Brown spots keeps coming back after IPL. What shall I do?

I would consider using Melarase creams twice daily to help reduce the onset and recurrence of age spots and dark spots after IPL treatment. In addition, complement with light chemical peels. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

I often combine IPL with lasers and/or microneedling to get rid of stubborn brown spots.  Remember that with sun exposure they will always come back.  Some patients need constant treatments with IPL, skin lightening creams and lasers to keep as clear as possible.  Find a laser expert to treat you.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hello.  There are two possibilities in your situation.  The first is that you may have Melasma.  Melasma is a common hormonally related condition that appears as brown spots on the cheeks, upper lip and forehead.  In many cases it is mistaken for sun damage and treated with lasers or IPL.  The problem is that Melasma is a chronic condition that is more effectively treated with hydroquinone than light based devices because it is not curable.  It keeps coming back regardless of the type of treatment and in fact lasers or IPL can make the condition worse.The other possibility is that you have sun damage that is just not effectively treated with a device like IPL.  Contrary to what many consumers believe or are told, IPL is not a laser and is limited in its ability to permanently remove sun damage.  Alternatively q-switched lasers are orders of magnitude more powerful and can easily and permanently remove sun damage.To see examples of before and after photos for our Los Angeles Melasma and sun damage Patient's click the link below.  

The key to effective treatment is to choose an experienced and expert physician who understands your objectives and has an ability to effectively combat a variety of conditions. IPL is very good for redness. If you have more persistent brown spots, then the new cutting edge Halo laser works great. For other conditions such as melasma, a medical grade skin care system such as Obagi (which is a hydroquinone based system)works excellent.  

I would recommend visiting a medical spa in your area that offers a newer IPL with updated technology and fewer treatments that is far more effective treating brown spots. In my office we offer an IPL called Lumecca and have seen excellent results in as little as 1-3 treatments, however, if it's melasma that is being treated, I wouldn't recommend and IPL as this would make it worse. For melasma I would recommend a topical vitamin C, Retin-A, and Hydroquinone for short term use.