2 months post 2nd IPL treatment, developed a few whitish areas. What is it and what should I do? (photos)

Question

I had twoI PL treatments one in June and one in July on a higher setting I had no burns or pain but about 5 days a few whitish areas developed and I'm left with this...what is it and what do I do, these photos are 2 months post.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Although the resolution of the photos leaves something to be desired, it is likely that the depigmented, whitish areas you describe are patches of postinflammatory hyPOpigmentation, i.e. loss of pigmentation as the aftermath to the IPL treatments you received. If this is indeed so, then there is a possibility that discontinuing any further treatments, with time, these regions may spontaneously repigment. If they do not, or if you wish to expedite the process, microneedling supplemented by the topical applications of tyrosine and lanatoprost may help to repigment them. Microneedling possesses the potential to autotransplant pigment producing cells from the normal areas surrounding the hypopigmented ones, as well as for creating microchannels in the skin that permit the penetration of tyrosine (an essential amino acid in normal pigment production) and lanatoprost (a pigment stimulating agent). You would be wise to seek consultation and treatment by a board certified aesthetic physician and ask to see his/her before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Be cautious about falling prey to the heavy marketing and advertising for treatments with this or that supposedly latest greatest light and energy-based devices. Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care recommendations. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme to give improvement. Sun protection is essential. Lasers work best in combination with other treatments like microneedling/prp and other lasers in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. Best, Dr. Emer

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.IPL, when treating pigmentation can often compete with the surrounding skin colour causing the underlying skin to lighten along with it. If you began with sun damage and a light tan it can often come off in white lines. Options for removal is to perform the IPL treatment in the opposite direction across the skin to remove the existing brown pigment so the white blends in or not use such a high setting. AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) are also great for helping to buff the skin and improve the appearance. I would recommend you go in to for a complementary consultation with your current skincare professional to assess your skin more closely and determine what they would recommend moving forward.Wishing you all the best,
  
Stay absolutely safe and well,

Dr. Murray from Absolute Cosmetic Medicine

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

There is no way to know from your pics.   The best thing to do is to talk with your Dr. who performed the procedure for you and who can see you in person

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