Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Pre- & Post-Care Instructions

Before your treatment

Avoid any kind of sunburn or suntan for 2 to 4 weeks before treatment. Treating tanned skin can increase the risk of blistering and permanent skin discoloration. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before and after treatments.
Do not use self-tanning lotions or tanning beds in the month before treatment.
Stop using Retin-A, Renova or Differin for one to two weeks before treatment.

After your treatment

Intense burning, redness, warmth and a sunburned feeling are normal after IPL. Discomfort and redness generally last 2 to 4 hours, but can last longer. A cool, damp, soft cloth applied for 10 to 20 minutes at a time may help. You may take ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin or Tylenol as directed for pain.
Brown spots will look darker right after treatment. In 2 to 3 days they become even darker and often feel scaly, like coffee grounds on your skin. Within 1 to 2 weeks, these dark, scaly areas fall off and leave healthy new skin behind. No matter how tempting, do not pick or scrub these spots. Let them come off on their own — picking can cause light spots (hypopigmentation).
Avoid skin care products that contain Retin-A, retinol, glycolic acid or salicylic acid for 1 week.
You may wear makeup right after treatment. Be gentle when putting on and removing makeup, because the treated area may be delicate.
If the skin is broken or blisters appear, apply Aquaphor or Vaseline and call our office. Keep the area moist with Aquaphor or Vaseline to prevent crusting or scabbing.
Some patients wake up with facial swelling, especially around the eyes, for several days after treatment. This is normal and usually goes away within 3 to 5 days. An over-the-counter medicine such as Benadryl may help.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure for 2 weeks before and after treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide every day. If you need more treatments, you must commit to staying out of the sun. Sun exposure can cause complications such as severe blistering and permanent skin discoloration.

If you have questions or concerns about your treatment, call us at 501-817-3923. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.