I’m concerned about possible side effects of photorejuvenation – what should I watch out for?

Dr. Irwin: Your website has been extremely helpful - thank you! I have been thinking about Photorejuvenation for brown spots on my face. I have them on my upper lip & a few on my cheeks. Just as you said in the video - \"many people are scared of lasers\" well I am one of those people. I have read a great deal online & have discussed the treatment with a local doctor, but still have concerns. First, I have read about the \"striping\" that can occur after - how common is this; what % of people would you say this happens to; how long does this effect last; what\'s done to correct it? Is there typically any crusting of the brown spots after a treatment, if so what % of people experience this? Finally, what % of people actually see results from the treatment, if done properly? I guess, my fear is making the \"problem\" worse because of the \"striping\" & is the cost worth it? I looked at your recommendations for local doctors - do you know of anyone in the Cleveland, Ohio area? Thanks so much....

These are all good questions.  My concern is that when you saw your local doctor these questions weren’t answered.  I would recommend getting a second opinion from another office and asking these questions or going back to the first office for a second consult.  Also, I’m assuming you’ve read our IPL/photorejuvenation guide and watched the IPL video demonstration on SkinTour.com.  I’m redoing the laser center regional recommendations over the next month.  There should be someone in Cleveland posted soon.

So to your questions!  All of the answers to this depend on your skin type (I-VI)  (see the antiaging tour on this site if you’re not sure what you are).   And it also depends on how much you’re outdoors and how good your sun protection is.  It’s  really impossible to answer without specific knowledge about you!!  Typically though, the lighter you’re skin type is and the less sun damage you have, the less likely you are to have a problem with striping.

 Hope this helps.  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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