LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hello Dr. Lam,
I read here and on other forums patients reporting fat loss, skin texture issues, ...etc. after IPL treatment. You are an expert on fat grafts and know a lot about fat, what makes fat graft to survive, ... I don't understand how an IPL laser treatment, which stays within the dermis, could cause a significant fat loss. I could imagine possibly some scaring and damage if done improperly, but fat loss? Some people are also reporting continual fat loss for a year after the treatment? How is that possible? What would possibly be causing the fat to continue to atrophy so long after the treatment? Do you have any opinions on this?
I am considering IPL treatment for sun spots and some blood vessels around my nose.
Thank you,
Peter

P.S. Since we are on the subject of fat loss, I read the following subject discussed in scar treatment forum, so just a quick note here: I experienced fat atrophy due to kenalog treatment for scaring on my torso. I can vouch that the much touted saline injections do nothing for such atrophy, at least in my case.

first, sorry that i missed your posting. that is the reason for my delay in responding.

i personally have never seen it and i do quite a few IPL treatments in my skin care area. i do not think the mechanism is clear but it could be due to reduction of the blood supply leading to fat loss or in cases like thermage when the tissue is truly revved up cause some fat melting. i also believe it is due to certain types of IPL that can be used in the wrong hands and used too aggressively. i use a very gentle IPL by Alma and have never seen these issues.
best,
sml

Thank you Dr. Lam for your answer.
Is IPL safe in the under-eye area where the skin is very thin? Can it reduce some of the darkness caused by blood vessels there?
Is some swelling after IPL normal/typical?
Thank you,
Peter

1. lasers very near the eye can be dangerous. i tend to pull back a couple of inches to avoid any eye risk. however, it depends on the wavelength. you should ask your physician. for example, i use plasma skin resurfacing near the eye and that is fine. other types of lasers i use eye shields. some you cannot.
2. it does not work typically for dark colors. dark colors are there typically due to veins, thin skin with muscle through there, swelling, allergies, or hollowness. hard to manage. watch this video:
http://www.lamfacialplastics.com/galler ... s.flv.html
3. swelling can be normal depending on the type of laser and the amount of heat given and your response to the laser of course. how much swelling or what is considered normal or abnormal you need to ask your physician.
best,
sml

It is really a useful information for me as i doesn't know anything about it..So thanks for letting me know about it..

you are welcome.