Are welts after IPL a normal side effect? (Photo)

Question

Hi, i am skin type 3 and have had about 10 total IPLs with good results, and redness always subsided after 1 hour. I recently started seeing someone new who told me welts are normal but i never had them with the last practitioner. Should I be concerned? The welt is just below the tear trough area and looks similar to raised 1st degree burn. It burns still 24 hours later. Like i said, the practitioner said it is normal but I am seeking additional recommendations since I am in mild pain. Thanks!

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello Alexandra98,
My name is Jeanine, and I am a Master Medical Esthetician and Laser Technician with over 25 years of experience. I have been working with IPL systems since the very start of my career in aesthetics.
  Looking at your photos, I do see a bit of inflammation in that area. Since you’ve had IPL treatments before without any issues, it’s possible that this new practitioner is using a different type of machine. In the plastic surgery office where I work, we have two IPL devices from different companies, and I’ve noticed that one consistently creates more post-treatment inflammation than the other. 
  From what I can see, your response looks normal for either a stronger machine or a more intense treatment. If you had red marks that matched the exact shape of the IPL crystal on the handpiece, I would be more concerned. This is why we do not recommend treating with IPL if you have a tan or have had recent sun exposure. It will increase the skin sensitivity because the IPL is attracted to melanin and tan is an elevated level of melanin all over.
  What you’re experiencing looks like a typical inflammatory response—something you might not be used to if your past treatments were gentler. Mild redness and slight puffiness for 24–48 hours post-procedure is actually a good sign that the treatment worked. Your body is simply responding to the light energy and using lymphatic activity to repair the tissue. Cool compresses may alleviate the discomfort and puffiness more quickly. 
 I often tell my patients not to be surprised if they notice some puffiness the next day, especially around the eye area—it’s very common and should resolve on its own.  I hope this helps!
Best of luck! Jeanine Oteri, LME, CLT answering on behalf of Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS Center for Classic Beauty Boston & Danvers, MA

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi, 
It looks like you may of suffered from welt/slight burn post IPL. This can happen if setting was increased or if you have had recent sun exposure prior to IPL. This will subside eventually make sure you apply cool compress/ice to area.Blistering may also occur. This looks relatively minor and you should get a good result once healed.

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

I believe you are correct that you should not see actual blisters with IPL treatment. that shows they have been aggressive and may cause you hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

This is a great question, yes welt are normal after an IPL treatment but they usually subside within 72 hours. If you do not please refer to your provider.

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Welts are often seen when higher energy settings are used to treat broken vessels. I cannot speak for the practitioner that performed this IPL but it looks like they may have increased the joules in the tear trough area in an attempt to cauterize a broken vessel, as that is a common area in which broken capillaries appear. Aloe may help alleviate the pain associated with excess heat in the skin. I definitely recommend discussing your concerns with the practitioner you saw, especially if you see additional signs of a burn (blistering/discoloration/etc). Best of luck!

Are welts after IPL a normal side effect? (Photo)

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Are welts after IPL a normal side effect? (Photo)

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Answer: Are welts after IPL a normal side effect?

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