No peppering or darkening after IPL?

Question

I had ipl 5 years ago with fantastic results. The Pigment has come back but my original therapist moved so have been to someone else. After 2 treatments there are no results. I have discussed with her, she said not everyone has peppering but I feel the machine settings are wrong. Due for a third visit. Your opinion would be appreciated.

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Is it possible to compare the settings from your first treatment records?  Is the equipment the same as the last time?  Are you on a different skin care regimen? If the pigment correction is improved then there may be other treatments to work on the skin quality.  From the photo your skin color appears even and clear. I agree with the previous provider who mentioned fillers or you can try PRP or Vampire Facelift (filler plus PRP) or Vampire Facial which includes microneedling plus PRP to improve skin quality.

Amy J. Holland, MD · Answer

After 2 treatments, I would hope you would see some visible changes, but sometimes it takes longer to really see the full results and our skin does change with age. Would look at a before and after treatment, hopefully your doc took a Before pic and then you may see change you didn't even realize.
If you don't see changes looking at the photo, then I would ask them to turn up the fluence or go somewhere else. Also, what machine were u using for IPL was it the same as before at the other clinic.
At our office we have IPL on our Lumenis One and also in our Cynosure and some folk seem to respond better to one machine versus another...so may want to make sure it is same manufacturer of equipment being used as previously.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Amy

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

It is true that not everyone has flaking or peppering after IPL treatments.  However, most people are able to see some lightening of the pigment after two treatments if appropriate settings were used.  Hopefully, your new provider took a before picture.  I would recommend that you ask to see that and compare it to a current picture.  Sometimes, there is improvement, but because it happens over time, patients aren't aware of it.  If, in fact, the pictures do not show improvement, I would ask the provider if she can increase the energy for your 3rd treatment.Best of luck to you.

No peppering or darkening after IPL?

Answers (3)

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