BEWARE! IPL Can Cause Serious Burns!

Wow. I have had a similar experience with IPL. I found out later that I was not a candidate due to the fact I have olive skin tone?? I had my procedure done at a MAJOR Dermatogolgy Center and you would think they would know this?? I had to have a second IPL done in the hopes that it would correct the trmendous amount of melasma that appeared after the burnt areas and brusing went away. After that healed I went to see a different Derm and he recommended a series of glycolic peels, which did help somewhat. They ranged from 30-50%. The end result is that I still have dark spots and still a hostage to makeup, which is what I was trying to eliminate in the first place. This was last year. I have just today made one final appointment to see what can be done to completely remove the dark pigementation on my face. Now they are thinking one strong peel that needs approx. 5 days downtime, whcih I am more than willing to do. I don't know if this info. helped at all, but if I were you , I would demand they offer some explanation and offer a resolution. Unfortunately, with my IPL experience, I ended up with a doc that would not assist with a resolution either.

I had the same procedure done(IPL)three weeks ago.My face looked exactly like the lady in the pictures. burned marks in the shape of big dots on my chin, forhead, neck and sideburns. the burned spots fell off and now I have dark spots all over my face and I am crying everyday. I went back to the doctor and he says I am sorry this happened I promise the spots will go away over time and that I have to be patient and wait. He gave me some bleaching cream and I am using it for the 3 days and so far no change. Please tell me how are the dark spots on your face? are the completely gone? I can email you my pictures. please answer me I am desperate.

Hi Faye, I'm so sorry to hear this happened to you too! :( I hope the bleaching cream starts working for you - if not, maybe get a second opinion? If you have time, I'd appreciate if you could write a review of your experience to help our readers make decisions about IPL. Unfortunately, your experience is something we could all learn something from. :( Good luck, --Sharon

I also had the same procedure done. It left me with the same burns on my face. It's been about 8 months and they are dark spots still on my face. It is true that the dark spots will remain there until you start exfoliating your skin. I do recommend getting pro peels done. Preferrably by a vivant skin care professional. The only way to get rid of the skin is to get the dermis layer (the very deepest layer of your skin) to start regrowing, and by doing that you need to exfoliate your skin with peeels and agressive vitamin a. I recommend going with Vivant skin care. So once you start to peel the skin new cells will start growing from the deepest layer and will then start to lift the dark pigment. I've only been doing these peels for 1 month now and it will take more than a year for the deepest part of your skin (which the IPL got to when it hit your skin) to surface. PS. The myth about exfoliating yoru skin will thin your skin, isn't true! if you need any help with anything, I can recommend you a professional that sells the products and you can meet with one in your area. here's my email:Christinastrawberry6@yahoo.com also email me for pictures of when I had it done. I know how hard it is to go through this. I feel your pain but it will get b etter. If anyone says, burns are permanant they are lying because if you are proactively trying to get rid of something it will heal. It takes time, so be patient. If anyone that knows patience it's me, i've dealt with acne and these burns at the same time. take care and hope to hear from you soon

HI FF1, I can direct you in the right direction. Please take a look at my comment because I go into detail what you need to do to get rid of it!!! I've been in your place and I'll email you pictures of my experience along with trying to help you get rid of it. I know how you feel about crying everyday and bleaching cream does work but you need other products to get rid of it because bleaching cream does not work good just using it by itself. I know how you feel about crying about it, I've been there and still experience breakdowns because of it. please email me, I would be happy to help you: Christinastrawberry6@yahoo.com

I posted my experience on this site. It lead me to you can you please help?

Hi: I got the same treatment, but they told me is normal the burns, and then dark/Brown spots....2 weeks after....I love my results!

I have several pictures from having IPL done, I am looking to see if you can take a look and let me know what I can do as far as the ugly scarring that I am experiencing now. Please let me know!

I am considering IPL for melasma. Can you discuss your age group, how long you've had the melasma, how severe it is, and if any other treatments worked?

I am considering IPL for melasma. Can you discuss your age group, how long you've had the melasma, how severe it is, and if any other treatments worked?