“Ipl worked great for me”
IPL: Worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
I had four IPL treatments over the course of 8 months and my skin looks great.
I am 41, very fair with red undertones, had some sundamage and broken capilaries, and fine wrinkles under my eyes. IPL improved everything dramatically except for the fine wrinkles. I look 10 years younger.
I have a very experienced, dedicated laser nurse who is up on all the technology and works in a well-known cosmetic surgeon's office.
The worst thing I can say about it is it hurts (I didn't ever use numbing cream) and my face was swolen for 24 hours afterwards. It seems like purpura and burns can happen if the energy level is too high or you have darkish skin- I'd really check around for someone who knows what their doing before trying IPL.
Updated on Jan 20, 2009:
Updated on Feb 3, 2009:
Updated on Feb 9, 2009:
Oct 21, 2008Comments and replies (9)
1 post
12 Nov 2008
Hi Everyone, I read all the reviews on this site yesterday and had my procedure done this morning. I wanted to post my results to your review. I have to say I was somewhat anxious about what my personal experience would be after reading that a lot of posters had bad experiences. The dematologist that I use is nationally known for being a leader in his field and I have been going to him for 12 years. That gave me confidence that they would treat me gently and responsibly. My skin is very fair, pink undertones and some minor freckling that I've had since my teen years. I have a good complexion and wanted to see if this treatment would erase or minimize my freckles. My technician this morning was very educational and explained everything to me as she was doing it. She first removed my moisturizer and sunscreen and then applied very cold sonogram gel onto my face. She "zapped" the light many times over my cheek and nose area, both sides. Each zap was very sharp and uncomfortable but the sensation is not lingering. It felt like being stunk by a horsefly. The most uncomfortable area to have done is your nose as it has more nerve endings. I was tender there for about 1 hour after the procedure. I suffered NO redness, no long-term pain and no sensitivity. She did tell me that we would see immediate results and that any darker areas showing up on my face was a sign that the pigmentation would "lift off" and within a week these freckles would wash off. She said it would look like little flecks of black pepper. I will say the procedure was uncomfortable but I had been wanting this done for 3 years. Just try to chill and get through it the best you can. With a good technician, the procedure does not take that long. The very quick stinging sensation is the worst part. To aid in recovery, they wrap your face in very cold compresses that feel so good and refreshing. I hope others have as good an experience as I did and I can't wait to see how I look after my 3rd treatment.
9 posts
20 Jan 2009
My first series of IPL (four total) were finished in October 08, and I will go for one more this year for maintenance. I think it worked great and am posting a picture in case you are curious about what my skin looks like. I can't say enough good things about it.
13 posts
2 Mar 2009
Hi Clair I live in your area, 42, with fair skin. Lots of broken capillaries/blotchieness, also brown spots. Would love to see your before/after pics.I want my face to be "one color" instead of red/white and spots!! Thanks for posting here.
1 post
11 Mar 2009
Hi Claire, Congrats on your success with IPL! That's great! Would you mind telling me where you went to get your treatment? I am in the Sacramento area and am looking for someone to do this. Thank you!
1408 posts
12 Mar 2009
Hi Queengodiva, Provider info appears above the review. You must be signed into RealSelf to view. This requires free registration for an account.
5 posts
23 Apr 2009
it will be really nice to know where you have your treatment done? Thanks