Intense Pulsed Light Treatment Care

Comprehensive Guide to IPL Care in Walnut Creek

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) care in Walnut Creek at Beau Visage Aesthetics is a revolutionary way to rejuvenate your skin, addressing pigmentation, redness, and fine lines. Under the expert care of Dr. Moazemi, you can achieve glowing, healthier skin. Proper pre-care and aftercare are crucial to maximizing your results and ensuring a safe experience. For detailed insights into IPL and other skin treatments, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Mayo Clinic provide additional valuable resources. This guide offers step-by-step for instructions to help you prepare for and recover from your IPL treatment.

IPL Pre-Treatment Instructions

DON’TS

Apply self-tanner: Avoid self-tanner for 2 weeks before your treatment and sun exposure for at least 4 weeks. This is non-negotiable.

Take aspirin or NSAIDs: Refrain from medications like Ibuprofen one week before treatment. Inform Dr. Moazemi if you are on blood thinners like Coumadin.

Drink alcohol: Avoid alcohol for 2 days before your session.

Schedule treatment after Accutane use: Wait at least one year after taking Accutane before undergoing IPL.

Use Retin-A or exfoliating products: Discontinue these at least one week prior.

The Day of Your Appointment

DO‘S

Arrive with a clean face: Come without makeup or creams on the treatment area. Cleansing products are available at the clinic if needed.

Prepare for your session time: Plan for 15-45 minutes depending on the treatment area size.

Use protective eyewear: Safety glasses will be provided during the procedure.

Store ice packs: Have ice packs ready at home to manage post-treatment redness or swelling.

What To Expect after IPL Treatment

Cool Compress: You will receive a cool compress immediately after treatment.

Makeup Use: Makeup can be applied to cover redness.

Temporary Sensitivity: Expect your skin to be sensitive for a few days.

Darkened Spots: Pigmented spots may darken before peeling and fading.

Healing Timeline: Results become visible after 4-6 weeks, with 2-3 sessions often required for optimal outcomes.

Potential Reactions:

Blistering/Crusting: Rare, but treatable with Polysporin®. Contact us if this occurs.

Hyperpigmentation: Uncommon but possible. Notify us if this happens.

IPL Aftercare Instructions

Redness and Puffiness: Mild redness and swelling are normal. Use cold compresses for relief and sleep with your head elevated the first night.

Gentle Products: Use mild cleansers and moisturizers.

Avoid Triggers: Refrain from aspirin, alcohol, and activities causing flushing for 2 days.

No Harsh Topicals: Avoid retinols and glycolic acids for one week.

Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen for 4-6 weeks.

Maximizing Your Results: To enhance and maintain the benefits of your IPL treatment, adopt a high-quality daily skincare regimen tailored to your skin’s needs. Ask Dr. Moazemi about personalized product recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is IPL treatment used for?

IPL treats skin issues like age spots, sun damage, redness, and fine lines by using light to target pigmentation and stimulate collagen production.

Can I wear makeup after IPL treatment?

Yes, you can apply makeup immediately to cover redness, provided it’s gentle and non-comedogenic.

Can I shave between IPL treatments?

Shaving is recommended between IPL treatments since it doesn’t affect the results. Avoid waxing, as it can disrupt the hair follicles.

Can I shave before or after IPL treatment?

You can shave before and after IPL treatments. Just be sure to use a gentle razor and avoid exfoliating products on the treated area.

Can I use retinol before or after IPL?

Avoid using retinol for at least 3-5 days before and after IPL treatment to minimize irritation and sensitivity.

Can I use tretinoin before or after IPL?

Similar to retinol, it’s best to stop using tretinoin a few days before and after IPL treatments to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Can I pluck hairs after IPL treatment?

Avoid plucking hairs after IPL treatment, as the procedure targets the hair follicle. Plucking may interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.

Can I wax between IPL treatments?

Avoid waxing between IPL treatments as it can remove hair from the follicle, potentially disrupting the treatment’s effectiveness. Shaving is a better option.

What should I avoid after IPL treatment?

Avoid sun exposure, harsh skincare products, and activities that cause excessive sweating for at least one week post-treatment.

Why choose Beau Visage Aesthetics for IPL treatment?

At Beau Visage Aesthetics, Dr. Moazemi combines expertise with advanced technology to deliver safe and effective IPL treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.