IPL/RF (intense pulsed light and radiofrequency)
Intense pulsed light (IPL) from a xenon flash lamp, used for areas of redness and for pigment and age spots; the further applications are listed below. We explain the principle of the combination with radiofrequency current (RF) for fine hairs, areas of redness and wrinkles; whether this combination continues to be offered with our current system is something we clarify with you.
Overview
IPL technology is a high-energy flash lamp (xenon light). Unlike a laser, it emits light of various wavelengths, so-called polychromatic light, and can be adjusted in wavelength, pulse duration and pulse sequence. This range of treatment parameters makes the IPL technique usable for hair removal as well as for a variety of skin treatments. In our practice we work with the Stellar M22 by Lumenis, a platform with interchangeable filters and handpieces.
In addition, the light can be combined with radiofrequency current (RF) [PLATZHALTER: Gerätemodell bestätigen; gilt die RF-Kombination für das heutige System?]. The combination is aimed above all at fine, weakly pigmented hairs, at areas of redness and at the treatment of wrinkles. Two biophysical principles govern the behaviour of the RF current: the higher the temperature in the dermis, the lower the tissue resistance, and the current always flows to the layers with the lowest resistance, that is, to the target structures that have already been pre-warmed.
Take a fine, weakly pigmented hair as an example: the light pulse is absorbed by the melanin of the hair and converted into heat. The hair is now warmed down to the root, but not yet heated enough for it to die. The RF current that follows takes the path of least resistance, the warmed hair, and destroys it. Cooling the skin surface raises the tissue resistance there, so that the current works preferentially in the deeper, warmer layers. Which filter ranges come into question for which application is shown in the list below [PLATZHALTER: Die Filterbereiche stammen vom bisherigen IPL/RF-System; für die Stellar M22 bestätigen]. Redness and pigment spots are described in detail on our IPL treatment page, hair removal on the page on permanent hair removal.
Areas of application
- Acne treatment (410–950 nm filter) [PLATZHALTER: Akne als IPL-Anwendung bestätigen]
- Acne treatment for darker skin types (480–950 nm filter) [PLATZHALTER: Akne als IPL-Anwendung und Eignung bei dunkleren Hauttypen bestätigen]
- Pigment and age spots (510–950 nm filter)
- Skin rejuvenation and wrinkle treatment (560–950 nm filter)
- Couperose and spider veins (585–950 nm filter)
- Permanent hair reduction (640–950 nm filter)
- Permanent hair reduction for medium skin types (690–950 nm filter)
- Permanent hair reduction for darker skin types (755–950 nm filter) [PLATZHALTER: Eignung bei dunkleren Hauttypen bestätigen; die IPL-Behandlungsseite stuft sie als eingeschränkt geeignet ein]