From the annual meeting of the ASPS New Orleans LA November 1999 INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) TECHNOLOGY:   Technology has become the preferred pathway to beauty in modern society, enabling people, particularly the more than 40 million American women over age 40, to achieve a "look good, feel good" appearance. In fact, the latest trend in cosmetic surgery is toward non-invasive, smaller and less drastic procedures with little to no recovery time. This objective characterizes the essence of a new facial skin treatment using intense pulsed light (IPL) technology. As an alternative to the persistent redness and prolonged recovery time following laser procedures, Patrick Bitter, Sr., MD, of Los Gatos, CA, has developed a technique called PhotoFacialTM that uses intense pulses of light to improve the signs of photoaging, specifically, pigmentary changes and telangiectasias. His recent study of 23 patients who underwent a series of three to five full-face IPL treatments showed that skin was revitalized; pore size was significantly reduced; and facial blushing or redness associated with rosacea and broken capillaries was eliminated. Anesthesia was not required, there was no "down time," and no adverse reactions were observed. Overall patient satisfaction was extremely high. "Intense pulsed light technology is an innovative device that surpasses any rejuvenation therapy on the market today, offering the cosmetic surgeon new and ever expanding clinical applications," says Dr. Bitter, Sr. "Our PhotoFacial treatments are a tremendous platform for building a plastic surgery practice that capitalizes on future trends in cosmetic procedures." Further, Dr. Bitter, Sr. successfully employs intense pulsed light therapy for preventive and maintenance treatments that promise "less is more and "sooner rather than later" results. IPL technology goes beyond lasers to treat the widest range of cosmetic conditions on most skin complexions all year round. Unlike conventional lasers that emit a fixed wavelength, IPL devices produce a broad spectrum of light in a range of wavelengths that is adjustable through the use of filters and computer-controlled parameters of energy delivery. This allows the physician to customize precisely the characteristics of the light energy according to each patient's skin type and condition. For example, IPL technology offers unique pulse pattern capabilities to maximize thermal energy and depth of penetration without damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Dr. Bitter, Sr. explains, "With Photo-Facials, we are delivering heat energy without injuring or removing the epidermis. Rather, the broad wavelength spectrum allows us to penetrate below to the papillary dermis where there is a rich supply of capillary loops. As these surface vessels heal, they lay down connective tissue and stimulate collagen production to rejuvenate the skin." Experts find that JPL technology is especially beneficial for treating the early signs of aging. In addition, IPL treatments offer an excellent fit with the lifestyle criteria of today's active consumers who seek speedy treatments, no pain, and no down time. This is a group that is missed by physicians offering only the conventional procedures. "This single technology has long been recognized for successful treatment of benign vascular lesions and the vascular symptoms of rosacea," notes Dr. Bitter, Sr. "Now, we are using the same TPL device to perform more than 800 full-face PhotoFacial in the first six months of this year alone. It's a nice complementary adjunct to almost any cosmetic procedure, as well as an impressive method of follow-up and maintenance." IPL technology is available from ESC/Sharplan "Intense pulsed light technology is an innovative device that surpasses any rejuvenation therapy on the market today, offering the cosmetic surgeon new and ever expanding clinical applications." Patrick Bitter, Sr., M.D., Los Gatos, CA ESCI/ Sharplan a recognized leader in laser and intense pulsed light solutions for a variety of medical, surgical and aesthetic conditions.