Friday, August 19, 2011

Letter from a Reader: My Skin Got Burned

Image courtesy of www.rm-uk.com

Dear Fashion Pulis,

I've been reading your page for months now and I'm enjoying it a lot. Your stories are so juicy I can't help but wait for your next updates. I wrote to because i want to share my story.

I love discount vouchers because of the good deals they offer. I bought 5 vouchers for IPL laser hair removal treatment because I want to try it. The voucher was for a clinic located somewhere in Ortigas. I went there last Aug. 1 for my very first session and this was what happened.

I was there 2:30pm as scheduled but I was accommodated almost an hour after (but this is not the sad story I wanted to tell). I understood the situaion since what I got was a promo deal. I had to be patient. They first gave me this form (seems like a waiver/contract) which i didn't scrutinize since it was quite long, but what I took note of was I signed the form knowing and allowing a doctor to do the treatment on me. I decided to try it first on my lower legs.

It was very quick. The process took only 5 to 10 minutes to complete. But from the very first shot and while she was doing it, I told the attendant (she doesn't seem to be a doctor, contrary to the form), "It feels odd, and it hurts". But she convinced me that it was just normal. So I allowed her to finish the job. Everything seemed fine. I changed and wore pants so that my legs won't be wet since it was raining that day.

On my way to my condo, I felt my lower leg burning as if I applied chili powder on it. Since I have just undergone a treatment I thought it was normal. I slept for a few hours to get some rest. When I woke up, my leg was still burning so I looked at the area (back of my leg) where it hurts the most. I was shocked when I found 6 dark red patches on my right leg, and 3 on the left (and even some more on the front part of both legs only lighter ones but still noticeable) similar to the shape of the gun/gadget they used on me! I felt it and it was swollen (like pantal).

Since it was 9pm and the clinic was probably closed, I called them the day after and told the receptionist about the situation. She advised me that it will peel off naturally and no scars will be left. I also took her advice and applied Hydrocortizone on the patches. For a week I was doing that and for a week nothing happened, no peeling took place. the red spots were still swollen.

I went back to the clinic last Aug. 8 to show them my legs and it was how they reacted that I cannot accept. It seems a normal thing for them to see someone got burned! Then the next excuse was too lame. She told me that since last week stopped accommodating lower leg treatment. I had mine done  last week, and they are  telling me about the new policy?

They were not apologetic. They gave me Xellederm cream to hasten the peeling. It has been more than a week now. I noticed some changes but not improvements. The patches are dry and rough, and they're not reddish anymore, they're getting brownish. In short, if no peeling happens, it'll be a lot worst than before. Imagine I have these scab looking patches all over my legs?

I hope your readers can share their views and share stories as well for me to know my options on this. I hope you could post my story. I would be happy to update everyone on any progress.

Thank you FP.

Your avid reader,
Triple A

53 comments:

  1. Is this c in podium? Scary naman.

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  2. I think I know that clinic and diyan rin ako nagpapagawa. So far I didn't have problems with the treatments. Pero I wanted to have my 1st session in their QC branch, but they told me na sa Ortigas pag lower legs. I wasn't informed and I just got back from my trip, so sobrang sayang lang gas ko that day.

    So for 3 months, sa Ortigas ako. And then 2 weeks ago when I went there, they advised me na sa QC branch na ulit ang lower leg because the new machine is there and it's safer daw for lower legs. I opted pa rin to have it done sa Ortigas since sinadya pa namin to go there.

    Thank God wala namang nangyari sa legs ko. And hindi rin sila nagkulang sa pag inform sa akin.

    I suggest you see a dermatologist about that burns.

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  3. Oh god, this somewhat scared me. I bought some el cheapo vouchers for IPLs too but a different clinic. So far I've had 2 sessions but no burning occurred, underarm pa naman ung area. Thanks for sharing this. Although I'm normally careful, these vouchers are so tempting and I've thrown caution to the wind when I purchased the ones for IPLs. This brings me back to earth. I'm just grateful that the clinic I bought the vouchers for seem to be ok even if it's cheap. Hope your leg gets better.

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  4. magpa-derma ka na lang! yung totoong doctor na derma ha!

    - g

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  5. Is this L E? Please give more clues since i'm planning to do mine at that clinic...just for us to be cautious...what some of these clinics forget to tell their clients, especially the ones who bought vouchers is that one week before the treatment you should not put any whitening products to the area you would like to be treated and after the treatment you should avoid putting whitening and deodorant for 3 days since your skin will become sensitive...when I did mine for the first time my couz is the one who told me this not the clinic...just for added info...thanks!

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  6. This is exactly the reason why I don't get promo deals or vouchers. Since they know you paid just half of the price or even less, they won't care about giving you the best service! Blah blah blah!

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  7. Triple A, why don't you sue the clinic?

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  8. I think I know what this clinic is. Hmnn.

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  9. It's never a good idea to scrimp on medical treatments cosmetic or otherwise. Unfortunately you got what you paid for.

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  10. i think you should disclose the name of the clinic to warn others

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  11. omg...low quality machines can burn skin with IPL especially if its not done by a professional...i wish the name of the clinic would be told so we would be able to avoid them

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  12. Sorry to hear that. If you've done your research, you would know that there's a high risk of burns from IPL. Remember that girl on the news a few years back whose legs got burned which left her with zebra stripes? That was from IPL.

    A better alternative to IPL is the LightSheer Diode. It is much more expensive than IPL but is much safer and more effective.

    Hope your burns will heal soon!

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  13. i also bought 8vouchers for ipl hair removal. is the clinic located in a mall in ortigas? im on my 3rd session and so far wala pa naman. but im scaaareeed! please let me know!

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  14. sana triple a you took pictures para well documented. what i do whenever i try some treatments is to take before and after pictures. this will help you monitor ung improvement. also, mas careful ung mga attendants kasi they know you have proofs should something happen.

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  15. Did you get your vouchers from MD? if ever, I've heard that they have BAD deals there.

    I have my own fair share of experiences from them. ugh.

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  16. Dapat low frequency lang pag sa legs. dapat nung nasaktan ka hininaan na nya ang frequency. Sunog na yan. Ano bang machine ang ginamit?

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  17. oh my! :( sorry to hear that. Pero sana malaman naman ng tao, sa mga ganyang clinic karamihan hindi talagang "doctor" ang nagtitreat. More of, wala sila license to do such procedures. Sad but true. Kaya nga minsan mas mura pa sila kesa sa clinic talaga ng nasa loob ng "hospital". Malpractice kung maituturing, pero andami na news na kaso tungkol sa nasira ang balat samga ganyan clinic. Kase kung tutuusin hindi authorized yung attendants nila para gumawa ng mga ganyan kase gawa na dapat ng isang doctor yan at hindi basta basta "attendants" lang. Maaring doctor ang may ari or may doctor na present sa clinic na yun pero madalas at malamang ang gumawa sayo eh hindi isang doctor. Kung matatandaan lang, nung isang araw sinara yung clinic ni Calayan sa ibang bansa kase yung nagtitreat nilang "staff" eh hindi licensed. Kay Calayan na yan ha, still may staff sila na gumagawa mismo ng procedures na hindi lisensyado. I hope next time mag ingat na po ang mga tao sa mga ganyan lugar. Next time better if sa doctor sa loob ng ospital na po kayo magpagawa next time. Mahal, oo. Pero atleast kahit papano mapa korte man kayo, may habol kayo! :) Just saying. :)

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  18. hope you can post the name of the clinic para mabawasan yung client nila. lalo na ngayon na madaming offer ang mga group coupons na beauty products.

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  19. grabe.. i was thinking of buying vouchers for IPL pa naman.. can I re-post this on my blog?

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  20. Perhaps you can go to another IPL clinic and ask to speak to a doctor not the assistants. Ask if what happened to you is normal and if not, ask for advice on what you should be demanding from the clinic who damaged your legs.

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  21. IPL should only be done by a trained MD. Machines should be calibrated regularly. Laser bulbs lasts only for a specific number of shots, that's why it's expensive.
    Remember the case of zebra legs several years ago? The machine used was a demo machine from the supplier. Since the bulb exceeded the number of shots, it resulted to skin burning.
    Go only to your trusted and trained doctors in this field. You may end up spending more for the after treatment should you risk getting it from group buying website.

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  22. ako, nagpa laser ako before. i guess you cant expect much since it's a promo lang...

    sa FCC ako nagpa-treat, i bought the package. and i could say, their staff are really nice. mahapdi when you had your treatment, but after a few hours hindi na.
    Plus, on my last treatment, bago na machine nila, hindi na masakit during and after the treatment. :D so it was really great!
    iba parin kapag expert na sa field nun kahit masmahal.

    lesson for you: if beauty is concerned here, dont settle for less. lalo na skin!! gumastos ka narin ng malaki, be generous to yourself na. haha!

    gosh, dapat maging endorser nako ng FCC haha!
    -a.c.

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  23. eeeww...that hurts. i'm also a fan of group buying sites but i'm more into travelling and food/dining. haven't tried availing of services such as the one mentioned above (and i think i never will) coz it's so risky....i'm afraid something like this would happen. if ever i want to experience beauty enhancing services/packages, i'll go to my trusted dermatologist/clinic or the well-known ones like Belo. I'd rather pay higher for a positive result than get deals with no results. Just my opinion...

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  24. Ohmyyyy :/ hassle naman.. But i'd be scared also to do anything to my skin on super Promo basis.. La lang... Pero hassle naman that clinic... You outta sue their asses.. :/

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  25. Lawyer up!!

    Chizzy

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  26. those who have tried IPL from these discount voucher selling sites, are they effective?
    i have had several sessions on my legs and bikini area... THEY ARE NOT EFFECTIVE...

    please enlighten me

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  27. agree ako! if hindi yan gumaling, you could sue them.

    -a.c.

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  28. Mawawala rin yan... Fade...wait lang. IPL treatments dont really cause permanent scarring... ang panget lang was how they treated you.

    XONie

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  29. Technically, you shouldn't be getting anything less than the kind of service a 'normal' customer gets even if you get it from these deal coupon sites. It's supposedly their way of increasing awareness and their pool of customers. I've only gotten coupons from a couple of deal coupon sites because judging from the portfolio of the establishments, all establishments are credible and have a reputation to uphold. So far, I've been given the SAME service as if I were a regular customer.

    Do u think deal coupon sites should scrutinize the establishment? It's something to think about.

    In the meantime, it's our job as a buyer to do research on the establishments before buying deals. Yung iba kasi parang fly-by-night and super cheap so it's a bit alarming!

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  30. a lot mentioned the zebra legs, i also availed ipl from that. "medical center" in fact i was at the clinic at gb when it happened and witnessed it myself. truelagen attendant lang tgagawa. after the incident super baba na ng settings nila kase natakot na sila plus namedia pa yun nangyari. anyway walang kwenta i spent more than 20k pero di effective. money down.the drain

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  31. is this from the establishment that starts with C and sounds like the SYNONYM OF TRAVEL?

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  32. I actually like results better if there's a little swelling or sugat... ;) it's only temporary... but still, they should have reassured you with utmost compassion and concern.

    XONie

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  33. the clinic is L E in O.
    I'm not the only victim, and sadly she got more burns. I was thinking about that. I'm not studying law for nothing. Never to IPL again. traumatic. I hope everyone will be cautious if you're planning to have yours.

    -Triple A

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    Replies
    1. Oh! My! Is that the one in Mega Plaza? I have my IPL Session but not with them and the one attending me is a MD who's the owner of the salon. Hopefully it will be effective.

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  34. Kahit na galing sa "coupons" they still have an obligation to what happened. If they still treat you without remorse or assistance, sue them.

    Ang hirap dito sa Pinas, almost useless and DTI. Sana may Better Business Bureau rin tayo.

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  35. FCC has the state of the art machine for hair removal. They dont use IPL machines. They are the top clinic for hair removal. Pricey. but for your body, its all worthy.
    As for the girl who discounted herself, you better ask your lawyer some advice. Here in our country its true that we always get what we paid for.

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  36. No to IPL! It's a type of laser hair removal machine that burns the skin.

    This thread may help you learn more about laser hair removal:
    http://www.femalenetwork.com/girltalk/index.php/topic,245770.0.html

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  37. For me walang sense yung hindi ka tratuhin na regular customer kasi coupon yung ginamit. In the first place sila yung nag put up ng promo na yun hindi naman siguro sila pinilit ng ng group coupon websites. And besides they are getting something in return: advertisement and repeat customers if ok yung service, and good feedback/word of mouth. Yung naman ang purpose nyan e dba to get repeat customers so the service should be better nga e if not the same as what regular customers are getting. Parang free taste ng pagkain, you put your best products/service for people to try. Treating coupon holders badly just defeats the purpose of having a promo in the first place. Bad word of mouth lang makukuha nila.
    And isa pa, yang mga employees na ganyan as if naman sila may ari ng company. Wala namang kawalan sakanila to treat customers better. (On the other hand, wala rin kawalan sakanila if they treat customers badly). But like the restaurant incident na ayaw mag accommodate ng coupon holders kahit madami namang vacant seats. Hello malulugi ba yung waiter o host kung pakainin nila yung coupon holder e hindi naman sila yung mayari ng resto. Haynako.

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  38. I've had a few sessions in Skin Inc magallanes and the results are really good. They use this state of the art machine and the dermatologists are the one who handle the machine and do the actual procedure. It's not as affordable but it's guaranteed. Hope your legs become better! :)

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  39. I get IPL treatments from Pro's and have been doing it for about 2 years now. So far so good. Sometimes you really get your money's worth.

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  40. May I know the name of the clinic?

    I would suggest that you go to skin house beauty and laser clinic. Since you are a blogger, they might perform your first session for free. Tell Dra. Daet your previous mishap so she would know what to do. The clinic uses diode by the way.

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  41. broadcast na natin para ma warn mga tao... ako sa ortigas din nagpapalaser , vouchers din... sa podium ako contours wala naman bad effect.

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  42. broadcast na natin para ma warn mga tao... ako sa ortigas din nagpapalaser , vouchers din... sa podium ako contours wala naman bad effect.

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  43. me and my friend go to LE of O and our skin didn't burn. We're on our 4th session already and it works for us

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  44. IPL is not for hair removal ng Asian skin kasi IPL targets the pigment of the hairshaft and if used on Asian skin na relatively darker and more pigmented than Caucasians it tends to burn the skin kasi pati yung pigments ng skin natatamaan. Bakit naman ako I go to Belo, they use Cool Glide, super sakit ng pitik ng laser feeling ko sunog na skin ko pag ginagawa but pagtingin ko normal ang skin just a little flushed and talagang 90% ng hair di na tumubo after about 6 sessions and super nipis na. I even had my bikini area done, pina brazilian ko, hindi naman din nasunog ang delicate skin ko dun..

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  45. The lessons of the story are: if it's too cheap to be true, be wary, they might be using cheap machines operated by a non-dermatologist. Secondly, in these day and age of so many pseudo dermatologists, ask if they took a residency training in derma and passed the board for dermatologists ( yes they do have a board exam to be a certified dermatologist) and not some
    cosmetologist who took some short courses/ seminars in operating machines. It's your face and your body, don't take the risk. Don't be shy to ask if they are a fellow or diplomat of PHil Dermatological Society. (PDS) be discriminating, when it comes to your body's well being at stake

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  46. Alam ko na! Yung clinic L E and the owner is A D? Sa condo sa tapat ng Robinsons Galleria? Go to a REAL Derma yung member ng Philippine Dermatological Society.

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  47. d ba member ng PDS si A

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  48. ... omg, what can you expect from Dr. A. D.?! ... despised by doctors at SLMC, not a PDS member, board exam flanker, 6 months preceptorship training, 1 year modular training, and now a dermatologist?! ... think twice or thrice or even more! ... a skin safety campaign!

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  49. ... cheap rates, cheap IPL!

    ... mass treatment, mass destruction!

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  50. I had IPL nman for 5 sessions na. Okay naman it didnt burn my skin. What I know is you cant use VEET weeks before IPL because of the chemicals. better yet call them first or search on the net what can be done on your part before doing IPL. Ignorance kasi is not an excuse really.

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  51. Infairness ung saken i had 6 IPL treatments at P L near abscbn brought it at MD den.. Ok naman cya.. No burns parang pitik ng goma lang.. 199 pesos lang un.. So swertihan lang din cguro..

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