Intense Pulsed Light Treatment Care

• Do not: Apply self-tanner for 2 weeks prior to treatment, avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment. This is a must, and no exceptions will be made

• Do not: Take aspirin and/or NSAIDs group of medications such as Ibuprofen for one week before your treatment. Inform the doctor if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin or regularly take aspirin or ibuprofen

• Do not: Drink alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment

• Do not: Schedule a treatment if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) during the past year

• Do not: Use Retin-A and/or any other exfoliating skin care products one week before your procedure

• Do: Arrive without creams or make-up on the treatment area. Otherwise please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to clean the skin. Cleansing products are available for your convenience

• Do: Allow 15-45 minutes for your appointment depending on the size of the treatment area

• Do: Protect your eyes with the eyeglasses/shields that you will receive right before your treatment starts Pre-treatment photos will be taken just prior to treatment

• Do: Store ice packs in your freezer for use after your procedure if needed

• You will be given a cool compress to apply after IPL treatment

• Make-up may be applied to cover redness as needed

• Your skin may be temperature sensitive for several days after treatment

• Brown spots and freckles will appear darker while healing

• It will take 4-6 weeks to see the full result and 2-3 treatments may be required to achieve an optimum result

• Blistering and crusting are rare; however, if they do occur on a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin® can be applied 2-3 times a day for 3 days. Please call us if you experience either of these uncommon reactions

• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin color) can occur in some skin types. Please call us if you experience this uncommon reaction

• It is normal for your skin to appear pink (resembling mild sunburn) for a few hours after IPL treatment

• The sessions are designed to provide no downtime. However occasionally you may find that your cheeks and under eye areas are slightly puffy after treatment. You may use cold compresses (5 minutes on and 10 minutes off) several times an hour to help ease both redness and swelling

• Sleeping with your head elevated for the first night will also help decrease any swelling you may experience

• Anticipate some social down-time following your treatment just to be on the safe side

• Use mild cleansers and moisturizers

• Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, alcohol, heavy exertion, and activities that may cause flushing for 2 days after treatment

• Avoid harsh topical products such as retinols and glycolic acid products for one week after treatment

• Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater for 4 -6 weeks after your treatment

A quality, daily home skin care regimen will ensure that you maximize and maintain the benefits of your treatment.