IPL Patient Instructions

Pre Treatment Instructions:

• Avoid sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily and do not tan at all – including self-tanner) for 3 to 4 weeks before and after treatments.
• Do not use any retinol products (or products containing tretinoin) or exfoliants on the area to be treated for one week. Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior. Let your doctor 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.

Post Treatment Instructions:

• 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.
• Cold compresses may be useful for the first 24 hours.
• Your skin will be fragile for 2-3 days. Use gentle cleansers, do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time.
• Do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxy products, vitamin C products, scrub, exfoliate, or have chemical peels performed on the areas 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, SPF 50. Avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area (heavy exercise, saunas).
• 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.