Why are there no results from my first IPL?

Our office has many different treatments for the skin and scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I tend to go toward doing fraxel over IPL or IPL combined with other treatments to get best outcomes.  Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question bellelewis1. IPL is a great treatment to address sun damage. It can be used on the face or other areas such as the chest. Most people require a series of three to six treatments and full results are seen a month after the final treatment. Patience is important. Please follow up with your doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

IPL treatments are usually done in a series.  This is the reason why you may not notice a significant change from the initial treatment. Depending on the area being treated, it may take multiple treatments to achieve the type of appearance you are looking for. Please discuss your treatment plan and the expected outcome with your provider.  

Hi, thank you for your question.  Sometimes the settings and intensity are conservative for the first treatment.  This is to prevent burns.  IPL's should always be done in a series of treatments.  On average, 3 to 5 treatments are typical.   Even though you did not see any improvement I would recommend returning to the same practice for a followup and for a second treatment.  They can address your concerns at that time.  Hang in there.  Hope this helps.   Good luck