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IPL Cost ≈ $700 average cost

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“Dont Do It!”

echonow 2 posts

Comments (11)
Updated 3 Mar 2009
Posted 25 Jan 2009

Not Worth It

Spent: $2,300 in Vancouver, BC Canada

I had 6 ipls done by my family doctor. I dont think my doctor has any idea how to operate the laser. I had severe hyperpigmentation and heavy zebra stripes on the right side on my face for 7 months. It did not help to reduce my pore sizes or my poor skin texture at all. Dont try it. It's not worth it.!

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Vote: 7 members found this review helpful

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songbird_63366 (2 posts) 24 Feb 2009

I had IPL, and would never recommend it. I have a few dark sunspots, and after spending hundreds and undergoing much pain, all I got was a severe reaction to the treatment, a horrible rash that lasted for days, and no lightening of the spots. Use over the counter creams and you'll get just as good if not better.

DDP in Vancouver (1 post) 25 Feb 2009

Why does it cost twice as much as the USA ? One Dr quoted me $ 600 per session. Seems like the cheapest is $ 500, yet other countries are only paying $ 100 - 300 per session. Would have been worth it a year ago when our dollar was even, now....i am not sure if it's worth it since our dollar has gone down...anyhow..i am so happy i found this site. When i went to the two doctors who showed me before and after pictures, i didn't see much of a change. I felt that if i were to spend $ 2,500 for 5 sessions, my skin better be perfect. It also seems like the pictures of before are taken in different light than the after shot. i was told that i would have great skin in 3 sessions as i only have mild roseca, some freckles, some redness, and some blister like moles that never go away. I am considering only doing one treatment. From all the posts i read, most people either see results after one session, or don't see results. But hardly anyone gets burnt in one session. Should i bother ? it's around $ 500. Anyone from Vancouver, Canada that can reccommend someone who knows what they are doing ?

lalala (unregistered guest) 23 Mar 2009

I would strongly recommend NOT getting the IPL treatments done. I had decent skin texture but wanted to remove brown spots (masking from birth control pills) and some mild rosecea. I was told IPL would probably also shrink the larger pores across the bridge of my nose. After 3 treatments (I did them several months apart to check for changes)over 18 months ... the redness in my apples of my cheeks and brown spots have vanished. BUT 12 months later the pores on my outer & lower cheeks are completely dilated. HUGE! Plus I have some severe wrinkling below the corners of my mouth down into my chin. I have oily skin, but I now have wrinkles no moisturizer can eliminate. I was told the treatments would encourage & stimulate new growth and make my skin look more youthful - but in fact it seems the opposite. It looks like my skin LOST some of it's moisture & fat, and now looks 10 years older and really leathery. If you want to get rid of brown spots & masking - there are creams (from the dermatologist) you can apply. They work more gradually, but don't affect the lower layers of your skin. They don't need to ... If I could go back and make the choice over again ... I wouldn't have it done. I'm still seeking something to reverse this damage. My skin texture looks really similar to awalk's, except without the burn marks.

worrilady (8 posts) 28 Mar 2009

Try Nia 24. It has very excellent reviews and you don't need a prescription to purchase it. Many professional derms and plastic surg. carry it in their offices as it helps rebuild skin from the inside out. Google Nia 24 and find out more information. I got a bad IPL and went to a doctor. Right now I'm doing Obagi Nu-Derm system but planning on incorporating Nia 24 into the daily routine

blumenauer (32 posts) 29 Mar 2009

I also had these heavy, zebra striped like welts for two days. Now only nice skin with a few shallow lines from the swelling. there IS down time with this procedure for sure.

Honest about results (26 posts) 31 Mar 2009

I had 3 sessions of IPL a year ago and was extremely happy. After my first treatment my spots darkened and fell off, it was amazing. A friend at work asked me if I did something to my skin because she noticed a difference in the texture; I was shocked! I would highly recommend it and I didn't even have it done by a doctor. I'm surprised and sad that so many people had bad experiences with this procedure because it's one thing I truly stand by. I'm currently doing fraxel for my acne scars, which of course IPL does not get rid of.

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (1,275 posts) 13 May 2009

There are other people who are qualified to do the treatments other than Dr.'s, such as master estheticians and nursres. I do agree that with a well trained Esthetician or nurse you are in safe hands. IPL can be a wonderful procedure with great results if you suffer from a condition that was meant to be treated with that type of technology. I've seen many pleased patients who loved the effects on their skin after their treatment series. Yes, fraxel can be a good choice for acne scarring.

View answers from Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

worrilady (8 posts) 20 Apr 2009

I was burned by an IPL back in February. Today is April 20th. I went to a professional aesthetics/plastic surgery office for help. I've been on Obagi Nu Derm now for 4 weeks and I absolutely love the results I am getting. My burn marks are "almost" gone, still a little pink - but overall, my skin texture, color, tone, everything already looks 75% better. I am also using NIA 24 sunscreen and the moisturizer. If you are considering an IPL, please beware that it can make your face look worse. It seems it is about 50/50 good/bad results. If you want to be safe, use medical professional creams. It is slower, but it will save some heartache for many.

blumenauer (32 posts) 21 Apr 2009

agreed. wholeheartedly. obagi and sunscreen for the same results, a bit more time, and considerably less possible side effects

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (1,275 posts) 13 May 2009

Unfair criticism. I think you should not condemn the whole concept of an IPL. Family MD's and especially OB's are lining up to buy these machines and most of them are in it for the money. Many of them have minimal to zero experience with skin care so they don't know what the heck they are doing. You were also grossly overcharged but please do not blame the technology but your (greedy) MD who should stick to treating diseases!

View answers from Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Gillie (1 post) 12 Jul 2010

HI there, I had 3 ipl treatments last year. It has been the biggest mistake of my life. A few weeks after the third treatment my skin began to tingle, small lines started to appear, and the texture of my skin started to change. My skin is now like crepe paper and has the orange peel effect. The tingling is very intense at times...if it continues like this I will look so much older than I am. Every part of my face has been damaged including my eye lids. PLEASE DO NOT RISK THIS TREATMENT. I have become very depressed and have taken time off work.

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“Dont Do It!”

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