2nd IPL makes brown spots more "noticeable" but no flaking. What can I do to fix this?

Question

This just caused me to HAVE to wear foundation to hide my now uneven skin tone. 2nd trmt was no charge. She felt didnt go hard/deep enough 1st time. I immediately had a few darker brown freckles which since faded but no flaking. Now have even more noticeable brown spots. Why are these brown spots appearing (I never noticed them before the 1st trmt) and why are they not turning "coffee ground like" as I keep reading. What should I do? I wish I never started this done, my face looks worse!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jamming_13. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. If pigment is deep in the skin it will not necessarily flake off and product a coffee ground appearance. But sometimes the pigment can be brought up closer to the surface and appear darker. For my patients I recommend a series of 6 monthly treatments followed by one maintenance treatment every 3 months thereafter. If the pigment is deep fractional laser treatment can be combined with it. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

IPL is not a laser - it is Intensed Pulsed Light - and not recommended for every skin type.  If you wish to post before and after photos it can be more helpful.  IPL  can sometimes make things worse and hyperpigment.  While IPL can be a very effective procedure, not everyone is a candidate.  Please consult an expert in IPL for the best cosmetic results.  Best, Dr. Green

Deborah Manjoney, MD, RPVI, FACS · Answer

IPL will make your dark spots darker for up to several days before they flake off and disappear. You didn't mention the timing of your IPL treatment, so it is difficult to answer whether the darker spots you have will go away.  If your dark areas are from melasma, they may worsen with IPL.  We certainly have seen IPL on body parts other than the face take longer to fade, and they often don't flake off.   It's best to see a qualified physician (dermatologist or experienced aesthetic physician who does IPL) if its been more than a few weeks since your treatment.

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Dear Jamming_13,  IPL will draw out any pigmentation under the skin- including that which isn't always visible to the naked eye.  Going through each treatment will draw this pigment to the surface each time, and if the pigment is Melasma, which is the most difficult color to bring to the surface, this can take many treatments.  Lentigonies, (sun spots) are not as deep and come out much easier.  IPL's are always recommended in packages as multiple treatments are performed to get a cleaned up baseline and one or two treatments a year for maintenance thereafter.  You should keep up your treatments to continue to coax out the underlying pigment.  You will get there, some patient's need more treatments than others.

All the Best!  Dr. Mira Mahajan

2nd IPL makes brown spots more "noticeable" but no flaking. What can I do to fix this?

Answers (4)

Answer: IPL works best in multiple treatments

Answer: IPL works best in multiple treatments

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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.

2nd IPL makes brown spots more "noticeable" but no flaking. What can I do to fix this?

Answers (4)

Answer: IPL works best in multiple treatments

Answer: IPL works best in multiple treatments

Browse related questions

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.