I had my 3rd IPL on my chest today and got severe burns, what can I do to heal this atrocity? (photos)

Question

my 3rd IPL on my chest, yes I did have a tan, but the same as the last 2 times which went great.The NP that performed past treatments left so the Dr. did the treatment. The IPL had been broken for over a month and today was the first time it had been used. The strength was the same as my last treatment. I have blisters and severe pain. I went back 1 hour after treatment and was told the damage would be gone in a week. She felt the new tip was too strong.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi JRM.  When you returned to the office, they should not have sent you away without a plan to help in the healing process.  Sun avoidance is absolutely a must for the next 3-6 months.  Depending on how serious the blistering is, you may need a prescription or at the very least a topical ointment to help in the healing process.  We are very surprised that was not suggested to you already.You should keep in close contact with the physician that did the procedure (or another that is actually willing to manage your care) to make sure that the healing is proceeding well.  As Dr. Reuckl mentioned, there will be some long term pigment issues.  You will have hyper or hypo pigmentation or both and this is why diligent sun avoidance and consistent follow ups with your physician are so important.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I have to tell you that I gasped at these photos. This is just awful. I am so sorry. Get to an experienced dermatologist who knows about laser burns immediately. This needs to be attended too now. This will be a long and arduous process and I would imagine, unfortunately, that you will have some long-term, permanent pigmentation issues. I'm so sorry. This treatment was definitely too high - and a new head should never be used at the same settings as the old head. Your physician should absolutely have known that, and also not continued once he/she saw the response your skin was having. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

I had my 3rd IPL on my chest today and got severe burns, what can I do to heal this atrocity? (photos)

Answers (2)

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I had my 3rd IPL on my chest today and got severe burns, what can I do to heal this atrocity? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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