Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

I have found SO many mixed reviews about IPL when i researched it online. there are actually forums and msg boards dedicated to the horror stories of IPL (breakouts, pucky skin, bad texture, dents, prematurely aged, fat loss, etc.) Does the procedure have a large margin of error? meaning, does the care of the doctor performing it have a big effect on the results? I am contemplating where to go and how much to spend, but now I am so scared! I am in my mid-20's with great skin and I primarily want to get rid of the redness/broken capillaries around the base of my nose for an upcoming wedding. What procedure do you think would be best for a $300 budget? What kind of feedback do you get from your IPL patients?

i use a KTP laser to manage broken blood vessels with a lot of safety. plus i use a very gentle IPL that i have not seen any problems with. i think some of the really deep IPL treatments (I rather not mention names here) can cause the problems you are talking about. You need to speak with your treating doctor to hear his/her recommendations and risks/limitations regarding the particular IPL you would be having and the experience level of the provider.
best,
sml

Hi Dr. Lam

I am sorry, was not exactly sure where to post this question as I am new to this site, but the question is IPL related.

I read on some IPL message support blog some individuals reporting nerve/muscle damage, fat loss etc. and also read on Wikipedia some published articles that claims that IPL causes oxidative stress which in turn might explain why some blame IPL for premature aging which is the opposite of what is claimed by this treatment. Some claim the possibility of internal burns which might explain there reasoning behind muscle and nerve damage etc. I am a bit confused and would like to have some clarity. I was under the impression that if the technician/operator is highly skilled IPL should not pose any dangers. Am I correct?

I am asking this question in the light of myself not feeling well at the moment and I don't know why? I can't say it is due to IPL treatment at all as I had IPL treatment on the 23rd of July and only started feeling bad on the 11th of August. This was my second IPL treatment and the previous treatment was exactly a month before my last treatment and did not leave me feeling bad at all. The dermatologist that performed the treatment is a professor in dermatology and has more than 30 years experience as a dermatologist and practice not only in the UK but also in the USA and is a very respected dermatologist world wide.

Symptoms include muscle weakness, a constant feeling of slight dizziness or can maybe be described as a bit of a dull headache and slight eye sensitivity, but only if I leave the house where it was dark and go outside in bright light. The slight eye sensitivity can maybe be due to the dizzy or slight headache feeling. Fatigue can also be added to this list and although I don't really have any back pain I feel slight discomfort in lower back when sitting for long period of times almost as if there is sligtly more pressure on the lower back than usual. A general feeling of just not feeling 100% and almost muscle laziness/weakness.

I had two IPL treatments mostly on the upper back. I must mention however that I fainted three months ago and banged my head on the floor resulting in a cut just above the left eye and also a laser was used by the dermatologist on the scar in an attempt to reduce it. After the incident I had no trouble at all, went home the same day it happened and was perfectly fine. There is however still a slight swelling above the left eye and that after three months and would also like to ask why that is and whether it is normal?

Just basically want the reassurance that IPL is not responsible for me feeling the way I do as I don't want to go to extremes like testing for nerve damage etc. I still have one IPL treatment to go but need reassurance first, otherwise I might consider a chemical peel instead.

Sorry for such a long post. Hope I make sense and thank you for being generous with your time and support.

hi,
it does not sound IPL related. however, anything is possible obviously. with a skilled technician/operator and with a good laser the odds of a problem are on the low side. that being said, i highly encourage you to seek a physician for evaluation for your symptoms. you never know if it is something more serious that you are writing off as IPL related.
best,
sml

Thank you for your quick response Dr. Lam. Gives me a bit of reassurance. Some websites can raise unnecessary concerns.

Hi Dr. Lam

1) How safe is laser hair removal if a skilled operator/technician is involved? 2) Can I get the same results with a chemical peel than with IPL to get rid of sun damage - blemishes etc?

Oh I have quite fair skin - might be important in answering the above and I am in my late twenties.

Once again I appreciate your time and support.

1) How safe is laser hair removal if a skilled operator/technician is involved?
as with any technology or procedure there are risks. those risks you need to discuss with your provider rather than with me. fairer skin should be safer than dark skin. however, you must have that dialogue with the person doing it.
2) Can I get the same results with a chemical peel than with IPL to get rid of sun damage - blemishes etc?
again, it depends on what kind of chemical peel and what kind of IPL and who is doing it. sometimes yes and sometimes no. sorry to be evasive here but the answer is not that simple. it must be a dialogue between your provider and you, specifically weighing the risks benefits of what peels are offered and what kind of IPL.

Dr. Lam

Just a quick question. I am 29 years old and never experienced continuous excessive snapping ligaments/cartilage/joints. I put ligaments/cartilage/joints as I am not sure which one of these are actually responsible for the snapping sound. This snapping sound occurs regularly when moving my left arm back and forth. The snapping sound seems to originate somewhere from the left upper back region - maybe even in the region of the shoulder blade or the upper tricep of the left arm.

Prior to IPL I never experienced this snapping sound. I had treatment of the upper back and upper chest area. 2 treatments. Have you ever experienced this with any of your patients before? Any possibility that IPL can be responsible? Anything to be concerned about? What causes it? Any possible damage to cartilage, muscles, nerves?

Thanks for your time.

hi,
1. first, i have no idea what is going on because i do not work on bodies. sorry.
2. it does not sound related but i really cannot offer you direct medical advice. you should check with your physician.
best,
sml