Laser and Intense Pulse Light for Hair Reduction and Skin Rejuvenation
Laser and Intense Pulse Light for Hair Reduction and Skin Rejuvenation
Course overview
Aesthetic dermatology starts with knowledge you can trust and techniques you can master. This course delivers an unparalleled deep dive into laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapies, bridging science, technology, and practical clinical application.
Led by Godfrey Town, a globally recognized laser expert, you will explore the anatomy and physiology underlying laser interactions, understand skin and hair characteristics that influence treatment outcomes, and learn to navigate complex clinical scenarios with confidence.
What you will learn
Comprehensive skin assessment, contraindications, and patient risk evaluation
Protocols for hair reduction: lip, beard, monobrow, chest, abdomen, legs, bikini line
Step-by-step laser/IPL settings: wavelength, pulse duration, spot size, and power density
Skin rejuvenation techniques: fractional resurfacing, ablative and non-ablative protocols, vascular and pigmentation management
Acne-focused laser/IPL protocols, including photodynamic therapy combinations
Post-treatment protocols: care instructions, managing transient and permanent side effects, and complication resolution.
Course lessons
Lesson 1. Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Laser-Based Therapies
The anatomy and function of hair in laser and light-based hair reduction
Terminal hair distribution
The hair growth cycle
Asynchronous hair growth
The mechanism of action of hair reduction
The photoaging process in the skin
The Glogau wrinkle scale and typical age-related skin characteristics
Analysis of the epidermis
Fitzpatrick skin types
Increased risk of keloid formation in darker skin types
The structure and function of the circulatory, lymphatic, and endocrine systems in relation to laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment
Analysis of the endocrine system and hormonal changes.
Lesson 2. Skin Disorders, Contraindications, and Clinical Considerations in Laser and IPL Treatments
Contraindications for laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment procedures
Conditions requiring special consideration before treatment
Assessment of skin health prior to laser or IPL therapy.
Overview of common skin disorders affecting treatment outcomes:
Eczema
Dermatitis
Skin cancer and suspicious lesions
Psoriasis
Inflammatory acne and pustular acne progressing to cystic acne.
How different skin disorders influence laser and IPL safety and effectiveness
Clinical decision-making: when to postpone, modify, or avoid treatment
Patient consultation and risk assessment protocols.
Lesson 3. Adverse Treatment Outcomes and Side Effects
Characteristic features of laser and light-based technology devices
The influence of light wavelength on skin penetration and different skin types
Spot size effects on tissue and pulse duration
Power density, pulse energy, and frequency
Radiant exposure
Photothermal effects on the hair follicle
Optimal wavelengths for skin rejuvenation
The role of pigmentation in skin rejuvenation
Epidermal and dermal pigmentation
Vascular components in skin rejuvenation
Fractional laser resurfacing for fine lines and wrinkles
Ablative and non-ablative techniques for skin remodeling
Photodynamic therapy
Understanding the acne component
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for acne
IPL in combination with photodynamic therapy.
Lesson 4. Treatment Delivery: Application Techniques & Post-Treatment Care
Classification of burns
Types of laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) injuries to the skin.
Causes of laser and IPL injuries:
Operator error
Patient error
Component failures.
Transient side effects
Permanent adverse effects and scarring
Long-term adverse effects
Herpes simplex outbreak following laser treatment
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Pre- and post-treatment advice for patients.
Lesson 5. Laser and Light-Based Technologies in Aesthetic Dermatology: Principles and Applications
Different laser and IPL application techniques.
Practical application methodology with examples of hair reduction:
Lip area
Male beard
Hairline and monobrow
Breast
Male chest
Abdomen and back
Lower legs, thighs, knees, and digits.
Bikini line laser therapy
Protocols for post-treatment procedures
Post-care advice to patients and written instructions.