POSTED UNDER IPL Reviews
Very Comfortable Experience, Now Have Permanent Damage.. - New York, NY
UPDATED FROM cveroleyva
Whoa Nelly!
$1,400
Just an update to anyone that is thinking about trying out an ipl, laser, or anything that a provider says admits light but isn't a laser (uh huh, that is ipl). Don't take the gamble. If it goes awry, even at the lowest setting, it is permanent. Just traveling back from seeing an awesome derm in NYC, yup, he refuses to submit anyone to a laser, it's not worth his practice to take the gamble.
So, my textural skin of course is awful, but little things have helped. Reviva at 10 percent, TCAs at 12.5 percent (done at home now that I have the hang of it), witch hazel toner instead of washing my face, sunblock from Elta MD for acne and blemished skin, and I just purchased the PMD, which I love (don't do it until you are a while out from any lasers, at least a year, that's about how long it takes to see the scarring one is left to deal with), and I love the strivectin micro current gadget thing. 20 minutes a day of electrocurrent, I have no idea if it really works yet but it feels nice. All of this I do, in a half hazard combination.
My heart goes out to everyone, and their families who have to comfort those they love, who got caught up in the madness of these fda approved devices. xoxo
So, my textural skin of course is awful, but little things have helped. Reviva at 10 percent, TCAs at 12.5 percent (done at home now that I have the hang of it), witch hazel toner instead of washing my face, sunblock from Elta MD for acne and blemished skin, and I just purchased the PMD, which I love (don't do it until you are a while out from any lasers, at least a year, that's about how long it takes to see the scarring one is left to deal with), and I love the strivectin micro current gadget thing. 20 minutes a day of electrocurrent, I have no idea if it really works yet but it feels nice. All of this I do, in a half hazard combination.
My heart goes out to everyone, and their families who have to comfort those they love, who got caught up in the madness of these fda approved devices. xoxo
cveroleyva's provider
UPDATED FROM cveroleyva
just an update
hi, ive had many people reach out asking questions, primarily because many are going through the same issues post ipl. wish i could give everyone grand news, but i dont have much. the waxy sheen went away, and the texture is a hair better, probably because of time. cheeks never came back, but im 38 now, vs when i was 31 and went through the process. the coloring is better, i use reviva 10 percent still and sometimes opt for a home peel, nothing major. it is what it is. im still getting ised to what happened, and every once in a while i feel that internal pang, wondering how things went so wrong, but i wont beat myself up over it. i trusted people, it went south, and here i am. if i try anything new again, ill update. even if its filler or a lift of some sort;).
Replies (5)
July 20, 2015
OMG, thank you for sharing your painful experience. What happened to you is what I would dread and regret if I did go ahead and get IPL for my dark spots. You made me change my mind about IPL. I'm not as young as you and I guess if I've lived with dark spots and crappy skin most of my life, I can continue to bear them and continue to use sunscreen and concealers/makeup. I have always been very vain but I guess it's time to let the perfect-skin fantasy go and be thankful that my skin is good enough. I felt your pain and frustration and hope that maybe soon; some new, safe technology can help you recover your confidence and skin health. Love, L.O.
September 10, 2015
consider a skin lightening routine prescribed by a doctor (i used hydroquinone, but your doctor might advise something else for you). it has made a huge difference in brightening my brown skin and evening out my tone... prescription strength is way different than the stuff you would buy OTC. AND sunscreen! yes! even for us brown folk!
September 11, 2015
Thank you for your suggestion. I have tried hydroquinone and it only lighten some of it, the dermatologist said I'm stuck with melisma, maybe a peel can help but it will come back . Another PS recommended Obagi Nuskin I believe it's called but I don't want to torture my skin anymore so I started to take all the vitamins and supplements that help your skin cells regenerate and will start applying Rose Hip Seed Oil, Lavender E.O., Rosemary e.o. with Tea Tree and Myrrh e.o. cocktail at night, all of which promise to break up dark patches and spots, rejuvenate, fight wrinkles and stimulate collagen production. I want to go the natural path now and try to cure my problem from the inside and outside with TLC. Wish me luck.
September 11, 2015
I totally understand. Good luck! But careful with the lavender..i hear it is an irritant. See: http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/definition/lavender-extract-and-oil
I keep hearing great things about rose hips oil. Gotta try that one soon.
I keep hearing great things about rose hips oil. Gotta try that one soon.
September 12, 2015
Thanks for your advice. I decided to add just a few drops of Rosemary, Lavender, and Lemon e.o. to the Rose hip oil and apply only at night and see if any difference. I've read all these oils have properties to treat dark spots and maybe a cocktail will chase them away. I love this website, best one I've joined. Thanks again.
September 13, 2015
Check Retin-A reviews (don't abuse it, learn how to use it). I'm using both, Retin-A and Rose hip oil.
Rose hip oil is a ultra moisturizing, 100%.
Retin-A is the only product that has been proved to regenerate the dermis so... avoid things like IPL, good food, sport, Rose hip Oil and Retin-A... a good way to go.
Rose hip oil is a ultra moisturizing, 100%.
Retin-A is the only product that has been proved to regenerate the dermis so... avoid things like IPL, good food, sport, Rose hip Oil and Retin-A... a good way to go.
September 15, 2015
totally agree with you. Retin-A has a STEEP learning curve and less is definitely more. You have to learn how to use it and be careful with it... you can't try to undo a lifetime of skin changes overnight. That will get you in trouble. But with slow, steady, and very restrained use, it does work.
September 15, 2015
Sounds very good to me, Rose Hip oil and Retin-A long term. Does is have to be doctor prescribed or can I use lotions with Retinol? I have some very expensive Retinol lotion sent to me from Beauty DNA that I have yet to try out because I want to give the e.o. a try first.
September 15, 2015
Thanks Alamoana, will keep your valuable advice in mind. Can I use Retinol lotions? Or do I have to get Retin-A from a Derm?
November 2, 2015
retinol lotions are over the counter so they are a much weaker concentration than what you would get at the doctor by prescription. i would go for the rx version myself (in the .05% concentration which is not the weaker or the strongest -- it's right in the middle so it may irritate a little at first but will work well once you get adjusted to it). recently, i have had a lot of success with Paula's Choice Vitamin C, also...i swear it worked overnight for me. see more here:
http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/antioxidants/_/Resist-C15-Super-Booster/
When considering Retinols or antioxidants like vitamin C, be aware that the formula and packaging are very important. Products in weak concentrations, or those packaged in jars, exposing them to air can render the ingredients useless. Quality does matter a great deal. Paula's choice website is a GREAT place to read up and learn...my skin is doing great now, thanks to learning so much from studying there: http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/
http://www.paulaschoice.com/shop/skin-care-categories/antioxidants/_/Resist-C15-Super-Booster/
When considering Retinols or antioxidants like vitamin C, be aware that the formula and packaging are very important. Products in weak concentrations, or those packaged in jars, exposing them to air can render the ingredients useless. Quality does matter a great deal. Paula's choice website is a GREAT place to read up and learn...my skin is doing great now, thanks to learning so much from studying there: http://www.paulaschoice.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary/
November 2, 2015
if you already have some retinol (vitamin A cousin), it would be good to start with that. retin-a (AKA tretinoin) is very irritating to the skin when you first start, so by starting with a retinol you will be helping your skin get acclimated to it before you jump up to a higher concentration. remember to only use it at night (never in the sun), apply it 20mins after washing (your face must be dry or it will irritate) and to use sunscreen religiously while on it (no tanning either). good luck! it has been great for me, i wish you the same.
July 22, 2015
What do the Dermatologists think about the Textural changes that occurred by the IPL? The cause of the skin damage? Is it collagen loss? Thanks for sharing
July 23, 2015
Was it your derm who did the procedure? the reason I ask is because the doctor who did this to me, Dr. Susan Baskin, told me I was the perfect candidate because I have very light skin, after she saw all the pin dots that remained, she told me I wasn't a good candidate because of my light skin and blue eyes. They will tell you anything so they are not held liable. This woman has made me feel ugly and very self conscience. I have been through a lot as have a lot of people on here.
September 10, 2015
hi cveroleyva. i'm very sorry for what you have been through. i have my own botched procedure (Radiesse - never do it) so I understand what it is like to be told that something is safe, or that certain reactions are "impossible" or that the doctor has "never seen this before". It's so upsetting and frustrating. But I want to thank you for sharing your experience...I have been recommended several lasers and similar treatments to help repair the damage done by Radiesse, and having seen your story, and the logical tone with which you present it, I will never go for it. I also appreciate the useful links you have shared along the way.
For what it's worth, I have had a lot of success using a combination of Hyqroquinone 4% and Tretinoin .05% to treat darkness/hyperpigmentation/discoloration melasma and skin texture. I use the ZO medical (the new Obagi) line because it's what was available at my Plastic Surgeon's office, but obviously the brand doesn't matter, as long as it's a rx strength, and not bought on the internet. I have middle eastern skin, a tough darker than yours, very dry, and i'm over 40. I was skeptical about the tretinoin because of my dryness (i have no acne) but given time, it has improved things a great deal when used in combination with Hydroquinone (and AHA and of course major sunscreen during the day + cerave pm at night).
I know everybody's skin and clinical picture is different, but for what it's worth, one brown girl to another, this routine has been useful to me while no other cosmetic procedure has been. I think you still look lovely and I wish you continued healing.
For what it's worth, I have had a lot of success using a combination of Hyqroquinone 4% and Tretinoin .05% to treat darkness/hyperpigmentation/discoloration melasma and skin texture. I use the ZO medical (the new Obagi) line because it's what was available at my Plastic Surgeon's office, but obviously the brand doesn't matter, as long as it's a rx strength, and not bought on the internet. I have middle eastern skin, a tough darker than yours, very dry, and i'm over 40. I was skeptical about the tretinoin because of my dryness (i have no acne) but given time, it has improved things a great deal when used in combination with Hydroquinone (and AHA and of course major sunscreen during the day + cerave pm at night).
I know everybody's skin and clinical picture is different, but for what it's worth, one brown girl to another, this routine has been useful to me while no other cosmetic procedure has been. I think you still look lovely and I wish you continued healing.
September 11, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of your horrible reaction to the IPL and Juvaderm. Look into true science skin care regimen. It is based in science, NRf2 which stimulates the body to produce anti-oxidants like it did when we were young. There are peer reviewed studies on pubmed.gov the CDC site for science studies. The pill form of NRf2 is called protandim. Which most of the studies are on. In pub med you could enter skin damage, oxidative stress or protandim. True Science is a strong anti-inflammatory I use the products in my skin care practice with great results. I hope you find a solution to decress your stress at least. Pat
September 13, 2015
Texture getting better is a great new. Cheek coming back.. I think the only way for that is fat transfer, and lift can help aswell. Avoid things as bottox, hialuronic acid, juvedern and all this crap.
Retin-A might help asswell.
Retin-A might help asswell.
September 13, 2015
And fat transfer is not a 100% garantee of cheek coming back. It's a lotery, but its posible.
UPDATED FROM cveroleyva
uh oh
Well, I have another update. I tried a very conservative amount of juvaderm about a year ago to help out with the loss in my facial contours. This time, I did all the research, read pros and cons, and took a chance. Now my texture is actually worse than what I had started with, but at least knowing everything I took the gamble. My tissue is undergoing granulation from the juvaderm. My skin went from orange peel texture, to now full on lumps on both sides where the juvaderm was placed. We know its granulation because it is latent, and my tissue started morphing all at the same time, so basically my body had a latent response. I have an appointment to go back to my doc that placed the filler. Im not going back to complain, and oddly enough Im not as distraught as the way I when I underwent the side effects to the ipls, which got me here in the first place. With the ipls I was lied to, and now doctors do says its a form of laser radiation and hes it can scar. 4 years ago suppossed,y it wasnt the case. At least here I knew my options and different outcomes. I have a great doctor, and we will take it from here. Filler for ipl damage will no longer be an option, sigh.
Replies (5)
December 9, 2014
Disappointing, I was considering that too. I heard it helped with healing. My damage is similar but more extensive. I still THINK some areas may be improving. I am one year post. Five more days ,is my one year anniversary from IPL damage. I am considering Microderm and face lift to pull it tight. I am 45. I wanted to try Juve to see if it would work because it is temporary. The texture thing (micorholes) make me insane. Thanks for sharing. Sorry it did not work out.
December 9, 2014
I am five years post laser damage. I have not been able to find something to "cure" me, but I can tell you vitamins, hyaluronic acid supplements and a good moisturizer help.
January 1, 2015
What vitamins do you take? And was your damage volume loss or textural changes?
December 15, 2014
Sorry to hear! Makes me wonder if the IPL made the skin more sensitive and reactive to any new procedure. I've been thinking about fillers too, to address the withered look I now have from the IPL. I have been very nervous about doing it, and was thinking if I did I'd have a little test done on the side of my face. I'm glad you at least have dr.s' who are being straight w/ you. A little honesty is all that's really expected! Here's to hoping that science will come up w/ some better treatments for our IPL damage!
December 18, 2014
please post pics. I am still considering this.
Bumps seems better than orange peel.
December 26, 2014
All these reveiws talk about ipl as a facial thing im getting it for hair removal and was wondering if any ipl hair removal reveiws
December 26, 2014
Be careful. Laser carries a lot of risk even if it's done by a doctor. That's all I'll say about it. In the past a few laser "techs" came in and attacked me for talking bad about lasers. Obviously there's risk in a lot of things but if laser goes wrong you can't hit rewind and change it. Be careful. Take care.
January 26, 2015
i think home ipl devices are better. very few experience the brutal results some have. I also think that the ipl used to kill hair is less energetic than skin resurfacing ipl or lasers.
January 26, 2015
Not all lasers resurface IPL is also considered rejuvenating which I had (supposingly) but the damage was deep which also produced surface damage. Volume loss around cheeks and eyes caused skin to loose firmness and produced sagging and several other bad effects as dents, lines, enlarged pores and brown spots that can not be faded. Sad results that are permanent
January 26, 2015
yes but sometimes it damages the dermis, yes sometimes that will be down to machines that can simply output too much power or someone doing it for too long on one area but many times good trained professionals are also leaving folk disfigured which makes me think that the whole thing of lasers should not exist until the understand why sometimes the damage is minor to the dermis and it heals itself and other times it is extensive with same settings on a similar skinned individual. I am looking into derma rolling led,, direct and indirect high frequency rf, ultrasound waves (Ulthera), various peels, peels plus other products to apply straight after them, and anti ageing creams. These seem the safter ways of regeneration also led light.
January 26, 2015
Pearl cutrea ipl, ruined my face. Not safe. One time and one session. Too many passes, and or wrong setting will hurt you. One year ago
January 26, 2015
If you haven't already go to Pubmd.com this is medical site of test papers and results. Of course you have to dig for negative reports but they are there. One thing you will notice most testing has been done in China and India and poor people getting paid to do these test don't want the money to stop. Something to take into account when the FDA approves meds etc
January 26, 2015
not sure how "I am looking into derma rolling, led, direct and indriect rf, ultrasound, Ulthera, peels, peels plus creams and serums, microdermbrassion and any other milder, safter tech" relates to pearl. Pearl cutera laser is marginally safer than any ipl system including pearl cutera ipl but the reviews still have about 40% being disspleased with results and with too few of those who are displeased being because of non results, most are due to severe worse skin, I dont like slightly better than toin coss odds of getting either a great result or a terrrible result, if those odds where a great result or no result with only a tiny minority having bad results then I would think the risk is worth it but it aint. IPL systems by comparsion have 50% of people getting burned or scarred which is even worse odds again than pearl laser.
Replies (5)
You don't find the witch hazel drying? How often do you do the peels and have they helped? Thank you.
It seems like every doctor sells me a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen that will help with all this, especially the burning pain. I get hopeful and then after 1-2 weeks, my skin starts to rebel against the new products and the burning becomes even worse. It seems like nobody really knows how to fix this, but will make money off it. I always go back to cetaphil, but even this doesn't make things better. If I had a dollar for every product I've purchased after laser, I'd be a rich woman.