Is there any way to reverse a bad IPL treatment ?

Question

I wanted to get rid of freckles and brown spots so had IPL done. Much to my dismay, it only brought on more and made what I have darker. Not only that, but I have a red spot between my eyebrows that will not fade. I am fair but with very dark hair and eyes. I was told by another that I am not a good candidate for this reason. Is there anything I can do now? Thank you.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi JLS.  A photo is the nest way to determine how to move forward, both a picture of before and after the treatment.  If the brown spots that you are concerned about are patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, then it's more likely that you have Melasma than sun damage and in this case you should be using hydroquinone and not lasers to try and control it (there is no cure).  If some of the spots are smaller and random (like freckles or just darker, smaller spots) then these may be appropriate for LASER treatments (Not IPL).  In this case, you may want to look for a practitioner that uses q-switched lasers.  For examples of before and after pictures for Los Angeles and Orange County, CA patients that have had treatments for Melasma and sun damage, click the link below.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Photos would be helpful.It sounds like you might be having PIH, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  You need to protect your skin from sun exposure using sunscreen or sun block, and may need another medication, like a hydroquinone to quiet down you melanocytes.

To be sure what might you best for you, return to see your doctor or see two or more experienced and board-certified providers in
your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and
that it is safe for you to have these medications and/or treatments.

I hope this helps.

Dean L. Johnston, MD (retired) · Answer

I am sorry for your
experience. Most IPL treatments are very good at treating your problem.  It maybe that you are experiencing
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which happens most commonly in patients
with dark hair, eyes and the ability to tan deeply.  The good news is that it is treatable.  Avoid the sun, use protective sunscreen daily
and go back to the treating physician and get their help.

Is there any way to reverse a bad IPL treatment ?

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