Hand rejuvenation using standard Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) in Asian patients

Background: The aging of the hands is typically characterized by wrinkles, skin thinning, and solar lentigines. The search for effective treatments has led to the use of laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) technologies. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an IPL device for the improvement of dyspigmentation and overall skin quality on the dorsa of the hands. Methods: Twenty-three patients with sun damage and solar lentigines on the dorsal hands were treated with four IPL sessions at 3- to 4-week intervals. Prior to treatment, photographs were taken and informed consent was obtained. Pre- and post-treatment photography and investigator clinical assessment and patient questionnaires were collected for data analysis. Results: After four treatment sessions, good to excellent results in the improvement in solar lentigines and skin quality were assessed by investigators in 100% of the cases and in 86.94% (20 of 23 subjects) by patient self-assessments. No significant side effects were observed. Conclusion: IPL is an effective and safe treatment option to improve solar lentigines and skin texture for hand rejuvenation.

Download Full-text

Epiluminescent Microscopy Predicts the Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Treatments in Asian Skin

The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery ◽

10.1177/074880680201900305 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 177-181

Author(s):

Victor A. Neel ◽

Natalie Nyugen ◽

Julie Iwasaki ◽

Ronald L. Moy

Keyword(s):

Clinical Success ◽

Intense Pulsed Light ◽

Pulsed Light ◽

Asian Patients ◽

Pigmented Lesions ◽

The Face ◽

Sequential Treatments ◽

Seborrheic Keratoses ◽

Standard Techniques ◽

Efficacy Of Treatment

Introduction: Facial dyschromias, particularly in Asian skin, represent a challenge to cosmetic surgeons. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been reported to clear a number of pigmentary alterations, but we have found the results variable and the efficacy of treatment difficult to predict. Objective: To use epiluminescent microscopy (ELM) to predict the clearing of clinically pigmented lesions in Asian patients undergoing “fotofacials” with IPL. Methods: Clinically similar pigmented lesions on the face were photographed with standard techniques and with ELM before, during, and after multiple IPL treatments in 5 patients. Patients and physicians were asked to grade cosmetic improvement after 5 sequential treatments. ELM photographs were then evaluated after treatment to correlate clinical success with the type of lesion. Results: ELM was able to discriminate among several clinically similar lesions. Lentigines responded to IPL treatments, whereas macular seborrheic keratoses, melasma, and junctional nevi responded poorly. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of pigmented lesions in Asian skin before IPL treatment can predict the efficacy of treatment.

Download Full-text