Effective Treatment of Rosacea and Other Vascular Lesions Using Intense Pulsed Light System Emitting Vascular Chromophore-Specific Wavelengths: A Clinical and Dermoscopical Analysis

Abstract

Background: Facial telangiectasias is a prevalent cosmetic disorder that can be associated with several conditions such as rosacea. IPL (intensity pulsed light) therapy is commonly used for the treatment of vascular lesions. This study tested the efficacy of an IPL system emitting selected vascular chromophore-specific wavelengths in the range of 500–1200 nm for the treatment of vascular lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 39 patients affected by different vascular lesions on their face were enrolled. The procedure consisted of three treatment sessions, spaced 1 month apart, using the IPL system with a 500–677 and 854–1200 nm filter. Follow-up was performed at 21–90 days (3 weeks–3 months) after the last IPL session. Three-dimensional and dermoscopic clinical photographs were captured and evaluated using a five-point scale. Adverse events were checked. Results: In total, 21 patients achieved excellent improvement, 13 patients achieved good improvement, 3 patients achieved moderate improvement, 2 patients achieved mild improvement, and 0 patients achieved no improvement, with an overall good response to treatment. The photographic evaluation showed good results as soon as 3 days after the last IPL session. Relevant side effects were absent. Conclusions: The study device may represent a successful treatment to improve vascular lesions that are resistant to laser therapy.