IPL Pre and Post-Care Instructions

Important General Post Care

Apply a sunscreen with SPF30 or greater daily to sun exposed skin, re-applying as directed by product instructions.

Until redness has completely resolved avoid all of the following:

  • Applying cosmetic products and active skincare to the treated area

  • Swimming, especially in water with chemicals / chlorine

  • Using hot tubs or Jacuzzis

  • Activities that cause excessive persperation

  • Sun exposure to the treated areas

  • Picking, scratching or removing any scabs or flaking as this will cause unwanted side effects

IPL Pre-Treatment Recommendations - Hair Reduction

  • Do not wax, pluck, use depilatory creams or undertake electrolysys for four weeks prior to treatments or in-between treatments. In order for IPL to successfully reduce hair your follicles must be active.

  • Do not use any prescription strength exfoliant creams (including Retin-A and Alpha Hydroxy) for two weeks prior to treatment

  • Do not shave for up to 2 weeks prior to your first treatment. Please shave the night before any subsequent treatments.

  • Avoid tanning, including self-tan, spray tan, tanning beds and booths, and unprotected sun exposure for four weeks prior to and in-between treatments.

  • A sunscreen with SPF30 or greater should be used on any area of sun-exposed skin that you plan to treat.

IPL Post-Treatment Care Instructions - Hair Reduction

  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is anticipated. This usually resolves within 2 to 3 hours of treatment but may persist for up to 2 days. Application of chilled aloe-vera gel, Medi-Soothe or an ice pack every hour for 5 to 10 minutes can be used to soothe the treated area. Continue until any discomfort or symptoms subside.

  • Avoid sun exposure to treated areas. Apply a sunscreen with SPF30 or greater daily to sun-exposed treated areas between treatments and for 4 to 6 weeks after your last treatment.

  • Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature sensitive. Avoid use of strongly scented lotions or soaps, prescription strength exfoliants, loofah sponges, and aggressive scrubbing to treated areas during the healing phase.

  • Allow any blistered or open areas to heal naturally. If healing is delayed a thin coating of antibiotic ointment may be advised. Do not pick at or scratch these areas as this can result in infection or scarring. Crusting will resolve in 3 - 14 days and should be left to heal naturally. Application of antibiotic ointment is not recommended for crusting.

  • Appearance of stubble may appear in 1 to 4 weeks - this is not hair-regrowth, rather it is the remnant of treated hairs being expelled from the PL-damaged follicle. Allow this hair to fall out of the skin on its own or by gently washing with a warm wet washcloth. Do not pluck or tweeze, however you may gently shave.

  • Best results are obtained on clients who have a follow up treatment immediately after hair starts to re-grow. Your therapist will advise you when you should schedule your next appointment - it is important to adhere to this schedule as best as possible.

Pigmented Lesions Post-Treatment Care Instructions

  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected which usually lasts for 2 to 24 hours, but can persist for up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this which usually resolves in 2 to 3 days. In some cases prolonged redness or blistering may occur.

  • The lesion may initially look raised and/or dark with a reddened perimeter. Apply a cool compress to the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours as needed to reduce any discomfort or sensation of heat.

  • The lesion will gradually turn darker over the next 24 to 48 hours, it may turn dark brown or even black.

  • The lesion will progress to scabs / crusting and start flaking off in 2 to 3 days. Do not pick at or scratch these otherwise scarring can occur.

  • The lesion is usually fully healed in 7 - 10 days and will continue to fade over the next 2 - 4 weeks.

  • Direct sunlight to the treated area should be avoided and daily application of an SPF30 or greater sunscreen is recommended to prevent the development of new lesions.

  • There is a possibility of hair loss in the area of treatment when being treated for pigmented lesions.

Vascular Lesions Post-Treatment Care Instructions

  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected which usually lasts for 2 to 24 hours, but can persist for up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this which usually resolves in 2 to 3 days.

  • Apply a cool compress to the treatment area for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours as needed to reduce any discomfort or sensation of heat.

  • The treated area can be gently cleansed and topical bactericidal ointment can be applied if required.

  • The vessels undergo immediate greying or blanching. In some cases only a slight purple-ish change is observable. Vessels either fully or partially resolve in approximately 10 to 14 days and areas of diffuse redness / flusing gradually fade returning the skin to its normal appearance.