Quantitative vs. Qualitative Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Removal of Vascular Lesions Using the IPL Method—Preliminary Observations

Abstract

The aim of the study was to develop a methodology for the acquisition of skin images in visible light in a repeatable manner, enabling an objective assessment and comparison of the skin condition before and after a series of IPL treatments. Thirteen patients with erythematous lesions, vascular skin and/or rosacea were examined. Treatments aimed at reducing the erythema were carried out using the Lumecca™ (InMode MD Ltd., Yokneam, Israel) The research used the FOTOMEDICUS image acquisition system (Elfo, Łódź, Poland). The RGB images were recorded and decomposed to individual channels: red, green and blue. Then, the output image (RGB) and its individual channels were transformed into images in shades of gray. The GLCM and QTDECOMP algorithms were used for the quantitative analysis of vascular lesions. Image recording in cross-polarized light enables effective visualization of vascular lesions of the facial skin. A series of three treatments using the IPL light source seems to be sufficient to reduce vascular lesions in the face. GLCM contrast and homogeneity analysis can be an effective method of identifying skin vascular lesions. Quadtree decomposition allows for the quantitative identification of skin vascular lesions to a limited extent. The brightness analysis of the images does not allow quantification of the vascular features of the skin. Mexametric measurements do not allow for a quantitative assessment of the skin’s blood vessel response to high-energy light.