Has this IPL treatment gone wrong? (photos)

Question

I went to get a cat scratch scar removed on my chest. It seems the Dr made it much worse and bigger. Can I fix this new scar? Is there any way to help this new scar and bring back my skin as it was? I’m hopeless. Pictures are from 1st treatment to 3rd. I am supposed to go back for treatments 4 and 5, but I feel this man is making it worse and deceiving me. He said this is ok and safe for dark skin.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest you follow up with your provider. Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with your cosmetic dermatologist for after care. I recommend Silagen + Bioshield and PDT therapy to promote healing. I recommend lasers with Cosmelan and microneedling/prp to improve outcomes. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Good afternoon and thank you for your question! Intense pulsed light (IPL) is generally not recommended for Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI. Most of the time IPL is only done on lighter skin types (fitzpatrick I-III, sometimes IV). IPL is targeting hyperpigmentation and red vessels and usually needs a good amount of contrast between the skin color and the pigmentation/red vessels to be effective. I would recommend using Silagen for any scarring/burns that you might have and to follow up with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Best of luck! For more information please feel free to visit our website!

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Hello Swivel11,
You wouldn't be the ideal candidate for an IPL treatment. IPL specifically picks up on pigment such as reds and browns. If you wanted to smooth out the texture of the scar doing microneedling with prp is beneficial and doing a deep resurfacing laser would help. Good luck on your voyage!

Has this IPL treatment gone wrong? (photos)

Answers (4)