Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I couldn’t complete the session. Is this typical?

Question

My nurse was upset with me. It burnt like hell! She said IPL not painful. She asked me if I was on a different medication or something. I felt something was wrong with me to feel so much pain from IPL

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. IPL is not a pleasant procedure if you are not numb. everyones sensitivity to pain is different. follow up with your provider.

Theresa M. Jarmuz, MD · Answer

IPL can cause some discomfort but should not cause extreme pain. That being said, there are a few things that are important to know.  Some medications can cause photosensitivity which is why the nurse would ask what medications you were taking. This would be information that should be asked a few weeks before treatment. Many IPL devices couple radio frequency with the treatment. Radio frequency can cause more discomfort but the provider can typically adjust the level of radio frequency being delivered for more sensitive areas, such as nose and forehead, in order to make the treatment manageable for the patient. Many patients will power through the pain because radio frequency tightens the skin and stimulates collagen. Topical numbing can also improve a patient's experience with IPL treatments. Our practice allows patients to topically numb with a compounded cream for 15-20 minutes which also makes IPL treatments tolerable.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest going to a reputable doctor or last physicians practice, this shouldnt be that painful and you can get better outcomes combining IPL with lasers.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

IPL can certainly be painful but if  area to be treated is numbed properly with topical anesthetics it should not hurt.

Ahmed Maki, DO, FACS · Answer

While everyone's pain tolerance differs; IPL treatments should not cause that much discomfort and are typically very tolerable procedures. Did your provider apply a topical numbing cream prior to your treatment such as lidocaine? Were you using any retinol products before your appointment? I would expect a slight level of discomfort but nothing that is close to unbearable.

Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I couldn’t complete the session. Is this typical?

Answers (8)

Answer: Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I could not complete the sessio. Is this typical?

Answer: Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I could not complete the sessio. Is this typical?

Answer: IPL pain level

Answer: IPL pain level

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Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I couldn’t complete the session. Is this typical?

Answers (8)

Answer: Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I could not complete the sessio. Is this typical?

Answer: Recently I had IPL and it was so painful I could not complete the sessio. Is this typical?

Answer: IPL pain level

Answer: IPL pain level

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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.