Is this burn normal for IPL? I have a deep indented scar where the provider performed IPL. She zapped it over four times (Photo)

Question

I have light skin. I had an Ipl to remove slight pigmentation and the provider proceeded to zap one area 4 or more times. I smelled burning flesh. The burn itself didn’t heal over until three weeks and left me with a deep indented white scar. Provider claims IPL cannot burn you and that her using it 4+ times on exact same spot is normal. Is this the norm?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Ranen and I work at Shah Aesthetics.  According to your photos, it does look like you got burned.  I usually would double pass an area.  Sometimes depending on the skin type, you may pass  extra.  I would recommend using something that would help with your scar, such as Skinnuva.  I wouldn't do anything to the area until it completely heals.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Really sorry that you are going through this. Although they are not uncommon, burns are never normal after IPL. I'm assuming the the three pictures are a healing progression since the time of treatment? After any burn, it is important to keep the area carefully protected from the sun - consider an extra coat of a zinc or titanium based sunscreen there. It can take up to a full year for a burn to fully develop and for you to see what it heals to. The good news is that fair skin actually recovers better.

I don't know if the person you are in communication with from the treating office is the medical director or physician, but that person in charge needs to be made aware of this result so that they can help follow your healing and potentially do different lasers, likely fractional, to help you get the best result. If they aren't willing/able to be involved in your healing, you should seek out another office with solid reviews for the laser care. For persistent hypopigmentation after a burn, sometimes application of Latisse immediately after light fractional laser of the area can stimulate melanocytes.

Is this burn normal for IPL? I have a deep indented scar where the provider performed IPL. She zapped it over four times (Photo)

Answers (2)

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.

Is this burn normal for IPL? I have a deep indented scar where the provider performed IPL. She zapped it over four times (Photo)

Answers (2)

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.