Could IPL have caused my brown patches?

Dr. Irwin
August 13, 2012
Dear Dr. Irwin, I had two IPL treatments on my face approximately 6 weeks apart. It has really damaged my skin. I now have brown patches all over my cheeks and broken capillaries in my cheek and chin are really noticeable. I am 48yrs. old and have always had beautiful skin. Is this common? I went to a reputable place which has been in business for many years. Could my low dose HRT cream have caused this? Please help. Makeup doesn't cover this up. I have made an appointment with a dermatologist.

In some instances, IPLs can cause or aggravate brown pigment.   It’s your last sentence that worries me because it implies that the laser center you went to doesn’t have a board certified dermatologist or a board certified plastic surgeon on site full time!   I’m so glad that you made an appointment with a dermatologist.

Thank you for writing because it brings up the point that you want to go to a center with a  board certified dermatologist for exactly this reason. (More on how to find a good doctor.)  If something doesn’t go as planned and you have a side effect that’s unwanted, you have your doctor already there and ready to help you.  Just to reassure you, most often this problem is temporary but it does need to be treated – so please keep your appointment.  Dr. I
Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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