FAQs

What are indications for IPL?

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Skin tone, wrinkles, photoaging, skin rejuvenation, photo-facials, sun damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, scars, spider veins, vascular lesions, rosacea, and acne.

What can I expect?

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Your skin may be temperature sensitive for several days after treatment. Brown spots and freckles will appear darker while healing.

• 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.

• Redness around the treated area for a few hours to days.

• Freckles and age spots may darken for three to seven days before starting to fade.

• Skin flaking for up to 10 days.

• Minor bruising that may last two weeks or less

How do I prepare for IPL?

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• Avoid significant sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment.

• Avoid applying self-tanner for 2 weeks prior to treatment.

• Avoid aspirin and Ibuprofen for one week prior to your treatment. Inform the provider if you are taking blood thinners or regularly take aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment.

• Inform the provider if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) in the past year.

When will I see results? How long do they last?

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Pigment

It will take four to six weeks to see the full results from a single treatment, however you should see dark spots fade and slough off within a week. If you complete a series of treatments about one month apart, the maximum results will be visible in two to three months after the last treatment.

Veins

The results of IPL begin to appear right after treatment and continue to improve over the next few days to weeks. It does take some time for veins to fully collapse and be reabsorbed by the body, so full results cannot be seen right away. If symptoms accompany the spider veins, they are usually relieved immediately after treatment.

How many IPL treatments will I need?

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Depending on the indication of treatment, for best IPL results it is generally recommended that patients receive, on average, 3-4 treatments scheduled four weeks apart.

What should I apply or avoid after treatment?

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• Use mild cleansers and moisturizers.

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

• Avoid harsh topical products such as retinols and glycolic acid products for one week after each session.

• Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater for 4 to 6 weeks after treatment.

• No hot showers for 48 hours.

• No swimming for a week, especially in pools with chemicals such as chlorine.

• No strenuous exercise for 48 hours. You can hit the gym after about 2 days post-therapy.

• No hot tubs or Jacuzzis for 48 hours.

• Avoid activities that cause excessive perspiration for 24 hours.

• Do not pick at or remove any loosening or peeling skin.

• No electrolysis, facial waxing, or depilatories (hair removal products) for 14 days after a treatment.

• Anticipate some social downtime following your treatment.

Can IPL cause any side effects?

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Mild complications include redness, swelling, light bruising, itching, peeling, and scabbing.

Will I need to take time off?

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The short answer is no. Healing after an IPL treatment varies with the patient although in most cases takes less than a week and as little as a few hours to days. Immediately after the treatment you may notice some minor redness and swelling, similar to that of a sunburn. Ice packs or a cool washcloth can be used as needed. If treating freckles and other dark spots, you may experience dryness and flaking of the treated area. Some of the spots may appear darker, but they should slough off within a few days.