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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Concerned About Melanoma Recurring After IPL Treatment

I recently had melanoma in situ on my back. I asked my dr if i was okay to do my second ipl treatment on my arms, face, neck and chest and he said it was fine. The technician knew that i had melanoma recently and i asked her not to go over my moles .. She didn't for the first ipl treatment. However , she went over some flat , dark moles on my one upper arm and now one of them is pink around it.. I am upset and concerned that something could be wrong. Since i had melanoma in situ, i am terrified of any melanoma returning. Should I be concerned about the mole that is red and dark after ipl? Please advise.

Thank you
Thu, 16 May 2013
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi thanks for writing to Health care magic.IPL is attracted to color and therfore it works to resolve red and brown pigments in skin. Since moles have a concentrated amount of color, applying an IPL over it may target the color and drive the light hard into the skin which may lead to superficial burn.So you need not to be worry much .Start applying ice packs and some antibiotic cream over affected area.Avoid sun exposure.IPL treatment can not convert a mole in to melanoma .If you are still worried then you can go for surgical removal of mole.Take care.
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Concerned About Melanoma Recurring After IPL Treatment

Hi thanks for writing to Health care magic.IPL is attracted to color and therfore it works to resolve red and brown pigments in skin. Since moles have a concentrated amount of color, applying an IPL over it may target the color and drive the light hard into the skin which may lead to superficial burn.So you need not to be worry much .Start applying ice packs and some antibiotic cream over affected area.Avoid sun exposure.IPL treatment can not convert a mole in to melanoma .If you are still worried then you can go for surgical removal of mole.Take care.