IPL before & after photos
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IPL Cost $700 average cost

BEWARE! IPL Can Cause Serious Burns!

4 posts
Comments (41)
Updated 21 Aug 2009
Posted 1 Aug 2008
Not Worth It
Spent: $370 in Hawaii

Had first (and last) treatment 2 weeks ago. Face covered in welts and black zebra-like stripes immediately afer treatment, second degree burns on chin and jaw line. Now have pink and tan stripes on face. MD doesn't know what to do. (Actually won't acknowledge anything is wrong). Any ideas?

Wish I had asked how much training tech had on THIS type of equipment. Ask how many times they've donethe procedure. Ask to see certificate. Must not have recent tan or use self-tanners. Ask to see settings, take records with you when you leave appt. Don't be fooled by the ads...this IS risky...educate yourself. google IPL burns.

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

Vote: 64 members found this review helpful

Comments (41)

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c. ige (1 post) 5 Aug 2008

What Doctor did you go to? I live on Oahu and was interested in haveing this procedure done....or maybe not...yikes! 

Italgal (2 posts) 6 Aug 2008
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.
FF1 (6 posts) 3 Oct 2008
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.
Sharon at RealSelf (Community Manager - 4,028 posts) 4 Oct 2008
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
christinaflower (11 posts) 22 May 2009
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
christinaflower (11 posts) 22 May 2009
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
vanity2009 (6 posts) 13 Aug 2009
I posted my experience on this site. It lead me to you can you please help?
Dontdoit (2 posts) 28 Aug 2008
I'm so sorry this happened to you. What has happened since? Are you filing a lawsuit?
David Van Dam, MD (8 posts) 4 Sep 2008
It's too bad that things like this happen, but this patient does have a skin type that places her at a higher risk of complications of this type - especially when a less experienced (and less cautious) person is performing the treatment. A test spot might have been useful in order to predict how she would respond to large area treatment and may have saved her a lot of grief.
Merry (22 posts) 15 Sep 2008
I have had several ipls for melasma and my face never looked like that - I don't have olive skin, but my whole face just turned red each time except for the first, where all the spots turned black. I have never had the track marks I see in that picture, it makes me wonder about the settings/hand piece/caregiver. I asked my ipl nurse at one point why so many get bad results from the ipl, and she said skill makes all the difference. Whatever your skin tone, tracks like that just don't look right. In any event, I am so sorry and hope your peels go well.
kwolf (2 posts) 5 Jun 2009
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?
kwolf (2 posts) 5 Jun 2009
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?
Scarlady (4 posts) 23 Oct 2008
To the ladies who got burned, go see a good plastic surgeon and do not self treat. I have done so and just made my skin a lot worse and swollen. I have tried the old cosmelan mask and creams, which made the scar and pigmentation worse. Derms. as well as esthetician will say that it works for IPL post PIH but it does not. Save yourself the pain and go directly to a plastic surgeon instead of going to a dermatologist who usually has no experience in dealing with burns and scarring.Gop Goodluck to you.
kh223 (1 post) 1 Nov 2008
I had IPL treatment done for red spots/ capillaries on my face two days ago. I had one splotch of red on one of my cheeks and around my nose. Now the splotch on my cheek looks even worse, it's turned a darkish red-brown color and I'm afraid it's a sign of burning. The area around my nose is an even brighter red than before and looks bumpy. I am Asian (chinese). I would not recommend IPL for anyone with olive skin tones or of asian descent. I keep reading over and over again on the Internet how IPL is not suitable for asians or people with olive skin tones. I wish now I had done my research before wasting my money, but you would think the people performing this procedure would be knowledgeable! I am only lucky that a large portion of my face wasn't treated but am unhappy with how things have turned out.
Karlain pasadena (5 posts) 23 Apr 2009
I am really sorry this happend to you. Where did you get your treatment done.
bpm (1 post) 3 Nov 2008
I live on Oahu too, and was considering IPL to fix the sun damage I have from years of living in Hawaii. Where did you go to have this done, so I know where NOT to go on Oahu? I really hope things get better for you, best of luck!
jjsgeorgia (2 posts) 5 Mar 2009
I had IPL on monday - now have dark PURPLE stripes across my cheeks- it is just HORRIBLE!!! I don't know how to post a picture here but I did take some- but BEWARE- I had this done at the top medical spa in Atlanta. Just awful
GAgal (8 posts) 29 Aug 2009
Where in GA did you have it done. I have a friend who has the striped look from burns from laser 12 days ago. Hers are deep red like an iron burn. Terrible. She had it done in Johns Creek.
beckies (20 posts) 10 Mar 2009
that looks like they took a frying pan and held it on your face. So unprofessional. I am sick of dermatoligists, ect doing procedures. Never would go to anyone but plastic surgeon. On the good side looks like it is healing, scabs, ect. I personally believe these and other lasers cause fat to melt under the skin and make a skinnier which can look older face. I can see it in the pictures that the doctors use for advertising, the best pictures, always face is more narrow. I want to get something done, but results for every procedure are 50/50 good or bad, that's too risky. lots of surgeons won't do these things they say too risky. How does anyone know they have the right surgeon.
balieyinfl (9 posts) 26 Jun 2009
I had IPL done on my face 15 days ago. I have severe burns and went back to the doctor yesterday. The look on his face and the fact that he said "why did she turn it up so high," said it all. He wants me to come back in three weeks and he will do "laser resurfacing free of charge." Needless to say, I am scared to death. I went in with a minor problem (a rash) and came out with a huge problem (scars). I would love it if these marks were off of my face, but I'm not sure what to do. Should I accept the offer or is it just wishful thinking that it will be all better after that? My husband is coming home from the middle east in six weeks after being gone for a year and I wanted to look nice. Boy did that backfire. Will the laser resurfacing work/help? Any Advice?
Merry (22 posts) 8 Jul 2009
A different doctor's opinion might be a good start.
balieyinfl (9 posts) 11 Jul 2009
I totally sympothize with you. I am in the same boat as far as the burns are concerned. Mine are not quite as severe, but any marks/burns on someones face just sucks. My doctor is planning on doing a "laser resurfacing" on Friday, July 17th. I really hate the thought of another lazer going near my face ever again, but I'm desperate to look "normal" again. Like everyone, I did IPL to look better not to look worse. The doctor told me that it was going to hurt (oh, great), but I can't imagine how much worse that it can hurt than the "burns" that were put there by the first laser. And, at this point, I am willing to hurt if it means I will look "normal" again. I will let you know if it works. I will have many questions before I do it and wish that I had asked more questions the first time around. Wish me luck.
vanity2009 (6 posts) 13 Aug 2009
I am suppose to have a Laser resurfacing on Friday, August 21st. Can you tell me if you noticed an improvement. I'm interested in knowing if your how your skin is overall. I keep reading that laser causes you to lose fat on your face. I am inclined to think so. I look so much older and sucken in aside from the blotchy, uneven texture and breakouts.
janet09 (2 posts) 23 Jul 2009
I just had IPL yesterday and have burn marks on my bikini line and tops of my thighs as well as the back of one thigh. I told the beauty therapist that I felt the current more than in my test, she replied that if it was too low there wouldn't be a good result. I now have lots of burn marks and am deciding how to proceed. I want my money back as I had to pay for a course.
cannot_find_an_unused_name (unregistered guest) 29 Jul 2009
Now that I'm a little older and wiser, I'm a little more cautious. When I take a new prescription drug, I only take half to make sure it has no severe side effects. When I did my first laser hair removal treatment, they did a 4" square area. When I did my first IPL treatment one week ago, I asked to do it on the back of my right hand only. Why risk your first treatment on your entire face not knowing how your skin will react? BTW, the back of my right hand has the same type of scarring as your face. I'm confident it will go away and I will see good results. Find a center that shows concern and is willing to give you a trial treatment for free. Ask for your first treatment to be lower power.

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