I’m hispanic and am having problems after an IPL. What should I do?

Dr. Irwin
September 17, 2010
Hi Dr. I...Like many of us on your site...how I wish you were in my state! I am a light (olive) hispanic and had an IPL done for spots and I am mortified!!! The first 7 days the areas treated were brown/purple and now on my 12th day the scabs have fallen off and the area is pink and very scaly/white blistery type skin. The pink has started to darken again to a light brown. The doctor (who I did research prior to the procedure) says its healing and I need to give it time!!! My question to you is will my skin return to normal from your experience ? I had great skin with some sun spots I has hoping to lighten and I am so afraid that I damaged my skin permenantly.

Did your dermatologist see you after the IPL treatment or was this done over the phone?  If the doctor has not seen you, please call and just nicely insist that they do.  It may be just fine but it sounds to me like possible antiinflammatory creams, a “bleaching” cream like Triluma, and extra sunscreening may be needed.  If they won’t see you right away, I would really suggest a second opinion from another dermatologist.  If you explain the circumstances nicely to the front desk, hopefully they can help you get in quickly.  Good luck!   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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