IPL Pre- and Post-Treatment Instructions

Pre-Treatment Instructions

• An accurate diagnosis by a physician is necessary prior to the IPL treatment.
• Prior to the treatment, clean the treatment area. The treatment area should be free of any makeup, creams,
  perfumes, and lotions. Male patients should shave just prior to treatment (the pigment in your beard could
  increase discomfort).
• Discontinue sun tanning, use of tanning beds, and any application of sunless tanning products one month before the treatment.
• Always use an SPF 30 or greater sunblock on all exposed treatment areas. Wear sun protective hats and clothing.
• Discontinue the use of exfoliating creams one week prior to treatment.
• If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the areas being treated, a prescribed medication, like Valtrex, is
  recommended for one week prior to treatment to help prevent an outbreak.
• Patients will need to have:
  A mild face cleanser.
  A high-quality sunblock SPF 30 (zinc and/or titanium dioxide >10%).
  A good moisturizer available for your after care.
• For discomfort, a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. If an open area occurs or if the
  treatment area is inadvertently picked, an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin, can also be applied.

Post-Treatment Instructions

• A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 1-2 hours, but can persist up to 24 hours as
  individuals may vary. Mild swelling, tenderness, and/or redness may accompany this.
  Apply ice or gel packs (do not apply direct ice) to the treated area for 10-15-minute intervals every hour for the next
  four hours as needed. A topical anti-inflammatory can be used for redness and tenderness. An oral, non-steroidal
  anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be taken to reduce discomfort. Use according to the
  manufacturer’s instructions.
• Sun block with SPF 45 or higher daily
• In rare cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. If this happens, please call our office. 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 and use of exfoliants, scrub brushes, and loofah sponges until the treatment area has returned to its
  pre-treatment condition.
• The pigmented lesions may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter. This is normal. 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 us.
• 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. Repeat treatment to veins may be every 6
  weeks, or when the skin has fully recovered.
• 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 any questions or concerns.
• Until the redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:
  Applying cosmetics to the treated area
  Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals, such as chlorine
  Ocean swimming and hot tubs / Jacuzzis
  Excessive perspiration or irritation to the treated area
  Sun exposure to the treated areas to prevent skin color change
• Call our office at 2013404809 with any questions or concerns you may have after the treatment.