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POSTED UNDER IPL REVIEWS

IPL Photofacial. Is This Normal Results or Burn? - Anchorage, AK

ORIGINAL POST

I've had IPL photofacials done in the past and...

stac1919August 23, 2014
$200
I've had IPL photofacials done in the past and never had this type of reaction. I saw this esthetician last year for an IPL and micoderm and results were good. I had an appointment with this individual on Tuesday and was shocked at the results! My face felt like it was on fire after IPL was over. She gave me 2 ice packs and samples of hydrocortisone to apply on my face. My husband and kids thought I had burns all over my face. My face was red with brown scabs all over. The next day my friend saw my face and was/is convinced I was burned and this isn't normal reaction. I'll admit esthetician was to aggressive for my liking. I ended up calling her with my concerns and text her pictures of my face. Of course she reassured me my face wasn't burned and this was a normal reaction to my skin tone. Day 4 the scabs are slowly starting to flake (not much) I'm keeping face clean, not scrubbing or picking and using ointment. Would like an outside opinion if this is normal reaction or was I burned? No blistering at all. A little itchy now but that's it for discomfort. Any input is appreciated!

Replies (137)

DaDiDa
August 25, 2014
For initial four treatments I did not have anything like this but in the fifth session I felt the heat and I had slight scabbing the very next day. It lasted about four days and the end result was amazing. After sixth session I was awaiting this coffee ground scabbing but had none, may be I'll ask my aestheticism to increase the intensity next time. If I were you I'll just apply aloe and keep it moist and see what happens next. I am happy the way my treatments are going.
jqw3827
August 29, 2014
It's also possible that after 6 Ipls you've maxed out its benefits. What are you aiming for? If you still have dark spots they are probably too deep for IPL to dint. Then you start trying other things after an aporopriate resting period. I knew IPL wasn't doing more for me after a total of 4.
DaDiDa
August 29, 2014
@jqw3827, You may be right. I am South Asian skin type VI-V had pretty dark shadows on my cheeks. They began as freckles in late teens and became bad in my 20s. Lately they were costing me my self esteem. We began IPL with very light setting so for 1st few sessions the difference was negligible but I was happy with how it was going. Now that shadows have faded a bit we are increasing the intensity. I'll have another two sessions and maintain there after annually. I am happy with the results I'll post the pictures one of these days.
Leighanna
August 25, 2014
It looks like burns to me, although Not as severe as some posted on here, thank goodness. I just had IPL 3 days ago and have just darkened spots.
stac1919
August 25, 2014
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Scabbing is flaking off in larger areas and pink skin is under (like when a scab from injury comes off) My main concern now is my skin tone will be more uneven than before. I paid for 2 IPL's but have decided not to have 2nd after this experience. I'm putting Aquaphor on at night and trying to be patient....
jqw3827
August 25, 2014
To me, personally, if it looks like an iron mark - it seems to be a burn. I had one mark like this on my neck once and it took a very long time to fade. Happily, it was winter and I could wear turtlenecks. But, the aesthetician was definitely too aggressive with me - she had expressed to me that she, personally, didn't mind long "down times". That was telling. I think it's a fine line. Too little - and you may not see the results you want. Too much - and you might be frightened and have a long recovery. Aquaphor is fine as far as it goes, but I think you'd do well to invest in a post-procedure kit. I got one from Skinceuticals - and they have a separate cream for neck and decolletage - and one for face. It's like medicated Aquaphor. If you ever do a repeat, I'd surely be waiting about 3 months or so - or until all those visible marks are gone.
stac1919
August 25, 2014
I appreciate your input! I sent the aesthetician pictures of my face this morning showing her skin after flaking. I'm scheduled to see her on Wed. I pre-paid for a microderm & peel that's scheduled in 2 weeks but thinking it's to soon after condition of my face. I was only going to have micro done to remove any left over skin. I'm conflicted on whether I should just ask for my money back and go some place else or continue to be patient..
jqw3827
August 25, 2014
No way should you do microdermabrasion or a peel this soon. I'd give that IPL 3 months to calm down. So if you are concerned this place might be out of business by then, or that they were really too aggressive - why not go ahead and ask for your money back; and then when you are ready, if you want to go back there - fine. Or if not, go find another place.
IPLissues
August 26, 2014
That looks like a burn to me, athough not a horrible one. I agree w/ the poster who recommended not doing any more IPL or any peels or any procedures, for that matter, for at least 3 months, let your skin be your guide. Aquaphor and/or those post IPL/laser kits are good. Whatever you do, keep it all moist and don't peel it off. Also, keep out of the sun or use something very protective, like Bioderma spf50+ photderm laser cream and a hat.
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