After IPL my skin had very dark "peppering", will this go away? (photos)

Question

After my 3rd treatment with IPL to correct sun spots, when the dark spots resolved after a week or so, my skin was clear!!! I was so happy! Then after a couple of weeks the spots started to come back...I just had my 4th treatment today. I was so discouraged to see the spots return. Will they eventually stay away or will I have this discoloration forever?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Peppering of the skin after IPL is to be expected. This is the IPL targeting the pigmented areas, which will then often flake or peel off, leaving more even skin tone after this process is finished. In some cases, the pigment will slowly return over time, and maintenance IPL treatments every few months may be needed to maintain results. When combined with a proper home skin care regimen, even better results are possible. In some cases, different laser resurfacing treatment options might produce better results, depending on the patient.Be sure to see an expert who specializes in facial aesthetic procedures.All the best,

William Groff, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question and I understand your concern. However, your skin looks like it should after an IPL photofacial. Dark spots targeted by the light tend to darken immediately following treatment before they start to flake off. I am confident you will see improvement in your skin within a week or so, and your complexion will be much clearer. Since, you’re concerned, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your physician for an in-person assessment. Also, be aware that dark spots can return over time, which may necessitate a touch-up treatment to maintain your beautiful skin.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. IPL brings out dark spots, they will flake off. do not be alarmed. best of luck.

Shareef Jandali, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is expected for the areas of hyperpigmentation to become much darker and slough off similar to coffee grounds after treatment with IPL. Should this area become more red, tender, swollen, or the skin not intact be sure to follow up immediately with your provider.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Believe it or not, it looks like you received a great treatment.  The peppering is caused by underlying pigment that is being broken up and brought to the surface.  Your skin is purging the pigment that you wanted eliminated by the IPL.  It should clear up in the next couple of days.  Each time you do an IPL, usually less comes to the surface, but it really depends on how much hyperpigmentation was present when you started.  I hope this helps.

Neetu Khurana Sodhi, DO, MPH · Answer

Hi there are a couple of reasons that spots would come back after IPL. First, if actually treating solar lentigo, or sun spots, adequate broad-spectrum sun protection (preferably with zinc) is necessary to prevent a recurrence of sun spots.  Second, sometimes people have rebound hyper pigmentation if what was being treated was actually melasma, and not sun spots. I'd go back in to your provider and have them review your new findings to see if they can suggest a strategy for improvement.

After IPL my skin had very dark "peppering", will this go away? (photos)

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