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Can Skin Discolored by IPL Treatment Be Corrected?

After several chemical peels done on my back, there was an obvious big patch of uneven brown color on my skin. I was advised to go for IPL treatment to get rid of the discoloration. I got my first IPL treatment done one and a half week ago. After my IPL treatment, the skin on my back was left dark red, swollen, and itchy. The itchness and swollen parts were gone after the first week.

During the start of the 2nd week, my skin has turned dark brown in color. Majority of my skin were dry and looked burnt and crusty. They began to peel off. But I realized that the parts which have been peeled off appear light brown in color while the rest werent peeling at all. Now, I'm very worried that the uneven skin color would remain or in fact, get worst as compared to before the IPL treatment. Is this the final result? Can this discoloration be corrected?

Asked 37 months ago by piglet in singapore
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+1

Topical bleaching creams best to correct uneven skin tone from IPL treatment

We agree with Dr. Barankin that your best bet may be some topical bleaching creams. In cases where hyperpigmentation like this (the brown spots) does not resolve with hydroquinone cream, we have successfully treated the problem with low fluence (low energy) q-switched lasers. The problem with IPL is that it is not designed for any one particular condition and it is not that great for medium to dark skin types like yours because of the higher incidence of side effects than lasers. This make... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Discoloration from IPL

I would speak with a dermatologist about various topical treatments to fade and even out the skin tone (e.g. hydroquinone, tretinoin). Its cheaper and often as effective as some of the lasers.
Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologist
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