[Knowing Cosmetic Medical Procedure Right ② IPL] Basic Equipment for Dermatology Treatment IPL

There is a wide range of aesthetic treatments available among clinics. Despite showing similar clinical outcomes, they may be divided into one or two depending on medical devices, products, or procedures that are being used. “You can see as much as you know!” We will look into some confused treatments which are representing medical aesthetic treatments. We discussed laser toning earlier, and let's look at 'IPL' which is as well-known as laser toning. In the second series, we will meet Dr. Taehoon Kwak(Chang-Jo Dermatology), who is using IPL, with ICON MaxG of Cynosure.

IPL is different from the laser we generally know. While lasers have specific wavelengths, IPLs typically span wide wavelengths between 560㎚ and 950㎚, which act on the skin. Because IPL utilizes many wavelengths, there is a lack of detailed treatment compared to laser that focuses on only one treatment, such as pigments and blood vessels.

On the other hand, it can be used for various skin diseases because of its various wavelengths. Melanin (pigmentation), hemoglobin (vessel), and collagen (elasticity) in the skin respond to wide wavelength light emitted from IPL, which can be widely used in freckles, blemishes, facial flushing, telangiectasia, and hematoma. According to Dr. Kwak, if there are problems such as pigmentation and fine wrinkles all over the face at the same time, treatment can be conducted using IPL with wide wavelengths, it can be evenly effective with just one treatment.

When IPL was first introduced in Korea, it was considered innovative at the time because it was preferred to solve many things at once. These days, IPL may not look special as other laser equipment is developed, but Dr. Kwak says IPL is "the most basic equipment for treating skin."

Dr. Kwak emphasizes that stability and durability are important parts of IPL equipment.

“Effect is important, as well, but first of all, stability and durability must be outstanding. ICON is a combination equipment of IPL (MaxG) and 1540㎚ Er:Glass laser. MaxG is not prone to breakdowns, and since it produces a constant power, it rarely causes significant damage to the patient. I have been using MaxG for a long time and I still use MaxG because I have not experienced any unnecessary side effects. Most of my patients have had one or two IPL procedures, and those patients are highly satisfied with the MaxG treatment.”

As IPL is one of the most representative procedures in dermatology and is a basic equipment, it is often combined with other treatments to create synergy.

"I always give MaxG treatment to patients once and start the next treatment," Dr. Kwak said. Patients with severe pigmentation use a pico laser to clean up freckles, blemishes, and skin tone. Treatment with 1540㎚ Er:Glass of ICON if blushing or pore problems occur. Use a glass handpiece, GentleMax, or a GentleMax if you want to do a hair removal. Use MaxG once for lifting treatment and use treatment with lifting equipment such as Ultherapy or Thermage."

He went on to say, "Our patients visit us mainly because of pigment disease, pores, elasticity, etc. If it's not just one problem, but several things appear at once, you can recommend MaxG first. First, you can see that your face has improved overall by adjusting your blemishes and skin tone with MaxG. The pores and sagging skin can then be treated effectively in parallel with ICON's 1540㎚ handpiece."