“Dont do it!”
IPL: NOT worth it
Cost: $2,300
Pain: Severe
Pain: Severe
IPL satisfaction: Poor
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.!
Jan 25, 2009Comments and replies (10)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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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.
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 ?
33 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.
24 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.
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.
33 posts
21 Apr 2009
agreed. wholeheartedly. obagi and sunscreen for the same results, a bit more time, and considerably less possible side effects
895 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!