Second‐degree burn within a tattoo after intense‐pulsed‐light epilation

Abstract

The use of high energy light sources [laser, intense pulsed light (IPL)] is booming in aesthetic surgery. A trend, especially concerning usage of photoepilation in cosmetic institutes, is detectable. Photoepilation works through selective photothermolysis, by heating the chromophore melanin within the hair follicles. We present a case impressionably demonstrating that high-energy light demands profound knowledge of its mechanism of action, and can cause severe harm in absence of basic knowledge. Photoepilation is a balancing act between maximal therapeutic effect and minimal side effect risk. Nevertheless, complications have to be clearly distinguished from professional errors. The latter are rising especially with IPL devices, mainly because its use depicts a legal grey area in most of the countries and is not bound to physicians' supervision. Due to its worse risk-benefit profile as compared with that of laser therapy, we advise against the use of IPL devices and claim for stricter regulation of its use, similar to laser devices.

Adolescent and Young Adult Tattooing, Piercing, and Scarification

“…46 In one case described in a report, the patient elected to have another tattoo placed to hide the burned area. 47 Other 44 Although laser removal may be the best way to remove a tattoo, the time, needed treatments, and cost should not be underestimated. One case report noted a 29 year old patient with 2 large, multicolored tattoos on his arms and chest who presented for removal.…”

Complications of aesthetic medicine procedures: five case studies

“…Rimi i wsp. zwracają uwagę na konieczność wdrożenia bardziej restrykcyjnych zasad używania tych urządzeń i to jedynie przez osoby z odpowiednim doświadczeniem [5]. Mimo że objawy uboczne po fotoepilacji zwykle są nieznaczne i przejściowe, należy pamiętać o możliwości powstania oparzeń.…”

“…Rimi et al claim that more restrictive rules should be adopted for the operation of IPL devices, and their use should be limited to people with an appropriate level of experience [5]. Even though side effects developing after photoepilation are usually mild and transient, the risk of burns should be duly considered.…”

“…przez komórki zawierające melaninę, co w efekcie doprowadza do ich uszkodzenia w wyniku fototermolizy selektywnej, czyli bez uszkadzania sąsiednich tkanek [5,6]. Zabiegi IPL sprawdzają się m.in.…”

“…by melanin-containing cells, leading to their damage by selective photothermolysis, that is without damaging adjacent tissues [5,6]. Among other applications, IPL procedures are effective in the removal of unwanted hair, telangiectasias, skin blemishes and fine lines [7].…”