Does photorejuvenation for pigmentation spots have a rebound effect?

Mar 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 36 years old and would like to know whether pigmentation spots treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy will reappear.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

In general, there is a possibility of recurrence after pigmentation removal with intense pulsed light (IPL) skin rejuvenation. IPL pigmentation removal is an advanced high-tech cosmetic procedure that uses light energy of specific wavelengths acting on the skin surface and penetrating into the deeper layers to decompose pigmentation, thereby achieving the effect of pigmentation removal. However, pigmentation formation is related to multiple factors such as ultraviolet exposure, genetics, hormonal changes, and age. If the root cause of pigmentation formation cannot be controlled, even after IPL treatment, spots may reappear.

After IPL pigmentation removal, if postoperative skin hydration, moisturizing, and sun protection measures are neglected, pigmentation may recur within 2–3 years. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of pigmentation recurrence. Ultraviolet rays can stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin, causing previously lightened spots to darken again. Endocrine disorders, genetic factors, and hormonal changes may also promote the formation or worsening of pigmentation. If the IPL treatment depth is insufficient to completely destroy the deeper pigment particles, residual pigmentation might reaggregate and form spots.

To reduce the risk of recurrence, it is recommended to strengthen sun protection measures after treatment and avoid direct sunlight; maintain adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and overexertion, maintain a balanced diet, consume more fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein foods, and avoid raw, cold, cool-natured, spicy, irritating foods and alcoholic beverages.