IPL: Heaps of Coffee-ground & Dark Spots

Question

I just had IPL today on my face (approx 2 hrs ago) and there is coffee-ground spots and just other dark freckles everywhere! I am 26 years old, and did used to do a bit of sunbaking in my teens. I did not have many freckled on my face to start with though, but now my face is swamped! I did think this was meant to be a 'minimal downtime' procedure but there is now way i'll be going anywhere for a while. Is the immediate dramatic increase in pigment a good sign or bad one?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

The coffee ground spots that you are experiencing is a good sign that the IPL treatment was effective. The pigment will usually take 1-2 weeks to flake off. There may be swelling, but it is fine to wear make-up after treatment. We recommend mineral based make-up and a good spf.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

The dark spots you are referring to is a great sign you had an effective IPL treatment, it may look like you are seeing more than normal because the IPL has actually grabbed pigment that was not yet visible on the surface, but would actually be shown in a few years. The pigment should take 1-2 weeks to exfoliate off, we recommend IPL treatments 4-6 weeks apart and continuing on a 4% topical to keep pigment cells at bay. The treatment's are refereed to as No downtime because there is no healing of the skin, which means you can wear make-up and continue daily activities after treatment. We recommend a mineral based foundation that includes SPF.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Seeing coffee grounds and darkening of freckles means that you had a very good response to the treatment. These take 1-2 weeks to shed.

	Minimal downtime means no broken skin, no scabs, little swelling that resolves in a few hours.

	Because the skin is intact, you can put a little makeup on and continue your regular activities.  I prefer a mineral based powder.

Leonard Harris, MD · Answer

Dark or "coffee ground" spots after IPL is usually a good sign. Very common to take 7-10 days to settle and "flake" off. Just follow the post procedure protocol your surgeon gave you and in a week you will look much better.

IPL: Heaps of Coffee-ground & Dark Spots

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