The darkened area typically begins to fade in 7 to 14 days. This is when you'll also begin to notice that many superficial brown spots around the treated area are becoming lighter, and less noticeable. They won't vanish with one IPL treatment, but in almost all cases patients will see progress.
For permanent results, the most effective treatments for removing brown spots on the skin is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial Treatment. IPL dark spot removal has minimal to no side effects.
Brown spots that have been removed with IPL treatment may come back months or years later. This does not mean the treatment did not work, it may mean that the client had not been applying SPF every day which would trigger more melanin which is the pigment.
The most common (and expected) side effect is a darkening of the more superficial brown spots of the areas being treating. This darkening of superficial brown spots will flake off after about 7-14 days.
Can pigmentation reoccur after laser procedures? Indeed, it may. Despite successful laser treatments in addressing skin pigmentation, variables such as exposure to the sun, changes in hormones, and skincare practices can lead to its resurgence.
The number of IPL sessions required depends on the skin condition being treated and individual skin type. While improvements can be seen after a single session, conditions like active acne or fine lines may require multiple sessions for significant results.
So although some have seen results using IPL to treat melasma, one of the side effects is that it can make matters worse. Causing hyperpigmentation, a condition which is harder and takes longer to treat. This is why we choose to treat this type of face pigmentation with skin care products for great results.
Many people report they achieve permanent hair reduction after just a few treatments. However, some people may require touch-ups every few years to keep those hair bulbs from sprouting out new follicles. IPL hair removal treatments are a great way to achieve long-lasting results without the hassle of shaving or waxing.
The average treatment usually consists of three to five short sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart where you can enjoy noticeable improvements within one week each time!
When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'. IPL treatment helps to smooth out the texture of your skin, whereas waxing or threading can cause inflammation.
IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you may irritate your skin.
As a general rule, the smaller the capillaries, the quicker they are to clear up. Typically, you won't start seeing results until two to four weeks after the first treatment, as it can take the body's lymphatic system that long to remove the dead material.
IPL is a proven, successful, and non-invasive treatment option to remove dark spots. While IPL removes dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it has multiple benefits, such as treating and eliminating the following conditions.
One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.
Single Session: Typically, a single IPL session will cost between $300 and $600. This is a ballpark figure, and the exact price can vary. Multiple Sessions: Most clients require 3 to 6 sessions for optimal results. This means the total cost for a full course of treatment could range anywhere from $900 to $3,600.
You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner. After completing a session of 12 weeks, the hair growth will reduce completely, providing you with silky, smooth skin for a longer time. However, you may have to continue touch-ups as needed.
Following an IPL Photofacial, you can expect brown spots to look darker for a few days (we call them coffee grounds because they often resemble finely ground espresso dusted across the treatment area) before sloughing off.
IPL Photofacial is More Effective at Treating Melasma
Microneedling, on the other hand, promotes collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—but it's not as effective at treating melasma.
Applying retinol prematurely may cause irritation, redness, or slow down the healing process. Give your skin time to rebuild its natural barrier before reintroducing these products.
Changes in Skin Pigmentation After 1 IPL Treatment
One of the most noticeable results after your first IPL treatment is the lightening of dark spots and pigmentation. Most large freckles and other brown spots will appear lighter just after a single session.
If you stop IPL laser treatments prematurely, there will be a short period of time before you start seeing some growth come back. Most areas that clients have treated are influenced by hormones that drive growth. Therefore, it is inevitable that the hair will come back because hormones change.
In a retrospective study of patients with refractory dry eye who had exhausted conventional treatment and elected to receive intense pulsed light and meibomian gland expression (IPL/MGX), 58% of patients' symptoms improved from as much as 25% to more than 50% after treatment.
If you are exposed to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with iron oxides and a SPF of 30-50 applied every two hours, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. The second path to take is topical medications.
In the first few days following your laser treatment, you may notice that the pigmentation appears darker than before. This is caused by the treated pigment rising to the skin's surface as it breaks down, signalling the start of the healing process.
Adverse effects of IPL treatments have been well documented [11]; these include blistering, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation and if extensive, even scarring.