IPL

If you have any of the following, consider booking an appointment for an IPL laser treatment.

• Age Spots
• Dark Spots
• Acne
• Dark Spots
• Sun Damage
• Freckles
• Birthmarks
• Spider Veins
• Wrinkles
• Rosacea
• Unwanted Hair Removal
• Rejuvenation of Skin

It is important to have skin is in normal condition before your IPL
treatment to ensure that sensitivity is minimum during the
appointment.

 
Follow these steps:

• Avoid intense sun exposure a few weeks before receiving
  the treatment. check if skin should not be tanned.
• Wearing a daily moisturizer and using SPF if it is an exposed skin.
• Avoid Accutane for at least 6 months prior to your appointment.
• If having IPL, do not wax, tweeze, or pluck the hair for
  weeks prior to your treatment.
• Shaving or depilatory creams are fine, and you may need to
  shave the treatment site before your IPL session.
• Avoid the use of retinols, AHAs and BHAs, Vitamin C, and Glycolic Acids at least 1 week before your treatment
• Avoid any kind of exfoliation at least 1 week before your
  appointment.
• Do not use fake tan prior to your appointment.
• If you have a history of herpes close to the area being
  treated, it is recommended that you take antiviral
  medication before the treatment.

Post-care is just as important as pre-care! After getting an IPL treatment, you should...

• Sun Protection:
  • Avoid direct sunlight for at least 2 week and use a

broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on

cloudy days.

• Gentle Cleansing:
  • Cleanse the treated area with a gentle cleanser and cold

or room temperature water (not hot) then pat dry.

• Moisturizing:
  • Apply a gentle moisturizer twice a day to keep the skin hydrated and keep it occluded. In some cases apply Vaseline or Aquafore 
• Cold Compresses:
  • Apply a cold compress to the treated area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
    
• Avoid Harsh Products:
  • Refrain from using harsh skincare products like exfoliants, retinoids, or hydroquinone for at 2 weeks
    
• No Picking:
  • Do not pick or scratch on your scabs or blisters or darkened spots, or areas of flaking skin.
    
• Avoid Heat:
  • Avoid internal or external raising of your body temperature and any exposure to heat like hot showers or steam, baths, saunas, and strenuous exercise until 2 weeks after the treatment. No prolonged exposure to the sun
    
• Monitor for Problems:
  • See your provider if you experience severe discomfort or
    blistering.
    
• Makeup:
  • Makeup can be used immediately unless it is too sensitive.
    
• Follow-Up: follow up is very important as it may take few treatments to see the best results. Consider a facial with microdermabrasion only after the
  analysis.

Your IPL treatment will take about 30-45 minutes. You may feel some discomfort and heat during the procedure. For this procedure, your skin may be red or sensitive for a few days and might scab and blister after your appointment. Some more common side effects are blisters, bruising, crusting, brown spots, redness, swelling, sunspots, and blemishes. Use a daily moisturizer of at least SPF 30 to prevent further irritation, sensitivity, and even burns caused by UVA and UVB rays. Our spa can provide you with a high-quality moisturizer if you do not have one. 

These symptoms create no reason for concern. For the IPL Photofacial, some may find the healing process takes time and some may heal faster, with side effects lasting a few days. 

Most clients experience some, but seldom all, of these

after-effects. Discomfort is generally experienced.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment can have side effects,

including redness, swelling, discomfort, and changes in skin

color. More serious, though less common, side effects may

include burning, blistering, and scarring.

Common Side Effects:

• Redness and Swelling:
  • Redness, swelling, and a mild, sunburn-like sensation are common.
• Severity of Discomfort may vary:
  • A stinging or burning sensation, similar to a sunburn, may be felt during and immediately after treatment.
• Skin Color Changes:
  • darkening or lightening of the skin, especially in areas treated for hyperpigmentation or redness, may occur.
• Light Sensitivity:
  • Photophobia, or increased sensitivity to light, may be experienced, necessitating the use of sunglasses.
• Bruising:
  • bruising can occur, particularly in areas with more fragile blood vessels, and usually dissipates within a few weeks. 
• Peeling or Flaking:
  • Pigmented areas may appear darker and then flake off after
    a few days. 

Less Common, but Potentially Serious Side Effects:

• Burning:
  • Burns can occur, especially if the treated area is sensitive, also if after care is not followed properly.
• Blistering:
  • In some cases, especially with sensitive skin types or high intensity settings, or when heat is dissapating from the surface, blistering can occur.
• Scarring:
  • Scarring (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) can occur, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or prone to keloid formation. 
    
• Infection:
  • Although rare, infections can occur if the treated area is not properly cared for after treatment.

Factors Influencing Side Effects:

• Skin Tone:
  • Individuals with darker skin tones may have a higher risk of pigmentation changes and other side effects.
• Skin Condition:
  • Conditions like rosacea, eczema, or a history of keloid formation can increase the risk of certain side effects.
• Medications:
  • Certain medications, particularly those that increase light sensitivity, can increase the risk of adverse reactions.