Effects of intense pulsed light on sun-damaged human skin, routine, and ultrastructural analysis.
OBJECTIVE
New, non-ablative methods can be used in skin rejuvenation. Histologic analysis of non-ablative IPL effects on facial, sun-damaged skin.


METHODS
Five female subjects, wrinkle class I or II and Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III. IPL treatment: once monthly, 560-nm cut-off filters, spot size 8x35 mm, 28-36 J/cm. Routine histology or electron microscopy on 2-mm punches, before treatment and then 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months.


RESULTS
Pre-treatment specimens contained solar elastosis and perifollicular lymphoid infiltrates. Collagen and elastic fibers appeared unaffected by treatment. At 1-week, Demodex organisms appeared coagulated.


CONCLUSIONS
Under these conditions, IPL induces minimal morphologic changes in mildly sun-damaged skin. Some esthetic improvement may be secondary to clearing of Demodex organisms and reduction of associated lymphocytic infiltrate.
Prieto
Victor G
VG
Department of Pathology, UT-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Sadick
Neil S
NS
Lloreta
Josep
J
Nicholson
Judy
J
Shea
Christopher R
CR
D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003094:Collagen