Lumenis Stellar M22 IPL Pre & Post Care Instructions

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT:

Discontinue use of Accutane 6 months prior to your IPL treatment.
3-4 weeks before your treatment, avoid sun exposure and self-tanners.
2 weeks prior to your treatment, avoid other aesthetic treatments including chemical peels, laser hair removal, laser resurfacing, and/or Botox/Filler.
1 week prior to your treatment, avoid AHA/BHA’s such as glycolic or salicylic acid, Retinol® or any exfoliants.
Please let us know if you are prone to developing cold sores since IPL can cause an outbreak. You can pretreat with Valtrex or antiviral medication.
Anticipate a “social downtime” of 2-5 days post-treatment to allow full healing of the skin.

POST-CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

Be gentle to the treated area. Do not scratch or pick at your skin as this can lead to scarring.
Freckles and sunspots on the face may turn slightly darker (pigment granules) initially and then flake off within 7-10 days, 14-21 days for other body areas. This is a desired and normal reaction.
The skin may appear red, swollen, and have a mild sunburn sensation. This is a normal reaction. It can last from a few hours to a few days after the treatment. Applying an ice pack off and on for the first 24 hours will help minimize swelling. NOTE: Never apply ice directly to the skin – always apply through a cloth.
To minimize post-procedure swelling, avoid alcohol, lying down, and salt intake directly after the treatment. It is recommended to keep your head slightly elevated for the first night by using an extra pillow to reduce swelling.
For a minimum of 48 hours, avoid activities that cause flushing or excessive perspiration, including exercise, hot temperatures, consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, saunas, etc.
A cold compress can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment.
Hydrocortisone cream can also be applied to provide comfort if the treated area becomes itchy.
Vitamin E or aloe vera applied topically to the treatment area may provide a soothing effect. Post-treatment discomfort is typically minimal but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil may be used.
There may be redness and slight swelling around the treated vessels. Often, they appear lighter in appearance and are less defined.
Makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment, as long as skin integrity has not been compromised.
In the unusual case of crusting of the skin in the treated area, apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day to the affected areas. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.
If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply an antibiotic ointment and contact our office immediately.
Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight.
Strictly avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 7-14 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered and use a sun block with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and reapply every 2 hours. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post-treatment.
If in the middle of a series of IPL Photofacial treatments, sun exposure should be avoided between treatments and a sunblock should be used on a daily basis.
Until the “pigment granules” have completely subsided, avoid the following: Use of scented lotions or soaps, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha-hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofa sponges, shaving, and aggressive scrubbing. Avoid excessively hot or cold water; okay to wash with tepid water. Swimming pools and spas containing multiple chemicals and/or chlorine should also be avoided.
Subsequent treatments are based upon your Medical Professional’s recommendation and are typically 4 weeks apart.

If you have any questions, contact us at:
Seattle Aesthetics
Phone: 206-735-7588
Email: [email protected]

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