San Francisco IPL doctors

Thank you for your question.

Hyperpigmentation following an IPL treatment typically begins three to five days after treatment and has a “coffee-ground” appearance. Generally speaking the darkened spots disappear one to two weeks after treatment. If any of the original hyperpigmentation remains after the darkened spots have disappeared additional treatments may be required to achieve desired results.

As always if you are unsure about your treatment results it is best to contact the provider that performed the procedure.

I hope this helps.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a superficial treatment useful for treating pigment variations and small blood vessels. Although filters can be used to alter the wavelength, and thus depth of penetration, none go beyond the dermis into the deeper tissues where fat is found. 

Thank you for your question.

Post-treatment recovery after intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is generally minimal. Your skin may be red and warm for the remainder of the day and this usually settles down by the following day. Around three to five days after treatment the dark spots on your skin will become darker, often described as having a “coffee-ground” appearance. Over the next few days after they appear, the darkened spots will disappear on their own leaving your skin with a healthy glow.

It is extremely important to avoid sun exposure after IPL treatments, especially in the first two weeks, as during this time your skin is more susceptible to sun damage and at risk for permanently worsening the appearance of sun spots.

I hope this helps.