Swelling and quilt pattern aft IPL treatment. 1 day post op, is this a normal reaction? (photos)

Question

I had IPL yesterday and this is what my face looks like this morning. It is a bit swollen. They used a numbing cream on my face prior to procedure. Is this considered a “normal” reaction.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

While it doesn't appear your aren't a good candidate for IPL, it also looks like you can tan in the sun. Your technician might have been too aggressive with their settings. Try not to freak out, as these effects will subside within a few weeks. Avoid the sun and keep in close contact with your doctor to ensure an even healing process.BestAnil Shah MD

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It can take several weeks for laser results to settle. There can be temporary swelling which will gradually resolve.  I always combine IPL with microneedling/prp to improve outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

First off, I'm sorry this happened to you, but with careful management, you should be fine.What you are seeing is the squares of the crystal where you were treated and the gaps of untreated skin where the crystal wasn't applied. It is very difficult to treat a round face with a rectangular crystal and have the result be perfectly even with no gaps, but as a doctor who does her own IPL/BBL treatments, we aspire to a more even treatment than you had.For now, call the office and make sure someone sees you and that they follow you until you are healed and your skin tone is completely evened out Be VERY careful with sun avoidance and a zinc or titanium containing sunscreen. You may in a few weeks need to start some products like hydroquinone, a retinol/RetinA, kojic acid and alpha arbutin. If they try to IPL you to even things out in the first few months, don't do it. You may look great in 1-2 weeks, but if it takes longer, the safest and best way to get the final best result is to be patient and use creams/topicals until things are better.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

Hi there-- from that one picture it looks like you had a fairly aggressive treatment. Those square areas will crust over and slough off in the next 1-2 weeks. The skin underneath should be lighter. I would see your physician for proper skin care during healing in the hope that this does not leave a square pattern of lightened skin.

Swelling and quilt pattern aft IPL treatment. 1 day post op, is this a normal reaction? (photos)

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Answer: IPL appearance after 1 day

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Swelling and quilt pattern aft IPL treatment. 1 day post op, is this a normal reaction? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: IPL appearance after 1 day

Answer: IPL appearance after 1 day

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.