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Just Had Second Ipl Treatment on Hands

asked 1 year ago by allysonone in Brentwood, E4
Latest answer by Lisa Benest, MD
Question viewed 224 times
Tags: hands, dark spots, options

Hi just had second treatment on hands with ipl. Doctor said he was disappointed with results of first treatment. Spots darkened but never faded. He said he used max strength and same on second.The spots have gone slightly darker again day after treatment,but i now dont hold up hope for good outcome and the doctor said he wouldnt normally do more than 2 treatments.He said he would consider a chemical peel. All the web sites discussing this treatment say it takes 3 or 4 treatments for improvement, what are my options?

3 answers to Just Had Second Ipl Treatment on Hands

+2

Skin Preparation Prior To Treatment of Dyspigmentation

I would agree that a successful series of IPL treatments usually takes 3 - 4 sessions, performed three to four weeks apart. The energy level is usually gradually increased with subsequent sessions to obtain clearance of the red vasculature or brown pigment that was not removed with the prior treatment session. In my experience we are able to provide improvement with energy settings below the maximum. I don’t know your skin coloration (Fitzpatrick type), but that does influence the... more
Kenneth Dembny, II, MD

Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon
+1

You may need some liquid nitrogen

The IPL works well when the spots are totally flat. If there is any texture to the spots it will not work. This is what I have found to be the biggest barrier when IPL does not work on the hands. If that is the case, then a peel will not work either. What I have found works, is that our nurse does the IPL, but on the same day I also spray liquid nitrogen on those textured spots. They darken for a few weeks then fall off. I have found this successful. ... more
Lisa Benest, MD

Burbank Dermatologist
+1

What to do about IPL not improving dark spots

It usually does take approximately 3-4 treatments for full improvement with IPL. If the dark spots or age spots are not just pigmentation but for example thin seborrheic keratoses (benign skin growths that can be very flat and pigmented) the IPL will not be as effective in removing them. Also, make sure you are avoiding sun exposure to the area for one month before and one month after each treatment, as sun exposure can darken age spots and also make it more difficult for the laser... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

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