For over 20 years, intense pulsed light (IPL) has been used for therapeutic indications such as common signs of photoageing, benign pigmented and vascular lesions, and hair removal. IPL is a widely used treatment modality in medical aesthetic clinics and is recognised for its comparable results to laser treatments. IPL is not only more affordable for patients, but also has less downtime post procedure. However, compared with other laser devices in this fast-evolving medical technology market, does this relatively inexpensive treatment with very little downtime still have a place in modern aesthetic practice? Laser expert David Cauger (2007) described IPL as ‘a jack of all trades and master of two’, as well as an excellent treatment for both ‘age spots’ and telangiectasia. However, he also reported that, for the majority of indications, most modern monochromatic lasers outperform IPL. Does IPL still have a useful place in the modern aesthetic setting, or have laser treatments taken over?

Laurie Arias - Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, London