Follow up to my last question. Is it normal to get darker spots after IPL, or more hyperpigmentation?

Question

so just to confirm: more hyperpigmentation after ipl is not a sign it is working and getting another ipl treatment from them will not reverse the brown spots it has caused? I already prepaid for another ipl before all this happened and I just want to be able to tell them with confidence that I think this has caused more damage and I don't want another treatment. (I'm talking about darker spots after my scabs flaked off and melasma looking marks after the ipl that I didn't have before).

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

Hyperpigmentation after IPL may occur for two reasons:1) as a result of inflammation. This usually happens if the skin was burned, and a scab or blister formed.2) If there is a history of melasma. Melasma can actually be made worse by an IPL treatment.Although I can't give you specific advice without seeing you in person, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion from another physician in your area.Best of luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams from Kare Skin as well as a broad spectrum sunblock like Spectrase. Bothe are from Kare Skin. Scler-x post inflammatory hyperigmentation relief complex is a great supplement to take as well. See link below.

Leonard Miller, MD · Answer

A number of considerations in your case would be. - what is your baseline skin coloring ; was the treatment administered with too much intensity ; and were you exposed to the sun afterward.  People with a darker pigmentation may not do as well as people with a fairer pigmentation when it comes to light or laser treatments on the face and may respond during the healing phase with rebound hyper pigmentation.  Any irritation or sun exposure may also favor a rebound in hyper pigmentation ,You still  may spontaneously recover with less pigmentation than you have at present   A light chemical peel may be of help at the same time as a depigmentary topical cream   You should probably avoid another IPL procedure

Steven M. Gitt, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

IPL is a wonderful treatment for a variety of conditions, including brown spots.  It is a treatment that is best recommended in a series of 3-6 treatments depending on the severity.  It is not uncommon for pigmentation to appear worse before it gets better, especially after only one treatment.  Depending on your skin tone, and condition, a pre-treatment skin care regimen with a bleaching agent, to help inhibit the stimulation of new pigment, may be recommended.  IPL is not an ideal treatment for melasma, but that is a specific condition that would require diagnoses.  It's advisable to seek the opinion of a physician.

Follow up to my last question. Is it normal to get darker spots after IPL, or more hyperpigmentation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hyperpigmentation and IPL

Answer: Hyperpigmentation and IPL

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.

Follow up to my last question. Is it normal to get darker spots after IPL, or more hyperpigmentation?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hyperpigmentation and IPL

Answer: Hyperpigmentation and IPL

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.