IPL Information

You may not be a good candidate for this treatment if:

  • If you are prone to cold sores, please make sure the office or your provider is aware. You may require a prescription medication to decrease the risk of a breakout.
  • History of Melasma or skin type V-VI
  • History of active bacterial or fungal infection, active cold sore, compromised immune system, or uncontrolled Diabetes
  • History of facial filler treatment in the past 2 weeks
  • Pregnant 
  • Accutane within the last 6 months
  • Other lasers or peels in the past 4 weeks
  • Use of tanning bed, self-tanning products in the last 3 weeks (this causes an increased risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation).
  • Recent sunburn, or excessive sun exposure within the past 3-4 weeks
  • Cancer treatment within the past 12 months

Pre-Treatment Instructions: 

  • Stop any topical actives 3 days prior to your treatment. These include: retin-A/retinols, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and hydroquinone.
  • Minimal sun exposure prior to treatment is advised. Use a daily physical SPF for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Protect your investment with a wide brim hat, and a physical mineral SPF 30 or higher every day. 
  • A prescription skin prep protocol may be recommended by your provider 2-4 weeks prior to your treatment. This will help to not only enhance your results, but to decrease the risk of PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin). Please discuss this with your provider. It may include a combination of hydroquinone pads, vitamin C serum, and retinol.
  • Minimal to no hair should be present in the treatment area, including the face. Men should perform a close shave on the day of the treatment.

What to expect after treatment:

  • Downtime is fairly minimal. The pigmented lesions may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter, this is normal (aka ‘coffee grounds’). It will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black and will begin to flake off in 7-10 days. Rarely would it progress to a scab or crusting phase, if this happens, please call the office or contact your provider.
  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 1-2 hours but can persist up to 24 hours, individuals may vary. Mild swelling, tenderness and/or redness may accompany this.
  • For post care, you will need a mild facial cleanser, high quality mineral SPF of at least 30 (zinc and/or titanium dioxide >10%), and a good moisturizer. We carry recommended products at the office.
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken to reduce discomfort, but is not typically necessary.
  • Avoid soaking in a hot tub, sauna or extreme heat of any kind until skin is back to baseline pretreatment condition.

    Post-Treatment: What to Do After IPL

    • The pigmented lesions may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter, this is normal (aka ‘coffee grounds’). It will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black and will begin to flake off in 7-10 days. Rarely would it progress to a scab or crusting phase, if this happens, please call the office or contact your provider. 
    • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 1-2 hours but can persist up to 24 hours, individuals may vary. Mild swelling, tenderness and/or redness may accompany this. 
    • Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks.
    • Avoid anything that causes flushing for 48 hours such as exercise, alcohol, sauna/steam etc. (For those that had treatment of rosacea.)
    • For post care, you will need a mild facial cleanser, high quality mineral SPF of at least 30 (zinc and/or titanium dioxide >10%), and a good moisturizer. We carry recommended products at the office.
    • An oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken to reduce discomfort, but is not typically necessary.
    • Avoid soaking in a hot tub, sauna or extreme heat of any kind until skin is back to baseline pretreatment condition.
    • Until the redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:
    • Applying cosmetics to the treated area 
    • Swimming in pools or oceans
    • Excessive perspiration or irritation to the treated area
    • Sun exposure to the treated areas – to prevent skin color change rare cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur, if this happens please call the office or contact your provider.
    • An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected areas twice a day until healed. 
      • Shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature-sensitive. Avoid soaking in a hot tub of water. Avoid scrubbing, use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofah sponges until the treatment area has returned to its pre-treatment condition. 
      • Veins or vascular lesions may undergo immediate graying or blanching (turning white) or they may exhibit a slight purple or red coloring. If the treated area develops crusting or a scab, it will start to flake off in 7-14 days. The vessels will fully or partially fade in about the same amount of time. 
      • Do not pick, scratch or remove any scabs. Allow them to flake off on their own. Lesions are usually healed in 7-10 days. They will continue to fade over the next 6-8 weeks after treatment. Please keep all follow up appointments and do not hesitate to call our office if you have questions or concerns. 

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