After IPL I Have Two Burn Blisters and Dark Marks That Never Existed - is This Normal?

Question

After IPL , I have two burn blisters on my forehead and darkened marks that never existed on my forehead, and this was the clearest part of my face... is this normal??

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Your photo shows greater skin reaction and redness than typical after IPL.  This will likely resolve but absolutely should be evaluated by your treating or supervising physician where the IPL was done to insure proper management.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

You actually have a fairly normal, although maybe a little exuberant, reaction to an IPL treatment. The good news is it will go away, but you can minimize this by making sure you are on an appropriate skin care routine for the condition you are treating. Most of these will contain antioxidants and other products that will help minimize the redness or the exaggerated response you have – so if you are not on a skin care routine, go somewhere where skin care is as important as the procedure itself.

Roberta Lucas, MD · Answer

We try to avoid blisters with IPL but they can happen and your provider needs to be notified. Protecting the area with Aquaphor and avoiding any sunlight whatsoever are both very important. You stand to see great improvement in your skin from this treatment as long as you don't pick, peel or get sun exposure.

John Soderberg, MD, MPH · Answer

Blistering rarely happens but if it does, notify your provider, keep the area clean and apply aquaphor or Vaseline ointment.   You will notice brown spots darken in appearance after the treatment.  These areas will gradually slough off or gradually fade and the spots will be lighter than before the treatment.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Darkening of the skin after IPL is not abnormal.  Areas of sun damage, even those we've never seen as blotchy, can react quite significantly after treatment.  The skin in these areas can become darker, blotchy, dry and flakey.   Blisters are not 'normal' but they are possible and a known side effect/reaction.  Don't pick or peel any blister or skin that starts to dry and flake...this can lead to scarring.  Keep the blistered area moist with something like Aquaphor Healing Ointment and make sure to follow up with whoever treated you so they know exactly what happened and can help in your aftercare.

After IPL I Have Two Burn Blisters and Dark Marks That Never Existed - is This Normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Dark spots after an IPL treatment

Answer: Dark spots after an IPL treatment

Answer: Dark marks after IPL

Answer: Dark marks after IPL

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Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

After IPL I Have Two Burn Blisters and Dark Marks That Never Existed - is This Normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Dark spots after an IPL treatment

Answer: Dark spots after an IPL treatment

Answer: Dark marks after IPL

Answer: Dark marks after IPL

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.