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CLAIM YOUR PROFILEI counsel my patients to wait a full two weeks before considering adding filler or dissolving filler with hyaluronidase. Swelling can make results look asymmetric initially and I find the lips to swell considerably after injection - some fillers more than others. This is usually worse in the first few days and goes down gradually after that. Hang in there for two weeks. If it is still uneven, a little hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the product and hopefully even things out.
Best,
Matthew Muellenhoff, DO, FAOCD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Coffee ground pigment is a common observation after IPL or BBL on the skin. This is a good sign and will resolve in approximately 14 days. The purple areas likely represent purpura (small bruise) where a blood vessel (telangiectasia) was also treated by the laser. I would expect this to fade over 14 days as well. Make sure to avoid sun and wear sunscreen if your are out and about.
Matthew Muellenhoff, DO, FAOCD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Swelling after IPL treatment usually will resolve after 24-48 hours. Occasionally I have seen longer but this is usually in more sensitive skin individuals. I agree that eyes tend to have more swelling than other areas. Ice is helpful and I encourage it with my patients for a day or so. I would expect any exaggeration of wrinkles would be transient.
Matthew Muellenhoff, DO
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
IPL - Intense pulsed light
I use IPL for clearing up brown and red discoloration on the face, neck, chest and arms. IPL is great in that there is minimal to no downtime, discomfort during the procedure is minimal and results are very consistent. This treatment is definitely part of the conversation for those seeking evening up skin tone and reducing dyschromia (brown spots) or telangiectasia (small blood vessels).
Matthew Muellenhoff, DO
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
I prefer having my patients wait to resume their skin care routine until the next day. That would include exfoliation, scrubbing or any manipulation of the skin. Gentle cleansing is fine the day of Botox injection.
Best,
Matthew Muellenhoff, DO
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
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