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Flash lamps
Synonym(s)
Flaslamp; high-energy short-arc lamp; Intense flash light; IPL (intense pulsed light); IPLS (intense pulsed light system)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
High-energy flash or short arc lamps (IPL = Intense Pulsed Light) generate light flashes of high energy in the ms range. They emit a sun-like (polychromatic) wave spectrum of about 250-1200 nm. In medical applications, the UV and IR rays are filtered out. Flash lamps work according to the principle of selective photothermolysis.
General definitionThis section has been translated automatically.
- IPL light is emitted by a Xenon lamp and has a wavelength of 250-1200 nm. Ultra-short, intense flashes of light hit the skin or hair. The melanin contained in hair or epithelium absorbs the light energy emitted. This is converted into heat. At the hair root, temperatures of approx. 70 °C occur, which destroys the root or cuts off the supply.
- For the treatment of pigmented changes, the selected wavelength range usually starts with shorter wavelengths (typically around 550 nm), for the treatment of vascular changes it starts in the longer wavelength range (typically 580-590 nm).
- Devices: e.g. IPL Quantum from Lumenis, Photoderm VL, Photosilk.
- In general, a UV-care before a flash lamp therapy is useful to reduce hyperpigmentation of the epidermis. Depending on the planned flashlamp procedure, further pre-treatments may be necessary to improve healing and reduce undesirable effects (e.g. superficial removal of body hair for epilation or pigment removal or pre-cooling of the epidermis).
IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Epilation; teleangiectatic skin redness; solar hyperpigmentation; photo rejuvenation; lentigo solaris; flammeous nevus; araneus nevus; capillary damage; acne; rosacea.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Transient or persistent erythema, superficial burns, blisters.
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
A disadvantage is that depending on the cut-off filter, 70-90% of the irradiated energy is in the infrared range. To achieve therapeutic doses, a non-specific heating of the tissue by IR light is accepted. Thus therapeutic effect and side effect (burning) are very closely related. Unfavorable for the practical area are the bulky treatment heads as carriers of the xenon lamps. This makes fine work in the facial area considerably more difficult.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
IPL (intensed pulsed light) is highly energetic light but not laser therapy. Instead of a laser, high-energy xenon lamps are used. The BÄK billing recommendations therefore do not apply to IPL applications.
The no. 706 GOÄ (light or laser coagulation/1.8 times...) is to be used as an analogous figure if only small districts are treated. When treating large areas, the No. 1365 GOÄ (1.8-fold) can be used as an analog digit. While no surcharge can be calculated for number 706 GOÄ, the surcharge for number 1365 GOÄ can still be calculated for outpatient treatment according to number 444 GOÄ. Regarding the allocation to small or large districts, the BÄK recommendation for laser therapy must be observed.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Almirall/Hermal (2014) Dermatology business letter 10:7
- Goose RW (2007) Current status of photepilation. derm 13: 148-152
- Yeung CK et al (2007) A Comparative study of intense pulsed light alone and its combination with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of facial acne in Asian skin. Lasers Surg Med 39: 1-6