POSTED UNDER IPL Reviews
IPL is Contraindicated if You Have Keloid Scarring - Spring, TX
ORIGINAL POST
I am Asian and have age spots on my cheeks. ...
$180
I am Asian and have age spots on my cheeks. Fortunately, the aesthetician at Athena Wellness was honest and in a phone consult, told me:
1) IPL is not permanent - the spots will return, not just new ones, but the ones you already have, so you'll need regular maintenance
2) IPL is contraindicated (should NOT be used) for patients with keloids! So if you scar easily, do make sure to raise this with your doctor/provider
Given too my Asian skin and all the potential horrors that could happen with IPL (permanent scarring, burns, sensitivity), and the contraindication, I've decided to forgo the treatment. My first mantra - Do No Harm.
1) IPL is not permanent - the spots will return, not just new ones, but the ones you already have, so you'll need regular maintenance
2) IPL is contraindicated (should NOT be used) for patients with keloids! So if you scar easily, do make sure to raise this with your doctor/provider
Given too my Asian skin and all the potential horrors that could happen with IPL (permanent scarring, burns, sensitivity), and the contraindication, I've decided to forgo the treatment. My first mantra - Do No Harm.
Replies (4)
Great info. Reinforces what I know, too bad.
I have had IPL and it was pretty good. I did not develop any scarring. As for keloids, if you put aloe Vera gel on the scar, it doesn't firm keloids. If you are in doubt ask for a lower setting. I would be more concerned about eye protection and use of intraocular shields. Make sure your IPL is done by a doctor, not an aesthetician or nurse.
Thanks for posting that info. I think if you form keloids easily, that means there's a problem w/ how your body repairs injuries. IPL, and a lot of other procedures, such as Fraxel and Laser peels, work by causing an injury to your skin, and the expected results come from your body being able to repair the damage. If there is something wrong w/ the way your body repairs damage, or if you have any auto-immune problem or sensitivity to light or heat, you are much more likely to get a bad result. I am glad to hear the person you consulted was ethical enough to fully disclose the risks and to say no. Many places would have done it anyway, since once they have your $$ it is extremely difficult to get your $$ back and even more difficult and expensive to sue.
And I had a bad outcome from an IPL performed by an MD w/ a lot of experience. See my Review.
I noticed after your procedure you put on makeup and went to work. When I had my ipl done, I lathered my face in vitamin e oil and rested. I think right after the procedure is an important time for recovery. Also I'm not sure if you're on meds, but you shouldn't be taking blood thinners, like high blood pressure meds, vitamin e internally, antibiotics, etc which prevents collagen production.
Thank you for sharing your research, details and experience with us.