IPL: Q&A

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I Had IPL and a Month Later Indentations Around my Eyes That Weren't There Before-can It Grow Back?

I am afraid IPL caused fat loss under my eyes. At The top of my cheeks where they meet the bottom of my undereye area there is a groove that I never had before. This type of aging is not something i see in my family at all so it's not that and i've always taken extra care with my eye area. This is sooo disheartening. I went through a Groupon deal -- maybe doctor isn't trained or competent? I cannot tell - she tells me .1 penetration not deep enough to cause probs-any help?? Can fat re-grow?

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under eyes indentation 1 month post-op fat loss
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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Grace8 in San Francisco, CA
+1

IPL

It is highly unlikely that IPL caused the fat atrophy as you are describing. It would be a good idea to observe your before and after photos to see if there is a difference.
+1

Fat loss after IPL

Fat loss, or atrophy, cannot occur from just IPL. The depth the light goes isn't remotely deep enough to affect fat. If it were, frankly, we'd be using it to treat fat, and we aren't. Radio frequency can affect fat, but it's highly unlikely the machine used had IPL/RF that was that deep. Usually in order to affect fat it has to be just a radio frequency device, not a combo unit.
+1

ATROPHY AFTER IPL

I agree that the IPL device does not penetrate the skin deep enough to cause fat loss. Side effects from IPL could include blisters, pigmentary changes and scarring. Your practitioner may have before pictures so that you can compare. There are however radiofrequency devices that penetrate deeper and at high energy levels can cause fat destruction. A solution to the deep tear trough area is a filler such as hyaluronic acid.

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Comments (1)

Hello, Yes IPL can cause fat atrophy. If you do some more research you will see many woman talking about this being a result of having an IPL done. There is a web site for Laser damage and Support where you can read accounts of this. I had one surgeon tell me fat could grow back. So far this has not been my experience. I am considering a fat transfer. Please visit Erin Brakovich's web site where she has a space reserved for comments specifically for women who have been damaged by IPL. Also please research very carefully your options for corrections and only go to the very best surgeon that works only on faces, a facial plastic surgeon. I have researched many docs and so far may get corrective work done by Dr. Jaconno in NYC. The laser damage web site also has many women who have posted about surgeons they have liked or disliked in there entries. Good Luck. Be well
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