IPL laser burns on my back? (Photo)

Question

I received IPL in November of 2023 on my back to treat dark spots from acne and KP. After my treatment, I felt like I was on fire and could not even put my bra back on. It’s been 8 months and the laser burns still exist. It has faded some but still noticeable. I’m avoiding the sun this summer so the laser marks do not get worst. Is there anything I can use or do to completely get the burns to disappear?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, Isountha! I'm Landry - an aesthetician at Shah Facial Plastics located in the River North area of Chicago.

It sounds like your skin had a pretty strong reaction, and the fact that you're still seeing marks months later means your skin is still trying to recover. You're smart to be avoiding sun exposure—protecting the area is key. IPL targets melanin in the skin, so when it’s not the right treatment for your skin type or concerns, it can actually cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is likely what happened here.

I’d recommend using calming, pigment-correcting products like azelaic acid and niacinamide, and supporting your barrier with rich, healing moisturizers. IPL isn’t the best treatment for you—something like Pico4 would be a much safer and more effective option for treating dark spots and pigmentation. If it’s not clearing with topicals, you might want to see a dermatologist for something stronger or more targeted. And for now, just give yourself time for your skin barrier to calm down - this needs time and the right support to fade safely and effectively.

IPL laser burns on my back? (Photo)

Answers (1)