Pre and Post treatment guidelines for IPL
Before your treatment
● Avoid sun exposure or use of tanning beds: Avoid the sun or use of tanning beds for at least 4-6 weeks before and after treatment to reduce the risk of burning, scarring, and other skin damage. You can also use SPF 30 daily to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Tanning introduces an increased risk for pigmentation changes.
● Stop the use of any retinol products, vitamin C products, glycolic acids, skin rejuvenating products, and any other potential irritants to the treated area one week prior to your treatment.
● Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior.
● Let your provider know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation.
● You must notify the technician if you have had any cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated.
● Photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline should be discontinued three days prior to the treatment.
● Anticipate a social “down-time” of 2-5 days before any redness, swelling and sloughing of the sunspots has subsided.
● On the day of your appointment: Come to your appointment with a clean face- remove all makeup if the area to be treated is the face. If applicable, dress so that you may modestly expose the treatment area
After your treatment
● You may have a mild sunburn (burning) sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours.
● Skin redness is normal and may last a few days. There may be a slight amount of swelling. Crusting or blistering is uncommon and not serious.
● Pigmented areas may begin to flake after a few days.
● Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 days. Use gentle cleansers (we recommend Revision Gentle Foaming Cleanser), do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time.
● Do not use your Clarisonic or a loofah for one week.
● Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxy products, vitamin C products, scrub, exfoliate, or have chemical peels performed on the treated area for one week.
● Makeup can be applied immediately (if the skin is not broken) we recommend mineral based makeup.
● Avoid the sun and use sun block. We recommend Revision Intellishade True Physical Sunscreen in clear or tinted.
● Avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area (heavy exercise, saunas) for one week.
● Sun spots and age spots will DARKEN with the IPL treatments BEFORE they begin to respond and resolve. This is expected and a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own.
● Be sure to schedule your next treatment in 4-8 weeks
● Please contact us as soon as possible if you experience any blistering or increased pain.Contact us if you are concerned about infection. If any pigment changes are bothersome or persist beyond 4 weeks, please contact us at 720-650-4660
