IPL: Stories

I decided to have IPL done to improve the Melasma and patches I had on my forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. I was informed that IPL isn't the "best" laser for this condition and it could actually cause it to become worse. Melasma doesn't like heat, so it could flair up with the laser. I decided to do it anyway because years ago I had 1 treatment and it did improve the area I was treating.

I believe in many cases several IPL treatments are needed to get the full result, however just 1 did the job for me. I think this is because the nurse must have used a higher setting? Not sure though.

I can tell you the procedure was uncomfortable, even with numbing cream. I was miserable for approx. 3 1/2 hrs after. I wasn't expecting the intense burning sensation I was having. I had to sit with a fan blowing on high right up close on my face. I also had to keep icing non-stop. Finally once the burning feeling subsided, I was fine....My face looked fried, but that's what I expected.

It took about 11 days for my face to completely peel, which I think is longer than normal. Prior to the procedure I had quite a tan face. I now have a pale more smooth face with no pigmentation patches.

The only complaint I have is that there was an area around my forehead that wasn't "hit," so I had this ring around my hairline that looked dirty or like I dyed my hair and it stained the area. I went back to the place I had this done and the nurse was kind enough to re-laser that area to even things out. You can only go so close to the hairline, so having this sort of color demarkation, may be par for the course....