IPL/PHOTOFACIAL PRE + POST CARE
This treatment is used to improve sun damage, even out skin tone, and treat rosacea. The machine produces a broad spectrum of light that is absorbed by both melanin pigment and blood vessels.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning (including tanning beds, self tanner or spray tan) for four weeks prior to your first treatment and then during the course of treatment as well.
If possible, please come to your appointment with clean skin and no makeup.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The medical assistant will have you remove makeup with a makeup removal wipe.
Pre-treatment photos will be taken to help us track your progress.
In most cases, the medical assistant will apply a topical numbing ointment to the treatment area which will be left on for about 5-10 minutes. This will reduce discomfort during your procedure.
The medical assistant will remove the numbing ointment and apply ultrasound gel to the treatment area.
You will wear laser eye shields to protect your eyes during the treatment (you will likely still see a flash of light through the eye shields)
The treatment itself can feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin.
The procedure can last from 10-20 minutes depending on the amount of surface area being treated.
Directly following the treatment your skin may appear red, swollen, sunburned, or have dark brown pigmented areas. Bruising in the treated area(s) is also possible. Your skin may feel hot, tender, or stingy.
FOLLOWING YOUR TREATMENT
If treating hyperpigmentation: Brown spots will turn darker and may look similar to coffee grounds. The pigment will gradually flake off, which can take about 1-2 weeks to resolve.
If treating rosacea, capillaries, or redness: You may experience redness and/or puffiness for 1-2 days following your treatment. If any larger capillaries/blood vessels were treated, you may have some bruising.
Blistering and crusting are rare; however,please call us if you experience either of these uncommon reactions.
Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the treated skin) can occur in some skin types. Please call us if you experience this uncommon reaction.
You may use cold compresses (5 minutes on, 10 minutes off) as needed to help ease both redness and swelling.
Sleeping with your head elevated for the first night will also help to reduce swelling.
Avoid mechanical exfoliation (using scrubs, washcloths, or cleansing brushes) on the treatment area until skin is fully healed.
Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
Avoid use of chemically exfoliating skincare (e.g. Tretinoin/Retin-A, glycolic acid, salicylic acid) until skin is fully healed.
If treating rosacea, capillaries, or redness: avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after the procedure.
Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily.
It may take 4-6 weeks to see the full result of your first treatment, and 2-3 treatments may be required to achieve the desired result.
