Before your Treatment with IPL
● 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 increases the risk of 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 before 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 before 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
Before your Treatment with IPL
● 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 increases the risk of 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 before 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 before 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 with IPL
● 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 slight 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, avoid rubbing 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 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 get in touch with 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 get in touch with us at 720-650-4660 if any complications occur
After your Treatment with IPL
● 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), avoid rubbing 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 sunblock. 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 get in touch with 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 get in touch with us at 720-650-4660
Important Notice: The information on this page is intended for established patients of Cunningham Clinic and does not create a provider-patient relationship. These are general instructions only — your provider's individualized directions always take precedence, so please follow any guidance given to you directly at your appointment. For the most current and personalized version of your aftercare instructions, log in to your patient portal or refer to the written instructions provided at the point of care. Individual results vary, and nothing here constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If your instructions involve a prescribed medication, do not stop or alter your medication regimen without explicit approval from your prescribing provider.
Please get in touch with us at 720-650-4660 if any
complications
occur
In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Do not wait for a return call from the clinic. Seek emergency care right away if you experience any of the following:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Chest pain or pressure
-Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat
-Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
-Loss of consciousness or fainting
-Any symptom that feels severe, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening
-If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, treat it as one.
When to Contact the Clinic
For symptoms, side effects, or complications that are concerning but not life-threatening, please contact Cunningham Clinic at 720-650-4660 for guidance. Reach out promptly if you notice any new, unexpected, or worsening symptoms after your treatment, procedure, or medication. If you are unsure whether a symptom is urgent, err on the side of caution and call us.
In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Do not wait for a return call from the clinic. Seek emergency care right away if you experience any of the following:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Chest pain or pressure
-Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat
-Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
-Loss of consciousness or fainting
-Any symptom that feels severe, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening
-If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, treat it as one.
When to Contact the Clinic
For symptoms, side effects, or complications that are concerning but not life-threatening, please contact Cunningham Clinic at 720-650-4660 for guidance. Reach out promptly if you notice any new, unexpected, or worsening symptoms after your treatment, procedure, or medication. If you are unsure whether a symptom is urgent, err on the side of caution and call us. Our regular hours are Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM–2:00 PM. If the clinic is closed and your concern is urgent but not life-threatening, please visit an urgent care center or contact a nurse advice line for prompt guidance. If at any point your symptoms become severe or feel life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately — do not wait until the clinic reopens.