Why Do I Have No Visible Side Effects After 1 IPL?

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Your doctor probably chose conservative mid energy levels for your first treatment. This is fairly common practice. During your next treatment, describe to your doctor this process so she/he may choose the next appropriate step of energy level increase. Additionally, the lighter your brown spots, the less of a reaction or crusting you should expect with the IPL, regardless of energy settings.

You probably had a very conservative treatment, which is far better than an overaggressive one.  I would let your physician know.  You do need to see some skin changes (darkening of spots) to get a result.