Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Complications After IPL Treatment

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Aesthetic Applications of Intense Pulsed Light

Abstract

The rapid development of IPL technique has led to improvement in the safety of professional and of home-use devices. Covering such a large array of treatments in the medical office as well as at home, IPL devices prove to be a relatively safe technique. Some adverse effects can still be encountered, most with minor consequences. The complications caused by IPL treatments may be divided into two groups: those which are due to errors in handling of the device and those which are patient-dependent. Improper training of operators and insufficient experience may lead to undesirable results. The second type of complication which is related to the patient’s skin reactivity is harder to anticipate. Major complications are permanent pigmentary changes, paradoxical effect, leukotrichia, uveitis, iritis and scarring. Minor complications are erythema and purpura which last more than 3 days, blisters, temporary pigmentary changes and temporary hair discoloration. In this chapter we will describe the most common side effects as well as the methods of avoiding and treating them when they occur.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 69.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Ash C, Town G, Whittall R, Tooze L, Phillips J. Lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) association with cancerous lesions. Lasers Med Sci. 2017;32(8):1927–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2310-y.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Wat H, Wu DC, Rao J, Goldman MP. Application of intense pulsed light in the treatment of dermatologic disease: a systematic review. Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(4):359–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12424.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Kontoes PP, Vlachos SP, Marayiannis KV. Intense pulsed light for the treatment of lentigines in LEOPARD syndrome. Br J Plast Surg. 2003;56(6):607–10.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Town G, Botchkareva NV, Uzunbajakava NE, Nuijs T, van Vlimmeren M, Ash C, Dierickx C. Light-based home-use devices for hair removal: why do they work and how effective they are? Lasers Surg Med. 2019; https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23061.

  5. Feng Y-M, Zhou Z-C, Gold MH. Hair removal using a new intense pulsed light source in Chinese patients. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009;11(2):94–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764170902883220.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Mohanan S, Basheerahmed P, Priyavathani R, Nellainayagam G. New intense pulse light device with square pulse technology for hirsutism in Indian patients: a pilot study. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012;14(1):14–7. https://doi.org/10.3109/14764172.2011.649764.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Thacker P, Kumar P. Near infrared pulsed light for permanent hair reduction in Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2016;9(4):249–53. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.197078.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Trelles MA, Ash C, Town G. Clinical and microscopic evaluation of long-term (6 months) epilation effects of the ipulse personal home-use intense pulsed light (IPL) device. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2014;28(2):160–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.12069.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Radmanesh M, Mostaghimi M, Yousefi I, Mousavi ZB, Rasai S, Esmaili HR, Khadivi HA. Leukotrichia developed following application of intense pulsed light for hair removal. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(7):572–4; discussion 574

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Fodor L, Peled IJ, Rissin Y, et al. Using intense pulsed light for cosmetic purposes: our experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004;113(6):1789–95.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Alster TS, Tanzi EL, Welsh EC. Photorejuvenation of facial skin with topical 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light treatment: a split-face comparison study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2005;4(1):35–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Hernandez-Perez E, Ibiett EV. Gross and microscopic findings in patients submitted to nonablative full-face resurfacing using intense pulsed light: a preliminary study. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(8):651–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Negishi K, Wakamatsu S, Kushikata N, et al. Full-face photorejuvenation of photodamaged skin by intense pulsed light with integrated contact cooling: initial experiences in Asian patients. Lasers Surg Med. 2002;30(4):298–305.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Bitter PH. Noninvasive rejuvenation of photodamaged skin using serial, full-face intense pulsed light treatments. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26(9):835–42. discussion 843

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Weiss RA, Weiss MA, Beasley KL. Rejuvenation of photoaged skin: 5 years results with intense pulsed light of the face, neck, and chest. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(12):1115–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Goldberg DJ, Cutler KB. Nonablative treatment of rhytids with intense pulsed light. Lasers Surg Med. 2000;26(2):196–200.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Mark KA, Sparacio RM, Voigt A, et al. Objective and quantitative improvement of rosacea-associated erythema after intense pulsed light treatment. Dermatol Surg. 2003;29(6):600–4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Schroeter CA, Haaf-von Below S, Neumann HA. Effective treatment of rosacea using intense pulsed light systems. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(10):1285–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Huang YL, Liao YL, Lee SH, et al. Intense pulsed light for the treatment of facial freckles in Asian skin. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(11):1007–12. discussion 1012

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Goldman MP, Weiss RA. Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte on the neck with an intense pulsed light source. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;107(6):1376–81.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Weiss RA, Goldman MP, Weiss MA. Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte with an intense pulsed light source. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26(9):823–7. discussion 828

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Paquet P, Pierard GE. Intense pulsed light treatment of persistent facial hypermelanosis following drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(12 Pt 2):1522–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Kawada A, Shiraishi H, Asai M, et al. Clinical improvement of solar lentigines and ephelides with an intense pulsed light source. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(6):504–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Wang CC, Hui CY, Sue YM, et al. Intense pulsed light for the treatment of refractory melasma in Asian persons. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(9):1196–200.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Moreno-Arias GA, Ferrando J. Noncoherent-intense-pulsed light for the treatment of relapsing hairy intradermal melanocytic nevus after shave excision. Lasers Surg Med. 2001;29(2):142–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Moreno Arias GA, Ferrando J. Intense pulsed light for melanocytic lesions. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(4):397–400.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Konishi N, Kawada A, Kawara S, et al. Clinical effectiveness of a novel intense pulsed light source on facial pigmentary lesions. Arch Dermatol Res. 2008;300(Suppl 1):S65–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Lee JH, Huh CH, Yoon HJ, Cho KH, Chung JH. Photoepilation results of axillary hair in dark-skinned patients by IPL: a comparison between different wavelength and pulse width. Dermatol Surg. 2006;32(2):234–40.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Fodor L, Menachem M, Ramon Y, et al. Hair removal using intense pulsed light (EpiLight): patient satisfaction, our experience, and literature review. Ann Plast Surg. 2005;54(1):8–14.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Moreno-Arias GA, Castelo-Branco C, Ferrando J. Side-effects after IPL photodepilation. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(12):1131–4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Nahavandi H, Neumann R, Holzer G, Knobler R. Evaluation of safety and efficacy of variable pulsed light in the treatment of unwanted hair in 77 volunteers. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008;22(3):311–5.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Khatri KA, Garcia V. Light-assisted hair removal in patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy. Dermatol Surg. 2006;32(6):875–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Sadick NS, Shea CR, Burchette JL Jr, Prieto VG. High-intensity flashlamp photoepilation: a clinical, histological, and mechanistic study in human skin. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135(6):668–76.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Sadick NS, Weiss RA, Shea CR, Nagel H, Nicholson J, Prieto VG. Long-term photoepilation using a broad-spectrum intense pulsed light source. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136(11):1336–40.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Goh CL. Comparative study on a single treatment response to long pulse Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulse light therapy for hair removal on skin type IV to VI—is longer wavelengths lasers preferred over shorter wavelengths lights for assisted hair removal. J Dermatolog Treat. 2003;14(4):243–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Bjerring P, Cramers M, Egekvist H, et al. Hair reduction using a new intense pulsed light irradiator and a normal mode ruby laser. J Cutan Laser Ther. 2000;2(2):63–71.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Lask G, Eckhouse S, Slatkine M, et al. The role of laser and intense light sources in photo-epilation: a comparative evaluation. J Cutan Laser Ther. 1999;1(1):3–13.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Schroeter CA, Groenewegen JS, Reineke T, et al. Ninety percent permanent hair reduction in transsexual patients. Ann Plast Surg. 2003;51(3):243–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Johnson F, Dovale M. Intense pulsed light treatment of hirsutism: case reports of skin phototypes V and VI. J Cutan Laser Ther. 1999;1(4):233–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Weiss RA, Weiss MA, Marwaha S, et al. Hair removal with a non-coherent filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light source. Lasers Surg Med. 1999;24(2):128–32.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Gold MH, Bell MW, Foster TD, Street S. Long-term epilation using the EpiLight broad band, intense pulsed light hair removal system. Dermatol Surg. 1997;23(10):909–13.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Yaghmai D, Garden JM, Bakus AD, Spenceri EA, Hruza GJ, Kilmer SL. Hair removal using a combination radio-frequency and intense pulsed light source. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2004;6(4):201–7.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Amin SP, Goldberg DJ. Clinical comparison of four hair removal lasers and light sources. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006;8(2):65–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Toosi P, Sadighha A, Sharifian A, et al. A comparison study of the efficacy and side effects of different light sources in hair removal. Lasers Med Sci. 2006;21(1):1–4.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Troilius A, Troilius C. Hair removal with a second generation broad spectrum intense pulsed light source--a long-term follow-up. J Cutan Laser Ther. 1999;1(3):173–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Goldberg DJ, Silapunt S. Histologic evaluation of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in the nonablative treatment of wrinkles. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(8):744–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Lor P, Lennartz B, Ruedlinger R. Patient satisfaction study of unwanted facial and body hair: 5 years experience with intense pulsed light. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2002;4(3-4):73–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Willey A, Torrontegui J, Azpiazu J, Landa N. Hair stimulation following laser and intense pulsed light photo-epilation: review of 543 cases and ways to manage it. Lasers Surg Med.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Radmanesh M. Temporary hair color change from black to blond after intense pulsed light hair removal therapy. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(12 Pt 2):1521. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30566.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Raulin C, Werner S. Treatment of venous malformations with an intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology: a retrospective study. Lasers Surg Med. 1999;25(2):170–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Butler EG 2nd, McClellan SD, Ross EV. Split treatment of photodamaged skin with KTP 532 nm laser with 10 mm handpiece versus IPL: a cheek-to-cheek comparison. Lasers Surg Med. 2006;38(2):124–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Goldman MP, Eckhouse S, ESC Medical Systems, LTD Photoderm VL Cooperative Study Group. Photothermal sclerosis of leg veins. Dermatol Surg. 1996;22(4):323–30.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Schroeter CA, Neumann HA. An intense light source. The photoderm VL-flashlamp as a new treatment possibility for vascular skin lesions. Dermatol Surg. 1998;24(7):743–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Green D. Photothermal removal of telangiectases of the lower extremities with the PhotodermVL. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;38(1):61–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Sadick NS. A dual wavelength approach for laser/intense pulsed light source treatment of lower extremity veins. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;46(1):66–72.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Clementoni MT, Gilardino P, Muti GF, et al. Facial teleangectasias: our experience in treatment with IPL. Lasers Surg Med. 2005;37(1):9–13.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Clementoni MT, Gilardino P, Muti GF, et al. Intense pulsed light treatment of 1,000 consecutive patients with facial vascular marks. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2006;30(2):226–32.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Angermeier MC. Treatment of facial vascular lesions with intense pulsed light. J Cutan Laser Ther. 1999;1(2):95–100.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Raulin C, Weiss RA, Schonermark MP. Treatment of essential telangiectasias with an intense pulsed light source (PhotoDerm VL). Dermatol Surg. 1997;23(10):941–5. discussion 945–946

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Chan HH, Alam M, Kono T, Dover JS. Clinical application of lasers in Asians. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(7):556–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Shin JU, Roh MR, Lee JH. Vitiligo following intense pulsed light treatment. J Dermatol. 2010;37(7):674–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1346-8138.2010.00834.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Desai S, Mahmoud BH, Bhatia AC, Hamzavi IH. Paradoxical hypertrichosis after laser therapy: a review. Dermatol Surg. 2010;36(3):291–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01433.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Lolis MS, Marmur ES. Paradoxical effects of hair removal systems: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006;5(4):274–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2006.00269.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Holzer G, Nahavandi H, Neumann R, Knobler R. Photoepilation with variable pulsed light in non-facial body areas: evaluation of efficacy and safety. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(5):518–23. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03450.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Radmanesh M, Azar-Beig M, Abtahian A, Naderi AH. Burning, paradoxical hypertrichosis, leukotrichia and folliculitis are four major complications of intense pulsed light hair removal therapy. J Dermatolog Treat. 2008;19(6):360–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630802132627.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Goldberg DJ. Laser- and light-based hair removal: an update. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2007;4(2):253–60. https://doi.org/10.1586/17434440.4.2.253.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Crabb M, Chan WO, Taranath D, Huilgol SC. Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) induced iritis following treatment for a medial canthal capillary malformation. Australas J Dermatol. 2014;55(4):289–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12137.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Lee WW, Murdock J, Albini TA, O’brien TP, Levine ML. Ocular damage secondary to intense pulse light therapy to the face. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;27(4):263–5. https://doi.org/10.1097/IOP.0b013e31820c6e23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Friedmann DP, Mishra V, Buckley S. Keloidal scarring from the at-home use of intense pulsed light for tattoo removal. Dermatol Surg. 2017;43(8):1112–4. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001168.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Remington BK, Remington TK. Treatment of facial lentigines in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with an intense pulsed light source. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(11):1079–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Bjerring P, Christiansen K. Intense pulsed light source for treatment of small melanocytic nevi and solar lentigines. J Cutan Laser Ther. 2000;2(4):177–81.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Otchere E, Wang CX, Compton LA, Nahmias Z. Eruption of solitary reticulohistiocytoma after intense pulsed light burn. JAAD Case Rep. 2018;4(10):1039–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdcr.2018.08.007.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  73. Drosner M, Adatto M. Photo-epilation: guidelines for care from the European Society for Laser Dermatology (ESLD). J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005;7(1):33–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764170410003002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Goldman MP, Weiss RA, Weiss MA. Intense pulsed light as a nonablative approach to photoaging. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(9 Pt 2):1179–87. discussion 1187

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Theut Riis P, Saunte DM, Sigsgaard V, Wilken C, Jemec GBE. Intense pulsed light treatment for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: beware treatment with resorcinol. J Dermatolog Treat. 2018;29(4):385–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2017.1387226.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Liew SH. Laser hair removal: guidelines for management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(2):107–15. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203020-00004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Martella A, Raichi M. Photoepilation and skin photorejuvenation: an update. Dermatol Rep. 2017;9(1):7116. https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2017.7116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Emergency District Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Lucian Fodor

  2. Med’Art, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    Lucian Fodor

  3. Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany

    Olimpiu Bota

Authors
  1. Lucian Fodor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Olimpiu Bota
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lucian Fodor .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Emergency District Hospital, Cluj Napoca, Romania

    Lucian Fodor

  2. Director Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel

    Yehuda Ullmann

Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

18.1.1 Q1: Complications After IPL Treatment Are:

  1. (a)

    Rare

  2. (b)

    Mostly temporary

  3. (c)

    Caused by patient-related factors

  4. (d)

    Caused by treatment-related factors

  5. (e)

    Avoidable through careful planning and appropriate personnel training

18.1.2 Q2: The Most Common Adverse Effects After IPL-Treatment Include:

  1. (a)

    Blisters

  2. (b)

    Erythema

  3. (c)

    Permanent pigmentary changes

  4. (d)

    Herpes simplex infections

  5. (e)

    Mild discomfort

18.1.3 Q3: The Following Statements Are True:

  1. (a)

    Hyperpigmentation is a transitory darkening of the skin, usually encountered in patients with darker skin colour.

  2. (b)

    Hypopigmentation is a relative loss of skin pigmentation compared to the surrounding areas and is usually permanent.

  3. (c)

    Paradoxical effect is defined as the growing of new fine hair in the proximity of the treated area.

  4. (d)

    Scarring is probably caused by the use of high energies for IPL treatment.

  5. (e)

    Leukotrichia represents a permanent growth of white hair following IPL treatment.

18.1.4 Q4: The Minor Complications After IPL Treatment Include:

  1. (a)

    Purpura

  2. (b)

    Permanent pigmentary changes

  3. (c)

    Temporary hair discoloration

  4. (d)

    Alopecia

  5. (e)

    Pustules

18.1.5 Q5: The Major Complications After IPL Treatment Include:

  1. (a)

    Blisters

  2. (b)

    Leukotrichia

  3. (c)

    Crusts

  4. (d)

    Edema

  5. (e)

    Iritis

18.1.6 Q6: The Following Statements Are False About IPL Complication Management:

  1. (a)

    In the presence of complications, the interval between treatments should be shorter.

  2. (b)

    The “zebra” appearance is treated by adjusting the size of the footprint to match the area.

  3. (c)

    Antiviral prophylactic treatment is prescribed for patients with a past history of herpes.

  4. (d)

    Usually, the application moistener is necessary to hasten the peeling of blisters.

  5. (e)

    Avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment reduces the incidence of side effects.

18.1.7 Q7: The Following Statements Are True About the IPL Treatment:

  1. (a)

    Most of the adverse effects commonly resolve within 1–48 h from treatment.

  2. (b)

    Often pigmentation disorders have been reported to last up to 18 months.

  3. (c)

    Home use IPL devices use more energy than the professional ones and therefore have more severe adverse effects.

  4. (d)

    Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III–V always show side effects like pigmentation changes or scarring.

  5. (e)

    UV-filters avoid the risk of DNA damage.

18.1.8 Q8: The Following Statements Are True About Temporary Pigmentary Changes:

  1. (a)

    They are more frequent in fair-skinned patients.

  2. (b)

    They are caused by accumulation of hemosiderin in the dermis.

  3. (c)

    It is the most common IPL treatment complication.

  4. (d)

    This phenomenon is mainly observed in areas with fine hair, such as the face and neck.

  5. (e)

    The melanocytes of dark-skinned patients are more sensitive to heating stimulation.

18.1.9 Q9: The Paradoxical Effect

  1. (a)

    Represents the appearance of less hair around the treated areas.

  2. (b)

    Usually appears around the face and neck.

  3. (c)

    Has an incidence of around 25%.

  4. (d)

    Has a subtherapeutic thermal effect that activates the dormant hair cells.

  5. (e)

    Is related to hormonal predisposition

18.1.10 Q10: The Following Statements Are True About IPL Treatment Complications:

  1. (a)

    The major complications are permanent pigmentary changes, hair stimulation, paradoxical effect, leukotrichia, uveitis and iritis and scarring.

  2. (b)

    The minor complications are erythema and purpura which last more than 3 days, blisters, temporary pigmentary changes and temporary hair discoloration.

  3. (c)

    Purpura, minimal bruising or “urticariform” reaction are signs of effective vascular lesions.

  4. (d)

    Dark skinned patients are more prone to suffer from side effects.

  5. (e)

    In the presence of complications, the treatment parameters need to be adjusted.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Fodor, L., Bota, O. (2020). Complications After IPL Treatment. In: Fodor, L., Ullmann, Y. (eds) Aesthetic Applications of Intense Pulsed Light. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22829-3_18

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22829-3_18

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-22828-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-22829-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation