IPL photofacial burn is grayish. Is this something I should worry about? (Photos)

Question

i got ipl on my face, chest, and shoulders this afternoon. Before I even finished dressing my shoulder had started turning gray ( the gal took a picture saying she had never seen that happen before) and my chest was red. I am in pain and my skin feels burned (except where it turned gray, there I have no pain) I was told to put ice and hydrocortisone on it and not to worry if I got a few blisters because it’ll heal. I’m worried about the gray area, what does this mean? Will it heal?

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest you follow up with your provider. Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. Best of luck.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Dev.  Our IPL patients with your skin type look very much like you do after a treatment.  This does not appear to be a burn, but rather the expected outcome.  Your practitioner should have prepared you for this.  If the area blisters, then we would recommend following up with your practitioner, but if not, the area appears pretty much as it does for our patients.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your cosmetic dermatologist for after care. I recommend Silagen + Bioshield to promote healing. It can take several weeks for final results to settle.  I always combine IPL with microneedling/prp to improve outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

IPL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

IPL photofacial burn is grayish. Is this something I should worry about? (Photos)

Answers (3)

IPL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU