What should you know about IPL burn scars?

Intense pulsed light uses flashes of broad-spectrum light. If the skin absorbs too much energy, a burn can cause redness, blistering, crusting, or an area that feels tender. After the surface closes, the mark may be darker or lighter than nearby skin. Some scars become raised, firm, indented, or tight, especially when the injury reaches deeper layers.

Healing is gradual, and colour can remain different after the skin feels comfortable. Scratching, picking, or exposing new skin to strong sunlight can make the mark more noticeable. A clinician can distinguish a healing colour change from a scar and check whether infection or an active wound is present.

Keep the area clean and follow the treating clinician’s dressing instructions. Do not break blisters or remove crusts. Once the skin has fully closed, gentle moisturising and diligent sun protection can reduce irritation and help limit darkening. Avoid another IPL session over the area until it has been assessed and recovered.

If a scar stays raised, tight, indented, or bothersome, treatment depends on its depth, colour, location, and age. Options may include Fractional Laser Treatment, Scar Revision Surgery, or Skin Graft in selected cases. A specialist should choose the approach after examining the scar.

Arrange prompt medical review for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, worsening pain, fever, or a wound that is not closing. Seek urgent care for extensive blistering, severe swelling, eye involvement, or breathing symptoms after treatment. Contact the clinic that performed IPL if the skin becomes increasingly painful or changes rapidly.

Ask whether the mark is post-inflammatory colour change or established scarring, which dressing or moisturiser is suitable, how to protect it from sunlight, and whether further IPL should be avoided. You can also ask which scar treatment fits its texture and skin tone.