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POSTED UNDER IPL REVIEWS

I Had Dark Pigmentation to Face Possibly Melasma - San Antonio, TX

ORIGINAL POST

I now have larger darker skin pigmentation. I...

CalleiFebruary 20, 2015
$1,000
I now have larger darker skin pigmentation. I actually started in August, the first of five treatments. The first was as described -going to look worse before better, it hurt but tolerated procedure for dream of getting rid of the dark pigmentation. The intensity increased for second treatment in September. It was horrible pain, the areas were now darker and large surface area to face. I went back in October for third treatment but nurse said it had not healed completely so I returned first week of November. I told her my concerns going to stay scared she reassured me and lowered intensity due to pain from second treatment. After two weeks when brownish coffee grind treated skin began to slush off my skin appeared to lighter pigmentation prior to treatment but after 3 weeks it became darker before treatments. I didn't go back due to holidays I felt I looked horrific . I was tired everyone asking me what happened to face ! When I returned in January for visit she said I had stopped in between treatments. She said she consulted w doctor and I'll company We decided only to do one side of face following week. I went in on Saturday n had a post visit on Thursday when she did other side of face. It now has been four weeks since procedure I am sick to my stomach. The area is darker and larger! I feel nurse is sincere and was a trainer to doctors and staff how to operate machine. I have an appointment in 6 days for another treatment. I don't know how long I can keep this up. Thank God I am not working due to first two weeks after treatment the best make up can cover it. I am now using two very expensive helps to cover but still visible. Help! Should I continue or just stop with skin worse before I started treatment.

Callei's provider

Facial Finesse

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She is informative- explained procedure n how it worked. She answers questions sincerely but at times felt she went in circles. I heard confidence in her and made me feel she knew what she was doing I just don't see improvement. Throughout visits she gave me reassurance kept me hopeful but actually only made my condition worse by continuing treatment. I don't recommend IPL to anyone especially TO FACE if condition being treated is melasma.

Replies (23)

Laser56
February 21, 2015
I am not an expert but you should definitely stop treatment until you see a Dr. A second opinion will help justify if you should proceed. The laser may be causing may be causing more harm.
Callei
February 25, 2015
Thank you, yes my GP wants me to see a dermatologist before getting another treatments. I will see about posting pictures before I started treatment.
Gerusa13
February 25, 2015
for melasma, do not treat with ipl. the heat associated with the light makes the condition worse. instead, use tri-luma for at least six weeks, at night. ipl's treat hyper pigmentation, which is different type of brown spots on face.
Callei
March 4, 2015
do you think they're-luma can reverse damage done by ipl treatment?
TexasFriend
February 28, 2015
Where did you go to have your treatments done?
Callei
March 2, 2015
Facial Finesse When I went last Thursday a very mild treatment. After visit she compared my face to pictures of her back. I knew then she doesn't know what she is doing - facial skin is so vascular you don't want to give them same treatment. She should know this !
isakdinesen
March 8, 2015
You should proceed to get another opinion from a board certified dermatologist with extensive expertise in treating this type of condition. Generally, bigger cities have better options. Go to the person or practice that is highly recommended to treat this exact condition, not just a dermatologist who does a lot of different things. Do not let your original technician repeat treatment until you are absolutely sure this is the way to go. Good luck, there are a lot of great doctors out there, you will find the right one if you do your research. My recommendation is too far from you, but is a world-renowned expert. If you need the name, let me know.
Callei
March 10, 2015
I am finding myself with dermalogist more of general practice. Many have joined the Botox Filler community are interested how much money you are willing to flip over to them. I have made that mistake ! I need to find a great doctor who knows what they are doing. Do you think I need to see plastic surgeon? Thanks for responding !
isakdinesen
March 10, 2015
I personally would not recommend a plastic surgeon as they tend to specialize in injectables and surgery. You need someone expert in laser applications. If you cannot find someone near you, choose the two biggest cities in your state and make phone calls to top board-certified dermatologists whose reviews and web pages show that they deal with this condition frequently. Explain your situation, send photos if necessary, and see who inspires confidence. Don't be afraid to ask to speak with the doctor directly and ask if he/she has treated other similarly situated patients and what kind of outcome you may expect. Depending on how far you are willing to travel, of course a personal consultation is best. If you cannot travel, perhaps they would be willing to provide a recommendation that is closer to you. Do not give up until you find someone who has treated your condition and impresses you with their understanding. You will probably know it when you find it--my guess is it won't be that long until you do. Good luck, let us know how you are doing.
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TatyanaS
March 12, 2015
Good advice!
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TatyanaS
March 10, 2015
Go to a dermatologist and ask for Hydroquinone 4% prescription. Put it on twice a day for about three months. It should improve.
UPDATED FROM Callei
26 days post

Prior ipl

CalleiFebruary 25, 2015
These are pictures before I started treatment. August 2014

Replies (2)

Gerusa13
February 25, 2015
This condition looks like melasma. do not treat with ipl as it makes the condition worse. use tri-Luma! it's a cream used nightly for at least 6 weeks.
Callei
March 2, 2015
Thank you for advise I will be going to dermatologist within next couple of weeks. I fear I may have made it worse I hope the darkening done by ipl can be reversed.
UPDATED FROM Callei
2 months post

Afraid Nightmare is reality

CalleiMarch 4, 2015
After my last visit 2/26/15 which was low intensity due to my anxiety and concerns increase hyperpigmentation. After treatments she verbalized my skin was not reacting to treatment as it should be I began to the replaying conversations with nurse Laura. Her comparing ipl results of my face to her back ipl results ! OMG! She has no clue with what she is doing ! I am going to see dermatology. If dr prescribes bleaching creams I have told they are not covered by insurance n are vey expensive. This is treatment number 5 she said she gave 60+ pulses. I pray that I can reverse damage.

Replies (5)

Mulan28
March 19, 2015
How are you doing now? Sorry this has happened to you. Please read this blog by another dermatologist. He said IPL does not cure melas a but makes it worse: http://www.naimion.com/blog/about-dr-john-md/. I think you should stop IPL or laser to let your face recover from the trauma. It makes me mad by listening to your story. They should not have given you more treatments after the adverse reaction. It was not that the treatment did not work but it made you worse! Hope you will find a solution. But please do your research and be careful not to jump on another strong treatment.
Callei
March 20, 2015
Thank you for your support. I have an appointment with dermatologist on Tuesday. I will read the blog. I will keep you posted and let you know what dermatologist tells me. Thanks again!
nicolaellipse
March 20, 2015
Yup that looks dermal . It's solid and not broken plus it's very dark
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Afnav
March 21, 2015
You might consider trying retin-A. Original came out for treatment of acne but also reduces wrinkles and dark spots. I have a lot of freckles and it has lightened them a lot. So sorry this happened to you. Def looks like they should have stopped treatment as soon as this started happening.
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Afnav
March 21, 2015
One more thing.. Your insurance may or may not cover the retin-a. If it doesn't, the large tube will cost about $86 at pharmacy and one tube can easy last 6 to 8 months or longer.
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