ABSTRACT
Non-laser induced selective photothermolysis has become an accepted method of treating a wide gamut of vascular lesions. This non-coherent, polychromatic light source can be ‘tuned’ to provide a variety of wavelengths, fluences, and pulse durations. Non-laser induced selective photothermolysis for hair removal has also been utilized with a filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light source (IPL) (Figure 5.1). Such a light source, when used for hair removal, delivers non-coherent light in the 590-1200 nm range. The light is delivered in divided synchronized millisecond pulses separated by short thermal relaxation intervals for protection of epidermal melanin. The light is focused by a reflector and transmitted through a set of filters that determine its spectral characteristics. With non-laser light sources, a variety of parameters must be chosen. These include the spectrum of delivered wavelengths as determined by cutoff filters; number of delivered pulses; pulse duration in milliseconds; delay between pulses in milliseconds; and delivered fluence. The cutoff filters are utilized to tailor the spectrum of light to the skin type and hair color of the patient. The filter cuts off the emitted light, so that only wavelengths longer
(1) Non-laser light source (2) Delivered wavelengths between 590 nm and 1100 nm (3) Filters are used to choose delivered wavelengths (4) Myriad choices of pulse durations (5) Risk profile similar to visible light lasers (6) Better intense pulsed light technologies produce identical results to those
seen with lasers
than the utilized filter value pass to the treated hair and skin. As an example, a 615 nm filter will only allow wavelengths greater than 615 nm to be emitted from the pulsed light source. In general, the higher cutoff filters are utilized in darker complected individuals. The light is usually applied to the skin through a rectangular light guide. Cool gel and a bracketed cooling device have been utilized to cool the skin.
