“Ipl can seriously burn you.”
IPL: NOT worth it
Pain: Worst possible
I started developing two tiny light brown freckle type spots on my cheeks and doctor recommended Fotofacial.
I received IPL treatment on my face, during which I was in agonizing pain. It felt like I was being burned by a hot Iron. The technician kept saying it is painful but that is how it should be. I was hot red in my face when I left and by tomorrow i had dark burned spots in lines and in rows on my face, and neck like a zebra. I looked horrifying and after four days I went back to the clinic and this time the doctor saw me and was very sorry that the girl did n't test a small patch first to see my reaction before she does the treatment on my complete face.
it has been 3 weeks now,the burn spots fell off and now I have some pink and some dark spots mostly on my forehead, neck and sideburns.
what is now the right treatment for them? Are they ever gonna completely go away? this treatment was meant to treat two tiny sun spots and it lead to this. what should I do? where should I go?
Oct 4, 2008Comments and replies (33)
1408 posts
4 Oct 2008
Hi Faye, Thanks so much for sharing your story and I'm so sorry for what you've been through. The professionals who post on RealSelf have written a few things about burns, both from IPL and lasers (click here). I hope this information helps but if you have further questions you're also welcome to use our "Ask a Question" feature to get some answers. Thanks again for sharing your experience and I hope you get better soon, --Sharon
3 posts
10 Oct 2008
OMG! I'm so sorry that happened to you. Thank you so much for posting your experience. I was going to have it done to my face, but not now. I hope you recover soon.
1 post
30 Nov 2008
Like many others, I too am grateful to you for posting this information. Really sorry to hear about your experience. I have a lot of facial hair and along with the hormone therapy,I have been recommended Laser. I went through this costmetological process a couples of years ago but it didn't help me at all. The doctor said I would first have to correct my hormone imbalance. I heard about IPL and was ready to go for it. But I will now look at other options for sure. Hope you get back a healthy and a smooth skin soon.
unregistered guest
28 Dec 2008
I had similar results, except my burns were welts instead of your circles. Was very horrified, especially after two months and the burns showed no signs of fading. I went back to the owner/dermatologist, threatened litigation, and settled. One year later, they are completely faded. It was a very tramautic experience, so never again.
11 posts
13 Feb 2009
Hi i am also mexican also was burned by ipl and also have dark marks and scars probably around the same time that you had posted this picture. I wanted to see what you have done to get rid of your dark marks on your face? It's been a while so I wanted to see what you have done to get rid of it if anything. I was going to start using a bleaching cream because mandelic acid hasn't helped me one bit even though I've been using it for some time. I found out that ipl actually sinches skin and it's hard to get rid of. If you ever get this you should email me because I'd want to help you or find out how you are doing. Take care
1 post
17 Feb 2009
I was planning to have IPL done by a very well respected plastic surgeon. He does it himself, not an assistant. Do you think this makes it safer? Please give me your opinions. Do you think the burning is inevitable?
6 posts
18 Feb 2009
It would definitely make it safer, but due to my terrible experience with that procedure, I would just stay away from it. These are all new technology and procedures that have been invented recently and no one has seen or experienced their longterm side effects yet because they have not been around long enough. I for one see discoloration on my skin on the parts that were not burned with the machine and I feel that is a side effect of IPL, because in general your skin because ultra sensetive to sun exposure and so on. So I wouldn't go for IPL unless I have a problem that does n't have any other solution.
5 posts
24 Feb 2009
Hi there, I cant believe this practise is not better regulated and am sorry to read your post. I hope things are not permanent. Are the pictures you posted before or after the burn spots fell off? I ask because i have what appears to be the same problem and am keen to learn what i can from you. Unfortunately it has only been one day since my treatment and my spots are much darker. I can imagine your dispare with the situation. Kind Regards,
6 posts
26 Feb 2009
The pictures are before the scars fell off. They have left a faint darker shade than my own skin spot on my face. It is disappointing because they even show a little bit from under a tons of make-up. This is something I have to live with forever. This procedure is highly risky and not worth its possible side effects./
unregistered guest
12 Mar 2009
I too had circles. I was very afraid they would never go away but eventually they did. If not done correctly IPL can be extremely painful. I went to another Doctor and had the procedure done again (it is extremely effective for me) and there was very little pain or burning. I did experience a white scar on my face months later but it is not very noticeable.