Page 38 - LASERS & IPLS IN MEDICAL/AESTHETIC APPLICATIONS

Chapter 1 – Fundamentals of Medical/Aesthetic Lasers and IPLs v1.1
a range of choices. This mean that a single IPL unit may be used to target blood, melanin or acne porphyrins, whereas such treatments might require two or three lasers.
Figure 19: Most IPL systems provide a range of filters which allows certain wavelengths to enter the skin. These filters can then be matched to particular targets in the skin, depending on their depth.
IPL vs Lasers in skin
We often see comments and articles which claim that IPL systems are ‘not as good’ as lasers. This is entirely wrong! A professional IPL system would typically perform as well, or even better, than good laser systems in many clinical applications, if properly used (following good training).
Some people claim that IPL light ‘doesn’t penetrate as far as laser light’ or that the ‘IPL energy is not as effective as lasers’. The fact is, both technologies fire light energy into the skin which may be utilised to induce some sort of desired change. See a video here.
Invariably, many laser salespeople will disparage IPL systems, to make a sale. They will usually make false claims which can be easily picked apart, with a little knowledge!
However, just because this technology is simpler than lasers, it should not be assumed that they are, in any way, ‘inferior’ in terms of results. The reality is that professional IPLs offer a wider range of parameter options, compared with lasers, and, consequently, are more ‘tricky’ to master!
As a consequence, mastering a good IPL system requires a good level of training to ensure good results!
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Chapter 1 LEVEL A Fundamentals of Lasers/IPLs
IPL Filters
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