No Results from IPL Treatment?

asked 3 years ago by SuzyAv8trix in Phoenix, AZ
Latest answer by Dan Mills, MD
Question viewed 835 times

I am a 46-year old female with with type high II/III skin and very minor signs of aging: a few brown spots, a couple of broken capillaries, a few minor wrinkles around the eyes. If my face was not red at all after a Photofacial (IPL treatment), does that mean that the procedure was not agressive at all? It's 3 days later and I took before pictures, and just took after pictures and there are NO differences.

Should I ask for a more agressive approach when I go back? We made my next appointment for 4 weeks out, which makes me now think that the RNP thought my skin was more "fragile" or sensitive? I know, IPL results are subtle. Maybe I haven't waited long enough to pass judgement?

Also, there's a part of me that would rather this take longer--if SOMETHING is changing-- than risk burns or other irreversible damage to my skin. I knowthat it's a balance, but I was really hoping to SEE results ("coffee grounds", something, anything). Comments? Thanks!

2 answers to No Results from IPL Treatment?

Follow up with your doctor to evaluate your results and to discuss your next treatment settings.

For a skin type II/III I would expect that you would have had visible effects after the treatment. With brown spots and broken capillaries, the skin around these areas should reveal some "peppering" of the browns and mild to moderate pinkness right after the treatment especially in the areas of the targets. If you did not experience any of these changes, it would appear that the treatment was less than effective. Because it was your first treatment the... more

Dan Mills, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Have the dermatologist or plastic surgeon make the Settings

It sounds like the treatment was not aggressive enough. Perhaps, this was more of a test treatment to see what your skin can tolerate. I would return, but ask that the dermatologist or plastic surgeon determine the setting parameters. In our office this is mandatory and I am surprised ( and dismayed) that this is not the accepted practice everywhere. ( I guess if this was mandatory everywhere, real self would be much less busy!) It sounds like you should get an excellent result.... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

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No Results from IPL Treatment?

Follow up with your doctor to evaluate your results and to discuss your next treatment settings.

Have the dermatologist or plastic surgeon make the Settings

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