3 Days Post IPL: Freckles Are More and Darker - Is This Normal?

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Yes, this is normal. This skin response is commonly referred to as microcrusting and is an anticipated outcome as the result of an effective IPL treatment. The freckles and other sun damage that are present will continue to darken, raise and then flake off within 7-14 days. Do not attempt to pick or exfoliate the skin during the first two weeks post treatment. Use a gentle cleanser, light moisturizer and SPF 50. A follow up treatment, such as a microderm(at least 2 weeks post IPL treatment), is an excellent way to enhance your results once the darkened areas have flaked. Also, a series of IPL treatments will offer you optimal results.

Darkening of the freckles is normal after IPL. It actually means that you had a very effective treatment and the results should be great. It may take 7-10 days before your skin gets back to normal. You may use some bleaching creams to speed up the lightening process and try to exfoliate by doing a microdermabrasion or a mild chemical peel.