Day 7 after IPL for dark spots --"coffee grounds" are there, but only in certain parts of the sun spot, will this flake off?

Question

Will the full sun spot flake off when the coffee grounds do, or will I only have lightening where the coffee ground (peppering) is? I was happy to see I got the coffee grounds almost immediately but on some of the spots it is less than 50% of the sun spot that has any of the darker peppering on it.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without pictures. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care and skin care recommendations. Keep in mind, it may take a series of treatments. I always combine IPL with microneedling/prp to improve outcomes. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for 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

Audrey A. Klenke, MD, FACS · Answer

It is rare that only one round of IPL will make all brown spots go completely away. Usually this procedure is performed in a series. The IPL seeks and destroys pigment, so the contrast is important. You will see the most improvement after the first treatment, however you will continue to see improvement after future treatments.

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are especially concerned with certain specific spots, it is likely that you will need to have more than one Photofacial performed.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The coffee grounds will disappear. True sun spots don't tend to flake off, but they do significantly lighten. It may take a few treatments to make sun spots completely go away. I had a large dark mole on my back that is significantly lighter but still present after 3 treatments.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question southwest77. I understand your concern. An IPL photofacial is an
outstanding treatment for facial rejuvenation. It works by using bright light
to target and destroy pigment and redness in the skin. It is difficult to make an assessment without a
formal exam in the office where I can directly view the skin. However, I hope
the information provided here is useful.After an IPL photofacial treatment sometimes the darks spots get darker before they get lighter of flake off. This may resemble the appearance of coffee grounds. I tell my patients that this can take up to two weeks. Prolonged discoloration beyond that can be addressed with creams. For my patients I recommend an initial series of six monthly treatments. Full results are seen approximately one month after that. Patience is important.Please consult with a doctor for specific
recommendations. Good luck!

Raminder Saluja, MD · Answer

Post IPL, you will begin to see the "peppering" which will occur on the superficial pigment.  Deeper dermal pigment, will not pepper like the superficial pigmentation will.  Peppering can last 5-10 days.  We typically tell patients, that after 1 week, then can assist the removal by exfoliating the face.  If IPL is done on the chest, we recommend waiting 10 days prior to exfoliating.  A series of IPL (1-3) can make a beautiful difference to the complexion of the skin.

Day 7 after IPL for dark spots --"coffee grounds" are there, but only in certain parts of the sun spot, will this flake off?

Answers (7)

More IPL Questions

Can I do IPL sessions while on spironolactone?

Should I get IPL treatment with a history of facial herpes? (Photos)

When getting IPL photofacial, how do you know which machines are the higher strength? (Photo)

IPL vs Genesis for diffuse redness?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS