Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy was first developed in 1992 by Drs. Goldman, Fitzpatrick, and Eckhouse for the treatment of leg telangiectasias. Proof-of-concept studies were conducted on rabbit ear veins, demonstrating IPL's ability to thermocoagulate vessels while minimizing purpura or epidermal damage. Since the first FDA-approved IPL device was brought to the market in 1995, this technology has undergone significant innovation and improvement in its clinical applications and affordability.
IPL devices are unique in that they employ flashlamps and bandpass filters to produce pulsed light of varying wavelengths, durations, and fluences. These aspects promote its versatility in treating numerous dermatological diseases. IPL is safe and effective in treating benign pigmented and vascular disorders and hair removal and photoaging. Currently, IPL is an invaluable tool in dermatology and is frequently used to address a broad range of medical and cosmetic concerns.
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