IPL Hair Removal - RISKS
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:33 pm

Hi there,
I stumbled over a subject of IPL generally and would like to provide a personal view point, in particular with relation to treating asian or sensitive skins - warn some of you who are thinking of having this treatment. I received some treatment in the past from a trained beautician in UK on plasmalite treatments. Although there wasn't any real change ( in that growth started in other adjacent areas) I had a scabbing of small patch near the mouth area in the 5/6th treatments (as the intensity was increased). Having lost some confidence in the treatment after the scabbing, I decided to then try out a medical practioner and dermatologist after almost a year. Eventhough I had a patch test , my first treatment turned out to be a complete disaster - my chin area was red and burning after the treatment, I had ice packs immediately after the treatment. The burning sensation continued for rest of the day. I was advised to keep away from sun rays, and apply a think layer of cold Aloe Vera several times through out. After all that effort, on the following day, I had brown coloured blisters across my chin area which have started to turn into scabs- some helpful stranger told me that I looked as though I had been in a car crash ! I had the treatment on each side of my face and the upper lip as well but these haven't been affected - what this means is that there are areas of your face which are relatively more sensitive than others e.g. around the mouth area and this would require v. v. careful attention and handling (e.g. keep the duration of the IPL less and of much lower intensity). Well, despite its popularity, I am certainly put-off by it now - perhaps I fall in that rare case group who suffer from blisters/scabbing! Nonetheless, I did do substantial research on this and was v. well aware of the risks, and chose a medical practioner who had experience of treating asian skin! The irony of this is that I made the practioners well aware of why I chose to come to them as I felt I could put more faith in them. So just a word of advice be v. v. careful in the end it doesn't matter who does the treatment for you or how sophisticated the equipment is- It is after all a new technology still proving itself to the masses - many in the cosmetics & beauty world are jumping onto it for it's a lucrative market, but there are not enough guinea pigs as yet for it to be the 'customized' treatment as it is made out to be! I can only hope that the burns across my entire chin will rapidly heal now!

Sat Apr 24, 2004 6:18 pm

I can relate! I underwent several (similar) treatments last year but only on my lower legs. Like you the first patch test and the first treatment were ok. I had a severe itch a few hours after the second treatment. Before I knew how badly I've scratched, my lower legs had turned raw and BURNING like mad. Yes I agree. This treatment may not work on asian skin. It took almost 5 months to heal. By the way, I still have the scars from scratching. I have totally given up hope on permanent hair removal. I guess I'll just have to be a hairy lady!

Sun Apr 25, 2004 1:18 am

Thank you both for posting your experiences with it. I'm really sorry to hear that you both had bad experiences, I hope that they at least gave you some products to help eleviate the reactions.

I have been considering IPL hair removal for the underarm area and your posts really make me think twice about it. I don't have sensitive skin but I still worry about the possible side effects of getting it done.

Mabsy

free skin care · Sun Apr 25, 2004 1:51 pm

thank-you lora and CWee for sharing your personal experiences. Like Mabsy I empathize with your experience, and hope you heal soon. I was really thinking about doing laser tx in my bikini area, but seeing that I am Asian with very sensitive skin-- forget it. Doesn't sound like it's worth it. Too many risks. I know everyone's skin is unique, but for the amount of money and possible complications, I think I'll pass.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.