IPL After 2 Sessions - Atlanta, GA
I wanted to get a photofacial because I heard that...
I wanted to get a photofacial because I heard that it can help get rid of broken capillaries. After the 1st session, I did notice alot of dark brown specks on the surface of my skin immediately after. After a week, they all flaked off. My bigger spots faded.
My second session, my skin did the same thing, only I had less brown spots. However my capillaries are still there. I did ask my technician about that on the 2nd visit. She mentioned that IPL produces a scattered laser and so there is a 50/50 chance it may help with reducing the capillaries. If I wanted to make sure they are gone, I would have to pay for a direct laser. I have 2 more IPL sessions so we will have to wait and see.
My first visit, I took 2 advils and it was fine. 2nd visit, didn't get a chance. Doesn't hurt too bad. Felt the same both times. It is bearable. No need to pay for numbing cream. And it's quick! Also, I am asian and tan very easy. I was told to use 4% hydroquinone for ~2wks before my treatment so that I don't tan with the laser. I think it helped because I see other horror stories where people have these tan lines. If only their techs told them about hydroquinone. I did stop retin A for week prior as well.
First time I got an ice pack to relieve the mild redness and cool down my face. Only lasted a short time. 2nd trip, there was very minimal redness. I was not given a cold compress this time, so I could feel the heat on my face for a couple hours. Still, it was bearable. Overall, skin looks very clear and even toned. Dark spots do fade/flake. Would definitely recommend. Though I have yet to see any effect on broken capillaries.
Replies (15)
I just had IPL done yesterday. I'm glad that I used numbing cream because it burned so much. I have brown stripes on my face now. Do you know if these will fade or rise up and fall off? They look awful. Thank so much for your sharing your experience. I'm glad that you got good results.
I tan very easily. The technician looked at me on my first visit and recommend that I use 4% hydroquinone for at least once a week daily before my treatment. Needless to say, I was bummed and had to reschedule. Well, it was for the best. I don't have the brown lines. The results were great.
After the IPL session, I went on the internet and saw some of the horrible stories about tan lines. I am pretty sure that the hydroquinone did its trick because I didn't have it at all. It is expensive, $45, but worth it if you are going to have more treatments.
Thanks Again!
One word of caution, it has been associated with cancer in mice but there has been no association in humans. But, all the bleaching creams have 2% as their active ingredient and it is sold and used widely by women all over the world, and yet I haven't seen a link to cancer in humans. Maybe, it could be a long term effect.
I only use it before my treatments. I don't intend to use it long term. If after 3 months, you don't see improvements in the color of your face, I would suggest you to stop using it.
I have also tried clinique's even better serum - does not work for me.
These are my thoughts. Please read the research and get more advice from others to help you make a more informative decision. For beauty advice, I can recommend a great book - Don't go to the cosmetics counter without me, by Barbara Begoun. It's my beauty bible!
Hope it helps.
I really appreciate your taking the time to offer me such great information.
Thanks and all the best to you!
They are starting to flake off and the skin looks pretty good. It's not over yet but it looks as if it will be OK. I don't think that I would get IPL again. This experience freaked me out too much.
Thanks for your advice. It really helped.
This is a really helpful review! Thank you for sharing so much pertinent information.
I'm glad to hear you are seeing good results for your dark spots - fingers crossed it will help the broken capillaries too!!
Please keep us posted on what you are seeing.