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Can the IPL treatment cause damage to your skin?

I had my first IPL treatment and have many red marks that still hurt some along my jaw line. I also had a few areas that swelled up, then the skin peeled leaving a scab. I have one that looks like a long scratch, and some say a scar.

The information provided by medical professionals in the Q&A is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified health care provider.

Answers


Replied on 10/17/2009

By: Renew Medi Spa  |  Dr. Lisa Hatzos, MD
Windham, NH


Whoever did your treatment used inappropriate settings and burned you. You should complain to the owners/management.




Replied on 10/17/2009

By: Gia Laser Aesthetic Center  |  Dr. Jeffrey Kronson
Claremont, CA


Without seeing your face its hard to say but you can get a bit of redness that is very self-limited after IPL. If it is not fading in a few days you should contact your practitioner.


Replied on 10/17/2009

By: Aspen Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic  |  Dr Chris Knuth
Mequon, WI


IPL photofacial works by selecting "targets" that are usually brown spots (solar lentigines) or vascular structures (capillaries and red flushing). This will cause brown spots to get darker, then to flake off. Red targets typically get more red, then heal and improve.

Occasionaly some mild peeling will occur. Superficial burns can occur, these should be treat with aquaphor. Scarring would be rare but can occur with deeper burns.



Replied on 10/16/2009

By: Esta Kronberg, M.D.  |  Board Certified Dermatologist
Houston, TX


Yes , you can have damage if the power settings are too high, if you are tanand if you have very dark skin.

It also can depend on the experience of the person performing the procedure. You should not have discomfort with the procedure and you should not have red marks,blisters,or scabbing.





Replied on 10/16/2009

By: Celibre Medical Corporation  |  Laser Dermatology & Injections
Orange, CA


IPL (or lasers for that matter) can cause damage to the skin in the hands of the wrong practitioner. If you have not been back to see the practitioner that did the treatment, it is imperative that you go to find out what actions need to be taken to avoid any potential for
scarring.


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