A little preparation makes your treatment safer and more effective. Please review these steps before your appointment — and call us with any questions.
Before your treatment
Please follow these steps.
An accurate diagnosis by the doctor is necessary prior to IPL treatment.
Clean the treatment area before your visit. It should be free of makeup, creams, perfumes and lotions. Male patients should shave just prior to treatment — pigment in the beard can increase discomfort.
Discontinue sun tanning, tanning beds, and any sunless tanning products one month before treatment.
Always use SPF 30 or greater sunblock on all exposed treatment areas. Wear sun-protective hats and clothing.
Discontinue exfoliating creams 1 week prior to the entire treatment series.
Cosmetic treatments: no Botox within 2 weeks of treatment, or filler within 4 weeks.
If you have a history of herpes outbreaks in the areas being treated, a prescribed medication such as Valtrex is recommended for one week prior to help prevent an outbreak.
Recommended products
What we suggest having on hand.
A mild facial cleanser — Myze manuka foam cleanser.
A high-quality sunblock, SPF 30 (zinc and/or titanium dioxide over 10%), avoiding oxybenzone.
A non-toxic facial moisturizer.
For discomfort, a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If an open area occurs or the treatment area is inadvertently picked, an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin can be applied.
