Most generally healthy people may have IPL. However, anyone with active wounds, skin lesions, or cold sores, impaired immune system, or recently taking Accutane need further evaluation or delay. And of course, no pregnant or lactating women. Additionally, IPL is only for skin types I-IV.

During the procedure, people may feel a pinching sensation. Some individuals have described this as a feeling similar to an elastic band being “snapped” on the skin. The sensation is moderate and very tolerable without any anesthetic.

Depending on the indication for treatment, it is generally recommended that patients receive, on average, 2-3 treatments scheduled four weeks apart for best IPL results. But you will notice a difference after 1 treatment.

Skin Rejuvenation: You may notice that your skin immediately looks brighter and fresher. These results will only continue to improve as collagen production increases and skin cells repair themselves. The results of IPL treatment for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction aren’t immediate. It takes a number of months for new collagen to form, strengthening and tightening the skin so that it appears smoother, firmer and more youthful. Optimal results can usually be seen between 2 to 3 months following treatment.

Pigment: It will take 4 to 6 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 2 to 3 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 are not seen right away. If symptoms accompanied the spider veins, they are usually relieved immediately after treatment.

IPL treatment results can normally last for around 6-12 months, but with proper maintenance treatments and skin care, you can make your results last much longer.

Healing after an IPL treatment varies with the patient, although in most cases it takes less than a week and as little as hours to days. You can apply makeup immediately after an IPL treatment if desired.

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.

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

Many studies have endorsed the use of IPL for facial skin rejuvenation and treating acne, visible vessels, and skin discoloration. Light therapy can get rid of 50%-75% of broken blood vessels for most people and they could completely go away. If rosacea causes your face to flush, IPL has been shown as a good alternative to laser therapy. Studies show a decrease of up to 70% of the brown spots and redness caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Please contact us for detailed information on the scientific research.

-It is imperative that you 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 doctor if you are taking blood thinners or regularly take aspirin or ibuprofen

-Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment

-Inform the doctor if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) in the past year

-If possible, arrive without creams or make-up on the treatment area. Otherwise please arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment in order to clean the skin

-Avoid activities which may cause flushing of the skin for 2 days after treatment, such as heavy exertion, alcohol, very hot showers, hot tubs, etc.

-Use mild cleansers and moisturizers

-Avoid NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.

-Avoid harsh topical products such as retinols and glycolic acid products for one week after

-Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater for 4 -6 weeks after your treatment

-Anticipate wanting to take some social downtime immediately following your treatment