400-1200 Spectrum.

• Wavelength Specific Emitter Tips: For Specialized Applications.

• Pre & Post Treatment Formulations: To Desensitize & Aid Healing

IPL750-LS  Professional Intense Pulsed E-Light System.  IPL with Shortwave Assist (35 Watt QCW RF).  One of the most impressive desktop IPL systems on the market delivering 20-50 Joules per pulse, 300 Jcm2/second.  IPL QCW Diode Emitter is guaranteed for over 250,000 pulses (replacements tips are $49.95 each).  A 15mm spot size makes the IPL750-LS highly versatile and efficient. Designed and engineered for rigorous daily salon use.   Energy Density: With Standard 410-1200nm Unfiltered Tip, 50.4 jcm2/pulse, 300jcm2/sec.  Total IPL Output Power:  33,000mW QCW (quasi constant wave).  Pulse duration 0.07 seconds.  Maximum Pulse Frequency 7pps.

IPL750-LS Standard Equipment Package $1,349.90

IPL750-LS Equipment & Specialized Filter Gel Kits:  Acne, Photorejuvenation, Pigmentation, Toning/Tightening, Vascular, Wrinkle, Scar Reduction:   -Link-

IPL Treatment Gels and Specialized Formulation Kits   -Link-

IPL850-LS  Professional Intense Pulsed E-Light System.  IPL with Shortwave Assist (35 Watt QCW RF).  One of the most impressive desktop IPL systems on the market delivering 50.4 Joules per pulse max, 300 Jcm2/second.  IPL QCW Diode Emitter is guaranteed for over 250,000 (replacements tips are $69.95 each).  A large 24mm spot size will make easy work of large areas while maintaining versatility. Designed and engineered for rigorous daily use at a busy salon or Medispa.  This is an industrial-grade machine which will last many years.  Energy Density: With Standard 410-1200nm Unfiltered Tip, 20-50 jcm2/pulse, 300jcm2/sec.  Total IPL Output Power:  55,000mW QCW (quasi constant wave).  Pulse duration 0.07 seconds.  Maximum Pulse Frequency 7pps.

IPL850-LS Standard Equipment Package $1,749.90

IPL850-LS Equipment & Specialized Filter Gel Kits:  Acne, Photorejuvenation, Pigmentation, Toning/Tightening, Vascular, Wrinkle, Scar Reduction:    -Link-

IPL950-LS  The all new Large Spot Model, Professional Intense Pulsed E-Light System.  IPL with Shortwave Assist (35 Watt QCW RF).  The most impressive desktop IPL system on the market delivering 50.4 max Joules per pulse, 300 Jcm2/second combined with the largest IPL treatment area (9cm2) per pulse available.  IPL QCW Diode Emitter is guaranteed for over 250,000 pulses (replacements tips are $89.95 each).  An extra large 33mm spot size makes for the highest level of efficiency, especially on legs and full body epilation jobs. Designed and engineered for rigorous daily salon and Medispa Use.  This is an industrial-grade machine which will last many years providing reliable, consistent results.  Energy Density: With Standard 410-1200nm Unfiltered Tip,  20-50 jcm2/pulse, 300jcm2/sec.  Total IPL Output Power:  90,000mW QCW (quasi constant wave).  Pulse duration 0.07 seconds.  Maximum Pulse Frequency 7pps.

IPL950-LS Standard Equipment Package $1,849.90

IPL950-LS Equipment & Specialized Filter Gel Kits:  Acne, Photorejuvenation, Pigmentation, Toning/Tightening, Vascular, Wrinkle, Scar Reduction:   -Link-

Avance Beauty IPL Coupling Filter Gels    -Link-

Discomfort and Client Reaction

Remarkably, the sensation felt with an IPL treatment is no more intense than that of a laser, although much more total energy is being delivered to the tissue.  The first three rapid pulses from the IPL generally are not felt by the client.  The fourth (if the technician chooses to deliver that many) begins to feel like a snap of a rubber band or a pinch (as the tissue absorbs and converts the energy to heat).  Five or more rapid pulses in less than one second may be uncomfortable for some clients.  The use of a topical desensitizing spray or pre-treatment cold pack will alleviate most sensation. 

Client Pre-Qualifications

Like laser, the best candidate for IPL hair removal has fair skin with dark terminal hairs. Skin typing for exposure to ultraviolet light can be categorized by the Fitzpatrick classification, developed by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick of Harvard Medical School.

• Skin Type I:  Never tans, always burns (extremely fair skin, blonde hair, blue/green eyes).

• Skin Type II:  Occasionally tans, usually burns (fair skin, sandy to brown hair, green/brown eyes).

• Skin Type III:  Often tans, sometimes burns (medium skin, brown hair, brown eyes).

• Skin Type IV:  Always tan, never burns (olive skin, brown/black hair, dark brown/black eyes).

• Skin Type V:  Never burns (dark brown skin, black hair, black eyes).

• Skin Type VI:  (black skin, black hair, black eyes).

Types 1 through 4 are outstanding candidates. Type 5 will have excellent results as well but care must be taken to assure that the IPL will not burn the skin.

Important Considerations for Safe IPL Treatments

• 
  Treatment Around or Near the Eyes: Great care must be exercised when working near the eyes. The IPL emission is powerful enough to actually penetrate the eyelid and permanently damage the eye. Having the patient close their eyes is not satisfactory protection. The use of a dark-colored damp wash cloth which is folded over four times will deflect the harmful radiation; however, only IPL protective eyewear is recommended.

• 
  Treatment Around or Near Mucus Membranes: IPL radiation will severely damage the tissues inside the nose and ear canal. Treatment should be avoided in these areas altogether.

• 
  Treatment Around or Near the Genitals:  IPL hair removal is safe for application to the pubic regions including the reproductive organs of both sexes. Care must be taken into consideration in these areas due to the increased level of neural sensitivity. The patient may find the process uncomfortable without a topical desensitizing spray.

• 
  Treatment Around or Near the Areola (nipple):  IPL hair removal is safe and effective on hair growth which occurs from the areola of both sexes.

•  
  Post-Treatment: The skin surrounding the treatment area will experience short-term erythmia (reddening) which will subside within 12-24 hours. Should the treatment area show signs of excess scabbing you may wish to reduce the overall treatment time or intensity. The application of a post-treatment cooling and healing gel (such as Aloe) is encouraged to speed healing and reduce sensitivity. Instruct the patient to refrain from applying cosmetics or sunbathing for at least 24 hours.

References

1, 2. Goldberg: Laser Dermatology, ISBN 3-540-21277-9, 2005:115-116, 63-64

3.  Skin Rejuvenation Using Intense Pulsed Light August 2006 Lene Hedelund, MD; Eva Due, MD; Peter Bjerring

4. Goldberg: Laser Dermatology, ISBN 3-540-21277-9, 2005:77-78