When will my freckles turn dark after IPL treatment?

Question

I received IPL yesterday for my freckled face. I was told that afterwards they would darken and begin to "flake" off. It has been 24 hours since the treatment and my freckles are not any darker, nor are they rising to the surface as I was expecting. Comparing my face to photos of those who have had the treatment done there is no difference in my face from pre treatment to post treatment. Is this normal? How long should I wait before calling the clinic?

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Wait 72 hours, and then go in for a follow up visit.  Perhaps they were just a bit conservative with the treatmennt.  They just may need to retreat you if there is no response.   I hope this helps!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.If this was your first treatment, it may have been on the conservative side using lower settings to see how your skin would react. Contact the provider who performed your treatment for a follow up appointment to discuss your concerns. Additional treatments are usually necessary to achieve the goal desired. To be sure, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.I hope this helps.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It may be that the settings were started at a fairly low setting to see how your skin reacted. Follow up at your normal time and discuss this with them. I suspect the next treatment may use a higher more effective setting.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There are so many variations in treatment that the absence of darkening cannot be classified as a failure. Speak to your practitioner about settings that were used. They may have been extra conservative. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Darkening of spots after IPL happen fairly rapidly and should be noticeable by the next morning. Your treatment may have been conservative if it was your first treatment. Best results are seen with sessions spaced apart so that you're not going too high within one treatment.Your follow up appointment or next treatment would be a good time to discuss your concerns.

When will my freckles turn dark after IPL treatment?

Answers (6)