After photofacial, I had symptoms of flu. Do you know why I had this reaction?

Question

I had done photo facial twice and I liked the result on my face! After I leave the Dr's office I get symptoms like a bad cold. Strong headache, running nose, body aches. I asked Dr's PA about it, she said:"never heard about it before". I want to keep doing it but I am concerned of the side effects. I would really appreciate your answer. Thank You very much for your time, Marta

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question mnsavino. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. IPL is not associated with flu-like symptoms. Some patients have various symptoms after treatments but typically there is another cause and it is coincidental that it occurs after a treatment. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Parham Gharagozlou, MD, FACP · Answer

Thanks for your question. IPL is energy based treatment that works on the skin only. It will not cause flu symptoms. Some people can get headache from flashes but it is so rare and can happen if you get many flashes around the eye and have migraines from before. There is an entity that is called cluster headache that might be triggered if you had that from before. This can cause runny nose at time of headache. All these are so rare that are closed to theoretical concerns. For all practical purposes IPL can not trigger flu like symptoms. Specially you mentioned body ache that can not be part of any of those. Probably it was a coincidence.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

These two things are not related. You were exposed to a virus somewhere, and happened to develop symptoms after your treatment. But it was not from the IPL treatment itself. I hope you feel better.

After photofacial, I had symptoms of flu. Do you know why I had this reaction?

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After photofacial, I had symptoms of flu. Do you know why I had this reaction?

Answers (3)

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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.